David Fox: Transformational Higher Education Leader

With a rich background in strategic planning, advice, and problem-solving in business, law, accounting, tax, finance, and education, David Fox is dedicated to transforming higher education institutions through innovative solutions and sustainable practices.

David Fox is a strategic education leader with 25+ years of expertise in higher education, business strategy, legal risk management, and financial sustainability. His work bridges the gap between academic innovation and real-world outcomes, creating data-driven strategies, institutional growth solutions, and workforce-aligned programs that elevate education.

Transforming Education Together

Expertise

• Academic Innovation & Program Development

• Strategic Partnerships & Industry Engagement

• Student Recruitment & Retention Strategies

• Financial & Risk Management in Higher Education

• Workforce-Aligned Education & Micro-Credentials

• Institutional Branding & Differentiation

• Crisis Leadership & Rapid Response Strategy



Leadership

triOS College / Sault College Partnership

2022–Present

Transformational Higher Education Leadership

• Rebuilt 30+ academic programs to better align with current labor market and industry demands.
• Created and launched a new Entrepreneurship Program, including 12 original courses and 12 skill-building workshops.
• Developed and implemented 25+ co-curricular programs focused on employability, leadership, and communication skills.
• Led the development and implementation of #triOSBusinessStrong, Canada’s first business brand for private career colleges.
• Built and expanded industry partnerships to improve pathways to post-graduate employment.
• Directed faculty and student success teams, improving performance among at-risk students by 30%.
• Introduced student retention strategies that led to a 40% increase in year-over-year retention.
  

30+

Transformed academic programs to align with evolving industry needs and student success.

Academic Programs Revamped

25+

New co-curricular programs designed to enhance skill development and career readiness.

Co-Curricular Development

40%

Increase in student retention through optimized academic support, early intervention, and faculty collaboration.

Student Retention & Success

EY Law LLP

2019–2021

Crisis Leadership & National Policy Impact

• Led Canada’s 1,000-person COVID Business Resiliency Hotline during the pandemic, supporting national businesses.
• Final authority for high-stakes legal and tax decisions related to emergency business support programs.
• Co-developed national-level policy recommendations and training resources to support staff and improve service delivery to government and private clients.
  

Managing Partner

BDO Law Canada LLP

2018–2019

Building Legal Infrastructure for National Expansion

• Managing Partner of BDO Law Canada, overseeing all legal operations, recruitment, and systems development.
• Designed and presented the national legal strategy to align with BDO’s international business objectives.
• Positioned the firm as a scalable and compliant legal partner for high-growth enterprises.
  

Partner

Cummings Cooper Schusheim Berliner LLP

2015–2018

Trusted Advisor for Executives, Investors & Corporations

• Specialized in tax structuring, succession planning, and complex corporate transactions.
• Negotiated and closed high-value deals and corporate reorganizations across multiple sectors.
• Acted as lead counsel on strategic investment planning and international tax matters.
  

Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP

2001–2015

Strategic Legal Counsel to Global Clients

• Provided corporate tax law, estate planning, and M&A advisory for top-tier clients.
• Developed international tax structuring & compliance strategies, positioning institutions for sustainable growth.
• Created the Fasken Tax & Estate Seminar Series, a leading industry knowledge-sharing initiative.

Key Projects & Impact

 Founder of The Business of Higher Ed Podcast

Education & Certifications

• M.Ed., Wilfrid Laurier University (2022)
• LL.B., Western University (2002)
• Certified Public Accountant (U.S.) (2000)

Professional Certifications:

• Data Analysis, Accounting, Taxation, Branding, Accessibility Compliance, Higher Education Leadership

Get in Touch with The Fox Education

Your Partner in Higher Education Success