Celebrating the Contributions of Departing Board Members

As CENGN launches its new Living Lab Initiative, the team recognizes two exceptional board members who completed their tenures after seven years of outstanding service. Rafik Goubran and Tom Bursey were instrumental in guiding CENGN through pivotal moments, from the final days of NGNP through the challenges of COVID-19, to securing essential funding and launching our living lab initiative. Their combined expertise, unwavering advocacy, and strategic leadership have shaped the governance, mission, and success of CENGN in profound and lasting ways.

To this, CENGN thanks Rafik Goubran and Tom Bursey for their service, expertise, time, and everlasting contributions.

Rafik Goubran

After seven years of exceptional service, we bid farewell to board member Rafik Goubran as he completes his tenure with CENGN. Rafik’s contributions have been instrumental in guiding CENGN through pivotal moments and toward continued growth.

As a member of our Executive Committee, Rafik provided invaluable guidance during critical periods—from the final days of NGNP, through the challenges of COVID-19, to securing essential funding and launching our living lab initiatives. His deep understanding of industry and government trends in CENGN’s key sectors brought a unique and knowledgeable perspective to CENGN’s strategic decisions.

Rafik’s distinguished background as Vice-President (Research & International) and Chancellor’s Professor at Carleton University enriched our board discussions with academic rigour and extensive industry connections. His expertise helped shape CENGN’s major initiatives, while his unwavering advocacy for CENGN’s mission and commitment to growth has been a cornerstone of our success.

Throughout his tenure, Rafik’s insights have consistently helped CENGN navigate complex challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities. The CENGN team is deeply grateful for his dedication, wisdom, and the lasting impact he has made on the organization.

Thank you, Rafik, for seven years of outstanding leadership and support. The team wishes you continued success in all your future endeavours.

Tom Bursey

Additionally, after seven years of fantastic service, CENGN bids farewell to board member Tom Bursey as he completes his tenure. Tom’s contributions have been transformative in establishing the governance foundation that continues to guide CENGN today.

As Past Chair of the Governance and Nomination Committee and member of the Audit & Finance Committee, Tom played a pivotal role in strengthening CENGN’s governance framework and policies from the moment he joined our board. He created much of the governance structure that the organization uses today and significantly contributed to the leadership the board provided through recent years of growth and change.

Tom brought remarkable expertise to CENGN as CFO & Vice President of the Council of Canadian Academies. His extensive governance credentials, including Fellow Chartered Professional Accountant (FCPA), Institute-Certified Director (ICD.D), Chartered Director (C.Dir.), and specialized certifications such as Audit Committee Certified (ACC) and Human Resources and Compensation Committee Certified (HRCC), provided invaluable guidance for the organization’s development. His unwavering advocacy for CENGN’s mission and commitment to growth has been instrumental in shaping the success of the newly launched living lab program.

Tom’s leadership extended beyond governance structures to fostering a culture of accountability and excellence that will continue to benefit CENGN for years to come.

Thank you, Tom, for seven years of outstanding leadership and for building the governance foundation that supports our continued growth. The CENGN team wishes you continued success.

About the Author

Being the Content Marketing Lead at CENGN, Richard researches and shares information on emerging technologies such as 5G, IoT, and Artificial Intelligence.

Through his experience in writing and support for technological growth, he’s always interested in sharing how new technologies are shaping the lives of fellow Canadians.

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