TORONTO, 2023 – At its annual retreat this past June, the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC) Board of Governors kicked off plans for the search for the next CMCC President. Following an illustrious tenure of 10 years beginning July 1, 2014, Dr. David Wickes will retire and conclude his term as planned on June 30, 2024.
During his tenure, President Wickes spearheaded numerous strategic initiatives that advanced CMCC’s academic excellence, expanded research opportunities, fostered the implementation of innovative educational technology, and solidified strong community partnerships. Under his guidance, CMCC retired its long-term debt and significantly strengthened its financial health, maintained high enrolments of very qualified students, and achieved several remarkable milestones, positioning it as a renowned educational institution nationally and internationally.
In 2022, CMCC’s DC degree program became the first in the world to achieve accreditation by two separate Councils on Chiropractic Education (US and Canada). Just recently, the Ministry of Colleges and Universities in Ontario renewed the Minister’s consent for CMCC’s DC degree-granting authority. His exceptional leadership during the challenging times posed by the pandemic demonstrated his determination and adaptability, enabling CMCC to navigate uncertainty and emerge even stronger, reinforcing its position as a resilient and forward-thinking institution.
The retirement of President Wickes will mark the beginning of a new chapter in CMCC's history. As CMCC embarks on this exciting search process, it remains committed to maintaining its position as a preeminent institution of higher education, dedicated to academic excellence, innovation, research, patient care, and community engagement. Following his retirement in 2024, President Wickes will continue serving CMCC for an additional year as a consultant to ensure a seamless transition and provide valuable assistance in achieving the remaining goals in CMCC’s 2022-25 Strategic Plan.
To conduct the extensive national and international search for a successor, the Board of Governors has engaged the esteemed executive search firm, Feldman Daxon Partners whose proven track record of success demonstrates the values that best align with CMCC’s core values. In accordance with the CMCC Succession Planning and Line of Authority Policy, the Board will also appoint a search committee including Board members, administrators, faculty, staff, students, and other persons.
“As Chair of the Board of Governors, I thank and commend Dave for his exceptional vision and relentless energy, which have elevated our institution to unprecedented levels of excellence and distinction. He and his leadership team made our institution stronger than ever, earning the respect and admiration of the chiropractic profession and the higher education community," stated Board of Governors Chair, Dr. Greg Woolfrey.
The CMCC President represents CMCC externally and develops and nurtures relationships with alumni, friends, donors, government, and educational partners at the local, provincial, national, and international levels, intending to attract support and create partnerships that advance and align with the institution’s mission and vision.
To express interest in this exciting opportunity, email cover letter and CV to: Patrick Rowan, Partner, Feldman Daxon Partners, 45 St. Clair Avenue West, Suite 700, Toronto, ON M4V 1K9, Tel: 416 515 3302 | Email: prowan@feldmandaxon.com
This web page contains information about the presidential search, the members of the institution and the community involved and will be updated as the search progresses.
