MacEachen Institute for Public Policy and Governance

Governance

Director

Dr. Jerry Bannister

Jerry Bannister is the Director of the MacEachen Institute and an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. As Director, Dr. Bannister identifies key strategic research directions and priorities for the Institute, with oversight from the Governing Council.

Within Dalhousie University, Dr. Bannister has served in a number of roles, including Director of the Marine Affairs Program and Coordinator of the Canadian Studies Program. Outside Dalhousie University, he has served on national organizations, including the Canadian Humanities and Social Sciences Awards Committee, the Council of the Canadian Historical Association, and as Chair of the Editorial Board of the Canadian Historical Review.

Governing Council

The Governing Council approves the work of the Director. As a multi-disciplinary reasearch body, MacEachen Institute's Governing Council is comprised of the Deans in the Faculties of Arts and Social Sciences, Science, Health, Law and Management, as well as the Office of the Vice-President, Research and Innovation.

Sarah Harding
Dean, Schulich School of Law

Jennifer Andrews
Dean, Faculty of Arts and Sciences

Brenda Merritt
Dean, Faculty of Health

Charles MacDonald
Dean, Faculty of Science

Jennifer Bain
Associate Vice President, Research and Innovation

Mike Smit
Dean, Faculty of Management

2026 Research Representatives: Governing Council

Every calendar year, the MacEachen Institute appoints three research representatives to sit on the Governing Council as non-voting members. Two members are faculty appointed researchers and the third is a graduate student. Each member represents one of the Institute's governing faculties.

Dr. Anthony Rosborough
Faculty of Law

Dr. Ajay Parasram
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

Lauren Farley (MMM)
Faculty of Science

2026 External Advisory Council

Our External Advisory Council supports the MacEachen Institute by offering feedback on our strategic direction and facilitating our relations with stakeholders and communities outside Dalhousie University. Members are appointed to a three-year term and are drawn from the public, corporate, and not-for-profit sectors.