Meet Don Bryant - President of the Board 2010/2011

12 Jul 2010

Don Bryant received his BA('73) and LLB ('76) from the University of Western Ontario and since being called to the Bar in 1978, has spent his 31-year career serving London and its business community. He has long been committed to the City both in his personal and professional life.

As a corporate commercial lawyer, and a partner with the firm of McKenzie Lake Lawyers LLP, Don is a member of the Chamber board and has played an active role on numerous committees and task forces of the Chamber and effective July 1st of this year assumed the title of President of the Board.

In addition, he has supported other local community organizations and is past president of both Family Service Thames Valley and the Chelsea Green Home Society. He is also a member of the Canadian Bar Association, the Ontario Bar Association and the Middlesex Law Association.

Don is an accomplished woodworker and although he admits to possessing enough skill to construct a piano, his playing abilities remain to be seen (or heard!). In addition to spending time in his workshop, Don also enjoys playing golf and is a wine appreciation enthusiast.

He is married to wife Cheri and together they have three children Amy, Heidi, and Erin

Recently, he spoke with the Voice of Business to talk about his up-coming term as the Chamber's Board leader, what some of his personal goals are and how he plans to engage the membership and the community.

Q: Don, many members and even those on your own Board will be asking in the days ahead, "What kind of president will he be?" By that it's safe to say that what they mean is what kind of style will you use to move the organization ahead and what particular strengths will you use to ensure that the "Voice of Business" remains strong and relevant?

A: I have always been well served by having the ability to listen first, then formulate my thoughts and then after considering the various viewpoints, offer respectful solutions to issues that I think most people can live with. I have also been accused of having a bit of a dry wit and so I suspect I will be using a little humour as well to keep things light and moving along. As for the Board, I like to encourage discussion and draw upon the tremendous talent we have on the Board.

Q: Obviously with your career in Law and with everyone these days demanding more and more transparency and accountability, you'll have an opportunity to assist the Chamber to improve various aspects of its operation. Do you have any sense where you can best contribute?

A: First let me say that insofar as operations are concerned, that's entirely within the domain of our CEO. However, issues such as Board Governance, By-Laws, Strategic Planning and Finance are among the direct responsibilities of the Board. One of my goals will be to ensure that we have a Governance model that is not only current and relevant but one that will be considered the gold standard for Chambers around the country. We have already begun a process of renovating our current governance materials and will be presenting them to the Directors at their August orientation. This will not only provide better protection for our directors and management, it also creates an atmosphere of excellence that attracts better volunteers in the long run and those who know what's expected of them and what they can expect from us.

Q: Your bio indicates you have been practicing in London for 31 years. What is there about this community and its business culture that keeps you here?

A: I guess it's all about the balance one achieves in life and in London I find that balance far more attainable than many of my colleagues do in larger centres. As for the business culture, that's easy. I am simply fascinated by the entrepreneurial spirit in this community and the sense of both independence and innovation that we must demonstrate as a single tier community detached from the GTA. I don't think you could find a better community in Canada to do business in and I am privileged to be a part of it. I have been very fortunate with the clients I have come to serve in this community and to a great extent they epitomize that entrepreneurial spirit, independence and innovation.

Q: As a known consensus builder, how will your style allow you to advocate on behalf of business while at the same time maintaining a respectful relationship with the City?

A: I think in local politics it's more about patience and consistency than chest thumping and threats. The Chamber's mantra has always been that we will work with the government of the day regardless of party or individuals and if we are going to maintain that, it must be done on a respectful level.

Let's start with the knowledge that not everything the Chamber advocates for or against means that the City does a bad job. Quite the contrary -- in many cases they do a terrific job and we try to acknowledge it. But when we have to, when they don't appear to be listening or responding to our concerns, rest assured we can be an effective advocate for the interests of business.

Q: Do you plan to play a personal role in the Chamber's liaison with the City.

A: Yes I do. And quite apart from the pre-established meetings with the Mayor and periodic consulting with City staff on a variety of Chamber issues, I have already volunteered to represent the Chamber on the City Council Compensation Review Task Force. I believe that the issue is of such importance that by the President of the Chamber Board volunteering, we send the strongest signal possible to the City. And while some editorialize that a Council pay raise is automatic, I for one will champion the cause of a fair and thorough review of the issue before any decisions are made on compensation for the Mayor or Councilors. I believe that this is the fundamental reason why the Task Force was assembled in the first place. Our work should be based on best practices not conjecture.

Q: I'm going to ask you to wind the clock forward by 13 months. What would you like to have written about you and your term in office assuming all reasonable objectives were met?

A: Our Chamber board represents an outstanding collection of very talented and successful people all of whom got where they are in life because they had a plan. My hope is that they will say of me - "He had a plan and we followed it." If we successfully follow our strategic plan objectives, our communications plan, our financial budgeting plan, our committee business plans, and our policy resolution targets - not only will I be satisfied - the entire organization will have been well served.

Q: Any final thoughts?

A: This job is never easy and there is no way anyone does it alone. If, as a member, you can help to achieve these plans I encourage you to get involved. If you are reading this and you are not yet a member of the Chamber, I sure could use your help by joining first and then we'll put you to work. The fact is the Chamber's volunteers have my complete admiration for their dedication and enthusiasm. They are the heart and soul of this organization, aided by an equally dedicated and enthusiastic administrative staff. You would be surprised how rewarding becoming a Chamber volunteer can be. I have been.

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