David J. Mitchell became President and CEO of the Public Policy Forum in January of 2009. The Forum is an independent non-governmental organization, dedicated to improving the quality of government in Canada through multisectoral dialogue and research on governance and public service.
Previously, Mr. Mitchell served as Vice-president at three Canadian universities: Queen's, the University of Ottawa and Simon Fraser University. Directing fundraising and external relations at each institution, he achieved notable successes in strategic positioning and fund development. At the University of Ottawa, for instance, he led an important branding initiative and completed a major fundraising campaign which exceeded its $200 million objective more than a year ahead of schedule.
David Mitchell's diverse career path has also included senior positions in both the public and private sectors. Serving as a Member of the British Columbia Legislature from 1991 to 1996, he was a watchdog on a broad range of issues including parliamentary reform, advanced education, resource management and labour relations. He had previously gained experience in parliamentary procedure and legislative processes as Deputy Clerk of the Saskatchewan Legislature.
Mr. Mitchell also has significant private sector business experience, having held executive positions within western Canadian resource industries, including vice-president of marketing and general manager of industrial relations.
David Mitchell holds a Master's degree in Canadian and American history from Simon Fraser University. An award-winning writer and former newspaper columnist, Mr. Mitchell contributes to several newspapers and magazines and serves as a frequent public affairs commentator on television and radio.
The father of two daughters, he is married to author and media critic, Shari Graydon. He is a board member of the Centre for the Study of Democracy at Queen's University and a Governor and Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society.
Click here for a print version of David Mitchell's biography.
Click here for a listing of David Mitchell's external engagements.
"President's Letter", February 07, 2013.
"President's Letter", September 18, 2012.
"Intoducing the 25th Anniversary Lecture Series", February 07, 2012.
"President's Letter", January 23, 2012.
"Energy's green progress goes genomic", Edmonton Journal, June 27, 2012.
"Executive ranks of the public service also on the chopping block", The Ottawa Citizen, May 15, 2012.
"Innovation report raises potential of traditional industries", May 03, 2012.
"The times they are a-changin' ", The Ottawa Citizen, March 31, 2012.
"Innovation should be a priority", the Montreal Gazette, March 29, 2012.
"Innovation push must start here", The Star-Phoenix, March 23, 2012.
"Old boys' club: one up, one down", Maclean's, February 20, 2012.
"Intoducing the 25th Anniversary Lecture Series", February 07, 2012.
"President's Letter", January 23, 2012.
"Saying goodbye to Milton Wong, a great British Columbian", Vancouver Sun, January 01, 2012.
"From the Deputy Shuffle to the Deputy Churn: Keeping the best and brightest in Ottawa", Policy Options, May 05, 2011.
"The Changing Nature of Leadership in Canada - (see page 4)", Rideau Club Gazette, April 12, 2011.
"In case of crisis ... There needn't be so much confusion about how government is formed - Canadians need a clear set of rules", The Ottawa Citizen, April 11, 2011.
"David Mitchell breaks down the pros and cons of majority and minority governments", Canada AM, April 05, 2011.
"Minority government the new normal?", Ottawa Citizen, April 01, 2011.
"David Mitchell and Ned Franks explore the questions surrounding the possibility of a coalition government ", Prime Time Politics, March 24, 2011.
"David Mitchell, John Gormley and Bruce Hicks discuss coalitions and minority governments", Prime Time Politics, March 24, 2011.
"Motion to civilize the House in limbo", The Ottawa Citizen, March 08, 2011.
"Show the love for Canada's Research Chairs: It's appreciation time.", University Affairs, March 07, 2011.
"David discusses taking Parliament on the Road", Prime Time Politics, February 17, 2011.
"The Changing Nature of Public Service Leadership", Orientation Dinner for Assistant Deputy Ministers, Canada's School of Public Service, April 20, 2010.
"Where have all the policy-makers gone?", The Globe and Mail, February 16, 2010.
"Ottawa too powerful? Actually, it's the Depression's Tory legacy", The Globe and Mail, March 24, 2009.
"Will Harper and Ignatieff form a memorable duet?", The Globe and Mail, February 15, 2009.
David in the Media
"Five top public servants to be honoured (RCI)", Radio Canada International, April 09, 2013.
"President's Letter", February 07, 2013.
