Alain-Michel Sékula Introduced as Chair of the Board of Directors

Alain-Michel Sékula assumes this role following a highly successful and decorated career in insurance and financial services, which includes an appointment as National Vice-President, Business Development with Desjardins Group – one of the largest cooperative financial institutions in the world. He has also successively held several executive positions with other prestigious companies such as Chubb Insurance, Lloyd’s of London, The Guarantee Company of North America, Century 21 International and the Ottawa-Carleton Economic Development Corporation.

Former Mercy Ships Canada Board Chair, John Treleaven, noted, “As a senior executive in the field of financial services and volunteer sector, Mr. Sékula has a wealth of experience and knowledge to offer the organization in regards to corporate and community governance, business development, strategic alliances, as well as public relations and revenue generation.”

Mr. Sékula expressed deep gratitude to the outgoing Chair Mr. John Treleaven. “John has provided Mercy Ships Canada with sound leadership for the organization during an unforeseen and particularly challenging season with the onset of COVD-19 and his many years of service on the Board.”

As a seasoned business traveller who has lived and worked in Canada, France and the United States, Mr. Sékula shares a global perspective that is in alignment with the strategic and operational goals of Mercy Ships Canada as an international organization working collaboratively with many diverse groups to bring hope and healing to the world’s forgotten poor.

Mr. Sékula plays an active role in his community, having served as past Chair of the Board of Directors of the Montfort Hospital in Ottawa. He was also Vice-President of the Board of Directors of the Office des telecommunications éducatives de langue française de l’Ontario (TFO). He also currently serves as Chair of the Réseau des services de santé en français de l’est de l’Ontario.

On September 2, 2015, Mr. Sékula was inducted as an Honorary Colonel of the Canadian Forces Health Services Centre Ottawa. He holds multiple degrees in Public Administration and Industrial Relations from the University of Ottawa. He also obtained an MBA from the university and received the designation CMC (Certified Management Consultant) from the Canadian Association of Management Consultants.