The Ivey Alumni Network (IAN) Board is pleased to announce Larissa Chaikowsky, MBA ’04, as its new Chair. Chaikowsky succeeds Lisa Dymond (née Wiens), MBA ’06, who helped strengthen the alumni network and created new opportunities for graduates to connect and collaborate over the last four years.
“I am very excited to take on the role of Chair of the IAN Board,” said Chaikowsky. “Thanks to the leadership of Lisa, we are starting from a position of strength – with an engaged alumni community who are proud to have received a world-class business education at Ivey.”
Chaikowsky brings to the role nearly two decades of leadership experience at BMO Financial Group, where she currently serves as Chief Learning Officer and Head, Talent & Culture Enablement. In this position, she oversees culture, employee listening, talent acquisition, inclusion, leadership development, enterprise learning, and strategic employee programs. Over her 18 years with BMO, she has held senior roles spanning the U.S. and Canada, including U.S. Chief Human Resources Officer and Chief Operating Officer for U.S. Wealth Management.
A lifelong learner and community builder, Chaikowsky has also served on the boards of several organizations, including Inspiration Corporation, the American Red Cross, Prosight Financial, and Campfire Circle. She holds a Bachelor of International Business and Relations from the Sprott School of Business/Universidad de Buenos Aires and an MBA from Ivey, where she graduated as class valedictorian.
Connecting alumni across generations
Looking ahead, Chaikowsky sees tremendous potential to connect alumni across generations and professional phases.
“We are at a unique time – there are five generations of Ivey alumni – what an incredible opportunity to engage and learn from one another!” she said. “I look forward to meeting alumni across all stages of their careers and lives to hear more about how the network can provide value and the opportunity to give back.”
Chaikowsky also emphasized that alumni engagement extends far beyond the classroom experience.
“We already have a vibrant alumni community – the opportunity ahead is to connect in more frequent and different ways to maximize the value of the Ivey network,” she added. “Ivey is not just about the experience in the classroom – it’s about lifelong connections and the opportunity to continuously learn.”
With her experience, energy, and commitment to community, Chaikowsky is well-positioned to build on this momentum and guide the alumni network into its next chapter.
