From: Melanie A. Woodin, President
Date: October 9, 2025
Re: Appointment of Bryn MacPherson as Chair of the University Bicentennial, Senior Advisor to the President & Chief of Protocol
In just over a year, the University of Toronto will reach the 200th anniversary of its founding. This historic milestone provides us with an extraordinary opportunity to reflect on our past, celebrate our greatest achievements, and chart a bold and inclusive path for our next century of impact.
Given the tremendous importance of this work, I have made it a key institutional priority of my first term as President. In support of this goal, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Bryn MacPherson as Chair of the University Bicentennial, effective October 20, 2025.
Bryn will work across the University to shape a Bicentennial vision and program that exemplifies U of T’s values and purpose. Bryn brings an exceptional combination of institutional knowledge, strategic acumen and diplomatic skill to all that she does. With support from a dedicated Bicentennial Secretariat, she will oversee committees drawn from across the University community and guide them forward with her deep institutional insight and clear commitment to collaboration and engagement.
I also look forward to being involved personally and working alongside Bryn to ensure we harness the energy, ideas and dynamism of our students, faculty, librarians, staff, alumni, partners, and friends. By considering everything from signature events and academic initiatives to student engagement opportunities, capital projects, legacy planning, and more, I am confident that we will lay a strong foundation for our continued impact and relevance well into the future.
Concurrently, Bryn will be appointed Senior Advisor to the President while remaining the University’s Chief of Protocol. She will continue to provide high-level, strategic counsel directly to the President and the President’s Executive Leadership Team. Consistent with current practice, she will be a key advisor on institutional issues and opportunities, leveraging her deep experience leading and implementing complex, institutional projects, including the development and leadership of the University’s Issues Management process.
As Chief of Protocol, Bryn will continue to lead strategic institutional programming for interactions with Heads of State, Heads of Government and VIP visitors to the University. With over three decades of executive leadership experience, Bryn has served as chief of staff to three U of T Presidents and in prior roles as chief of staff to three Lieutenant Governors of Ontario—allowing her to uniquely bridge the worlds of academia, public service and ceremonial diplomacy.
Please join me in congratulating Bryn on this important appointment. I look forward to working closely with her—and with all of you— as we approach this defining moment in the University’s history to celebrate our past and boldly define our future.