Shannon School of Business Advisory Board Welcomes New Leadership to Guide the Future of Business Education

Cape Breton University has announced a new chapter of strategic guidance for the Shannon School of Business Advisory Board, highlighted by the appointment of long-standing board member Stacey MacNeil as the incoming Board Chair. MacNeil succeeds immediate past Chair Lou Maroun, who has provided foundational leadership to the board since 2020. Alongside this transition, the board is also expanding its profile of global corporate expertise with the addition of Michael Warren as its newest member.

“As a collective of accomplished commercial and community leaders, the Advisory Board ensures the Shannon School of Business remains directly connected to regional, national, and global market trends,” says CBU President and Vice-Chancellor David Dingwall. “This leadership transition reinforces a long-standing commitment to bringing external industry perspectives directly into the university environment to champion student success and institutional growth.”

Stacey MacNeil is a strategic communications leader with extensive experience building global brands and managing through change. MacNeil brings broad corporate experience to the position, previously serving as Chief Communications Officer and Group Vice President ESG at Lam Research. Stacey has also served as Chief Communications Officer at Collins Aerospace. There she led the communications strategy for the $32B acquisition of Rockwell Collins launching a new communications organization, an award-winning company brand driving cultural integration across the newly combined company. She has also held executive leadership positions at UTC Aerospace Systems and Hewlett-Packard Co. and began her career in Canada’s telecommunications industry. MacNeil holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Saint Mary’s University.

“As Chair of the Advisory Board, I look forward to working with fellow Board members and the Dean to ensure the Board continues to provide meaningful external perspective and strategic advice in support of the Shannon School of Business,” says MacNeil. “Building on the strong foundation established over the past two decades, our focus will be in helping the school navigate opportunities and challenges facing business education, while remaining responsive to the needs of students, employers, alumni and the broader business community.”

New board member Michael Warren joins the Advisory Board bringing a distinguished background in international strategy, finance and public service. Currently the Executive Chairman of MCCM, Mr. Warren previously served as Managing Director of Albright Stonebridge Group (Dentons Global Advisors) and held senior advisory roles in both the Clinton and Obama White House administrations. A former Rhodes Scholar, he holds degrees from Yale University and the University of Oxford, and currently serves as a Trustee of Yale University.

Outgoing Chair Lou Maroun, a Sydney native and a 2020 Cape Breton University Honorary Doctor of Laws recipient, concludes a highly impactful tenure as Chair that began in 2020 when he stepped into the role succeeding Joe Shannon. Maroun’s decorated career in global real estate, capital markets and renewable energy, including leadership roles with Sigma Capital Corporation and Brookfield Renewable Partners, provided invaluable institutional guidance during a period of significant growth. The Shannon School of Business community extends its deepest gratitude to Maroun for his years of dedicated service, visionary mentorship and steady leadership.

“Our Advisory Board is a collection of exceptionally talented business leaders and their expertise brings a distinct advantage to the School,” says Dr. John Nadeau, Dean of the Shannon School of Business. “We are incredibly grateful to Lou for his years of dedication, and we are thrilled to welcome Stacey as our new Chair alongside Michael Warren as our newest board member. Their insights will be critical as we continue to innovate our programs and align our educational delivery with the evolving needs of employers and the modern workforce.”