May 9, 2014 — The Board of Governors of the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC) is pleased to announce the appointment of David J. Wickes, DC, as its next president, succeeding Jean A. Moss, DC, who is stepping down from the role on June 30 after 24 years as President.
“The selection of Dr. Wickes as CMCC’s next president ensures the continuity of its success through the appointment of a committed leader who is deeply invested in the growth and vitality of CMCC and its responsibility to the profession in Canada,” CMCC Board of Governors Chair Mark Labrecque, DC, said. “The Board owes a huge debt of gratitude to Dr. Moss whose leadership has been instrumental in bringing CMCC to the high level of performance and international recognition it has received.”
Wickes comes to this leadership role from his previous position as Dean of the College of Chiropractic at the University of Bridgeport.
“I am excited to be joining such a well respected and prestigious institution and will strive to work closely with Dr. Moss, the Board of Governors, students, staff, faculty, alumni, provincial associations, donors and stakeholders to ensure that the strong relationships that CMCC has fostered are preserved and enhanced,” Wickes said. “I look forward to the opportunity to continue to build on the strong foundation already established by Dr. Moss and am completely committed to the mission and vision of CMCC and eager to carry it forward.”
CMCC began its search for a new president in September 2013 after Moss announced plans to step down at the end of the school year. An international search commenced with the assistance of executive search firm Feldman, Daxon Partners Inc. The presidential search committee, consisting of members of the CMCC Board of Governors, representatives from key stakeholders including faculty, staff, students and alumni narrowed down a highly qualified, international pool of candidates and made a recommendation to the CMCC Board of Governors who accepted the recommendation.
“I can’t thank the search committee enough for their hard work and for such a transparent and inclusive process undertaken to choose the next leader of CMCC,” said Kelli Blunt, DC, who chaired the presidential search committee. “The voices and opinions of students, staff, faculty, alumni and key stakeholders all played a vital role in this recommendation.”
Moss added her endorsement to the Board’s choice.
“My decision to step down after 24 years of service as president was made in close consultation with the Board of Governors,” she said. “I hold CMCC very dear and all who have come through our doors are very special to me. I believe that Dr. Wickes has much to offer CMCC and I know that his skills, depth of experience and leadership will continue to build on the momentum and innovative programs developed during my time here. I will miss everyone at CMCC, but I know that I leave it in very good hands.”
In his previous position as Dean of the College of Chiropractic at the University of Bridgeport, Wickes was both chief administrative officer and chief academic officer, responsible for strategic planning, budget development, interaction with other colleges and associations as well as faculty and curriculum oversight. Prior to joining the University of Bridgeport, he served as executive vice president of two chiropractic institutions – the National University of Health Sciences in Illinois and the University of Western States in Oregon.
Wickes received his Doctor in Chiropractic in 1977 from the National College of Chiropractic and a Master of Arts in Education and Human Development from George Washington University in 2009. He has been active in the profession at the international level and was Chair of the Council on Chiropractic Education from 2009 to 2012.
His many accomplishments include the design and implementation of two master’s degree programs, the implementation of new organizational structures, development of articulation agreements with other institutions, implementation of distance learning, management of new building projects, curriculum development and the development of standardized patient programs.
Wickes will relocate to the Toronto area with his wife Debbie in June. He looks forward to getting to know Toronto and being a part of the future of CMCC.
