SFU alumnus Barry Macdonald is being recognized with the 2018 SFU Chancellor's Distinguished Service Award, for nearly 25 years of contributing his time and financial and leadership acumen to help the university achieve its vision. He will receive the award on Oct. 4.
A Fellow Chartered Professional Accountant and recently retired partner of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP in Vancouver, Macdonald has supported the SFU Board of Governors, the SFU Foundation, SFU UniverCity Community Trust (chair of the board), SFU Campaign Cabinet, and the Beedie School of Business (chair of the board).
He is also a generous philanthropist, establishing an endowment fund for the Beedie school and supporting future generations of SFU students through a generous planned gift.
"It is a delight to see Barry MacDonald recognized with a Distinguished Service Award," says SFU Chancellor Anne Giardini. "Barry has the gift of deep, authentic, purposeful engagement. His wisdom and commitment to students are evident in everything he does."
Macdonald's career at PwC spanned 34 years, including seven years as the only North American partner at the firm's Hong Kong office. A tax partner, his expertise was in transfer pricing and cross-border tax planning. He held various executive leadership roles at PwC, such as leading large client relationships, human resources, and university recruitment.
Active in the accounting community, Macdonald is currently chair of the Chartered Professional Accountants of B.C. In 2005, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of BC awarded him with fellowship distinction in recognition of his outstanding career leadership and contributions to the community.
Macdonald is a director and strategic advisor of many corporate boards, including TMF (a global business services provider), EasyPark, Truvera Trust and Mortgage Corporation, and Frontfundr. His passion for community service is demonstrated through his service to SFU as well as by chairing the Hong Kong Canada Business Association and the Arts Umbrella Foundation.
