St. Francis Xavier University and the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Chair of the Board of Governors, are pleased to announce Mike Brien as Vice-Chair of the Board of Governors.
Mike Brien '75, is a distinguished business leader, entrepreneur, and philanthropist whose career has spanned banking, insurance, consulting, and corporate leadership.
"Mike's exceptional leadership, entrepreneurial success, and longstanding commitment to StFX make him an outstanding choice for Vice-Chair of the Board of Governors," said Lisa Raitt, Chair of the StFX Board of Governors. "Throughout his career, Mike has demonstrated a deep dedication to community service, education, and mentorship. His experience, wisdom, and passion for StFX will be invaluable as we continue to advance the university's mission and build on its strong tradition of excellence."
Mr. Brien's tenure is effective July 1, 2026.
Mike Brien's biography
Mike Brien, FICB, CAIB, ICD.D
StFX Class of '75
Mike Brien, a 1975 StFX business alumnus, started his career in banking. He rose to District Manager of Atlantic Canada and Ontario, before becoming Vice President Operations (and later COO) of a regional trust company. In 1985, he established a real estate and management services consulting practice. He later entered the insurance industry; eventually purchasing Confederation Life Insurance. After a major restructuring, the insurance brokerage operation was the major asset remaining which grew substantially and was sold to a public company consolidator. In 2001, Mr. Brien and ING Insurance formed a partnership. The company became a multi award-winning brokerage and one of the largest in Atlantic Canada. Mr. Brien retired in 2014. In 2025, he was inducted into the Nova Scotia Business Hall of Fame. Dedicated to his community, he has donated his time, as a JA mentor and in board and presidential positions with Nova Scotia Community College; Nova Scotia Community College Foundation; Mount Saint Vincent University; Insurance Brokers Association of Nova Scotia; YPO Atlantic; Northumberland Golf Club; and Basketball Nova Scotia. Mr. Brien received the StFX Lifetime Xaverian Patron Award; honorary alumni Mount Saint Vincent University; and The Frank Baldwin Award as a significant builder of basketball in Nova Scotia. He was an investor and volunteer CEO of the Halifax Hurricanes Professional Basketball Club, which brought a national professional championship to Halifax. He and his family have significantly contributed to StFX, Dartmouth General Hospital Foundation, Nova Scotia Community College, NS Sports Hall of Fame, Mount St. Vincent University, Cystic Fibrosis, and many charities. He and his wife Beth have six children and 12 grandchildren.
