Josianne Marsan, dean of the Odette School of Business, brings expertise in digital transformation, innovation and governance to her role on the Windsor-Essex Chamber of Commerce board of directors. (Photo by University of Windsor)
By Victor Romao
Odette School of Business dean Josianne Marsan has been elected to the board of directors of the Windsor-Essex Chamber of Commerce, where she will bring expertise in digital transformation, innovation and governance.
Marsan said serving on the board presents an opportunity to strengthen connections between the business community, the University of Windsor and regional partners while supporting economic growth across Windsor-Essex.
“My role on the board is first and foremost to serve the members of the Windsor-Essex Chamber of Commerce and contribute to the continued strength of our regional business community,” Marsan said. “I am honoured to contribute to that mission through my service on the Chamber board.”
She said the Odette School of Business has a long history of supporting local employers through research, talent development, executive education and community engagement. She said she looks forward to helping businesses navigate challenges and opportunities in a rapidly evolving economy.
Windsor-Essex Chamber of Commerce board member Nancy Jammu-Taylor (LLB ’02, BAH ’97) said Marsan’s experience aligning academic institutions with industry partners will help advance the Chamber’s priorities and create opportunities for graduates in the region.
“Since arriving in Windsor, Josianne immediately recognized the importance of establishing a relationship between the School of Business and the Chamber,” Jammu-Taylor said. “With that perspective, she has the ability to promote the Chamber’s interests and initiatives, while also supporting students once they graduate by helping create work opportunities for them in our region.”
Jammu-Taylor said Marsan’s background in information technology and business research will bring a valuable perspective to board discussions at a time when organizations are adapting to emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
“In speaking with her, I know that she recognizes that AI is part of our world and we need to learn how to work with it, embrace it instead of fearing it,” Jammu-Taylor said.
Before entering academia, Marsan worked as a programmer-analyst. She later co-founded and led a research center in information technology and business, in partnership with the Government of Quebec, from 2019 to 2025 at Université Laval.
She said technology alone does not determine success. Instead, organizations must adapt leadership practices, strategies and processes to create value from technological change while managing risks.
“Today, businesses of all sizes are navigating significant shifts driven by artificial intelligence, data analytics, cybersecurity, automation and changing customer expectations,” Marsan said. “I look forward to supporting the Chamber’s efforts to help its members navigate change and seize new opportunities in a rapidly evolving business environment.”
Jammu-Taylor also highlighted Marsan’s bilingualism as an asset for the Chamber.
“Added to this is her fluency in French, which will assist the Chamber in better connecting with the Francophone community we have in our region,” she said.
Marsan said her experience living and working in both French- and English-speaking environments has deepened her appreciation for the diversity of the region’s business community.
“I believe strong organizations benefit from diverse perspectives, and I look forward to contributing to the Chamber’s efforts to represent and serve the full breadth of the Windsor-Essex business community,” she said.