Dr. Chris Janzen

Dr. Chris Janzen led a distinguished career in higher education spanning three decades, during which he excelled as a senior administrator and professor in applied sciences, later transitioning to educational consulting. He now leverages his leadership experience, management skills, and industry insights to support executive recruitment and talent development in education and other sectors.

Professional Focus

30 years’ experience in higher education as a professor, senior administrator, and educational consultant
Track record in talent acquisition, leadership development, strategic planning, program development, organizational transformation, human resources, and career coaching
Education sector-specific expertise in operations, community partnerships, corporate training, business development, innovation, and entrepreneurship
Experience serving on and leading college-wide, provincial, and national committees
Department leader, educator and researcher in chemistry, technology, applied sciences, environmental science and extreme environments, healthcare and life sciences

Business Expertise

Higher Education Consultant at Janzen Higher Ed Consulting
Senior Vice President, Academic at Algonquin College, Ontario; prior roles included Dean, Faculty of Technology and Trades, overseeing the School of Advanced Technology and Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence; and Chair, Applied Science and Environmental Technology
Department Chair and Professor, Department of Chemistry at Susquehanna University, Pennsylvania
Borough Council President and Council Member, Borough of New Berlin
Post-doctoral fellow at the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), Maryland

Additional Expertise

Education
Technology

Education & Certifications

Ph.D. in chemistry from Texas A&M University
Bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Hamline University, St. Paul, Minnesota

Ottawa

Suite 300
979 Bank Street
Ottawa
Canada

Case Studies

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Strategic turnaround: How an interim CEO led a food industry company out of crisis

An interim CEO took over the management of a food industry company on the brink of insolvency and initiated a comprehensive restructuring process with the aim of securing liquidity, realigning the organization, and restoring competitiveness.

Building a High-Performance HR Function for a Multi-Site Laboratory Organization

Through collaboration with Boyden, the Chief People Officer of a PE-backed company secured two pivotal leaders, a Vice President of Human Resources and a Head of Talent Acquisition, to elevate human capital strategy, drive transformation, streamline recruitment, and strengthen enterprise alignment.

Strengthening Advancement Capacity and Culture Through a Long-Term Search Partnership

With Boyden’s support, Loyola Marymount University built a high-performing advancement team by filling 15 key fundraising roles over five years, strengthening collaboration, continuity, and campaign readiness.

Thought Leadership

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Articles & Papers

In Search of the Elusive Bilingual Executives: Beyond a hope, a prayer, and a dream

Featuring Marie-Hélène Gaudreault, Leader in Boyden’s Social Impact Practice

Articles & Papers

A First External CEO Leads a First Generational Succession

A family enterprise approaching its first generational transition found leadership fragmented across sibling-led divisions. Growth was possible, but cohesion was not guaranteed. By introducing independent executive leadership, the family gained clarity, strengthened governance, and set a foundation for long-term continuity. Here’s how unified leadership replaced complexity.

Blog Post

No Passengers: How Shared Accountability Drives Organizational Momentum

Discover how shared accountability fuels high-performing cultures, with insights from Netflix and strategies to overcome common barriers like blame culture and misaligned incentives.