Bio

A native of Antigonish, Nova Scotia and STFX alumnus, Leo MacPherson has been the Director of Athletics & Recreation at St. Francis Xavier University for the past 18 years. Prior to joining STFX, MacPherson had a successful 16 year business career with Bell Canada and Moore Corporation, bringing with him a proven track record of leadership in business and the volunteer sector. A former basketball player under legendary “Coach K”, U SPORTS all-time wins leader in men’s basketball. Leo graduated with a BBA degree from STFX and has an MBA from Lansbridge University.
 
Leo possesses a strong passion for his alma mater and is the guiding leader to coaches, staff and STFX student-athletes as they strive for excellence in athletics, academics, leadership and citizenship. Leo is the Past President of Canadian Interuniversity Sport (now U SPORTS), a position he held from 2011-2013. He served on the CIS Board of Directors for seven years and he was also President of Atlantic University Sport (AUS) from 2016-2018.
 
Leo takes a “be uncommon” approach to his profession and in 2012 he established the STFX Leadership Academy for student-athletes and serves as its Director.  The STFX Leadership Academy is the first and most comprehensive academy of its kind in Canada and helps STFX student-athletes graduate as the most confident and prepared student-athletes in the country.  The goal is for the student-athlete graduates to become Leaders & Champions for life.
 
Prior to his Athletic Director role at STFX, Leo served as chair of several events including STFX Alumni events such as the Father Kehoe Dinner & Auction in Halifax along with being the former chair of the Irving Oil Golden Ball Classic Tournament in Saint John, NB. In 2005, he was recognized as the inaugural recipient of the STFX Alumni Association’s Young Alumnus Award (Halifax chapter). Leo has served as keynote speaker at many events including the honour of being selected as the keynote speaker for the 2006 STFX X-Ring Ceremony.

Leo has left his mark in university sport in Canada and he was the driving force behind rebranding initiatives within the AUS and CIS including the design and launch of new logos. He is very passionate about enhancing the student-athlete experience, and growing university sport in Canada. Under his guidance and leadership, STFX has won 57 conference championships and 7 national championships in his time at the university.

Leo and his wife Heather have two daughters, both STFX graduates, Jennifer (working in Calgary, Alberta) and Alison (working in Copenhagen, Denmark).