Brampton, ON – March 22, 2023 – Today, Toronto Metropolitan University (“TMU”) announced the appointment of Dan Mathieson as Special Advisor, Cybersecurity and Municipal Engagement, in the Office of TMU President Mohamed Lachemi. In this role, Mathieson will be working closely with TMU’s Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst (“the Catalyst”) as the Catalyst strengthens its support for Canadian municipalities and works to address their growing cybersecurity challenges.
Mathieson brings a wealth of experience to this newly created role, having served five terms as the Mayor of Stratford. During his tenure, Mathieson steered the City through a ransomware attack and, after leading Stratford through the crisis, became a well-known public authority on cyber risks for municipalities, speaking widely on the topic. Mathieson also served as chair of the Ontario Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC), and chair of the Stratford Police Services Board. His experience and networks will be invaluable as the Catalyst works with municipalities across Canada to develop and deliver the programs and resources they urgently need to protect themselves.
“Strong digital infrastructure is the backbone of Canadian economic stability and growth. We look forward to contributing our expertise towards its cyber resilience through Dan’s appointment and the Catalyst’s intensified focus on supporting municipalities,” said Mohamed Lachemi, TMU President and Vice-Chancellor.
“I know firsthand the challenges faced by communities – limited budgets and legacy systems on the one hand, responsibility for continuity of services and critical infrastructure on the other. I look forward to working with the Catalyst and directly with municipalities to create the critical programs and resources that communities need to strengthen their cyber resilience in the face of these challenges,” said Dan Mathieson.
“We will be working closely and intensively with municipalities across Ontario and Canada to develop and deliver the critical programming they need in this environment of heightened cyber threats. Dan’s appointment is crucial in advancing our efforts, and we are thrilled to have him join our team” said Trish Dyl, Director of Corporate Training & Cyber Range at the Catalyst.
About Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst
Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst is Toronto Metropolitan University’s national centre for training, innovation and collaboration in cybersecurity. Headquartered in Brampton, Ontario, the Catalyst empowers individuals and organizations to seize the opportunities and tackle the challenges of cybersecurity.
Through its ground-breaking training and certification programs; unique commercial accelerator for cybersecurity start-ups and scale-ups; first-of-its-kind cyber range; wide-ranging public education programs; and influential policy development platform, the Catalyst helps drive Canada’s global competitiveness in cybersecurity.
For Media Inquiries:
Jessica Leach
Toronto Metropolitan University
jleach@torontomu.ca
416-704-2166