Chris Mercer (BA) is the chief of staff at Laurentian University. He reports to the president and is a key member of the executive team. He is described as having one of the best strategic minds around the table. Chris is one of the people responsible for creating a national "buzz" about Laurentian.

Q: What motivates you?
A: The chance to make a positive difference. We can all make a difference in the lives of others from a simple smile or a greeting, to working on economic development in a Third World country helping to create new opportunities for others.

Q: If you could meet anyone in the world who would it be?
A: Nelson Mandela is a bridge-builder in a world that needs more of them.

Q: What do you enjoy about living in Northern Ontario?
A: I've had the opportunity to live in quite a few places, and I have never experienced a city more welcoming than Greater Sudbury, and a more exciting workplace than Laurentian University.

Q: What did you want to be when you grew up?
A: Perhaps the better question would be: what DO I want to be when I grow up? When I was young, I wanted to be a NHL hockey player. I have been very fortunate to have had several terrific opportunities up to this point in my life in other lines of work.

Q: What makes you happy?
A: Laughing with family and friends, being part of a team, travelling to new places, a great dinner and a glass of wine, the ocean, a new challenge, helping someone who needs a hand, a good story, a run first thing in the morning. I could go on but I think you get the point, life is good!