President's Office Staff

Ann Hoffer, BHSc ’21, brings a wealth of experience to King's as the Governance Coodinator. Ann excels in high-level administrative support with a keen eye for detail and a commitment to organizational excellence. Her key responsibilities include:

  • Offering clerical support to the Board, Academic Council, and President-chaired committees

Ann’s diverse background includes leading Girl Guide units and supporting senior leaders such as the Vice-Provost (Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies) at Western University. Holding a Bachelor of Health Sciences from Western and a diploma in Office Administration, Ann combines academic knowledge with practical skills. Her commitment to problem-solving, inclusivity, and advocacy for improvement is shaped by her personal experiences, notably supporting her brother in overcoming accessibility challenges.  

Her volunteer work with the Original Kids Theatre Company, Ontario Girl Guides, Notre Dame Catholic School, and other organizations highlights her dedication to community and lifelong learning.

In her spare time, Ann enjoys reading, attending the theatre and going to concerts, especially when they feature family members or friends who are often actors and musicians.

Paul Wilton, ’07 BA, BEd, MPA, PhD (candidate), brings exceptional educational and professional experiences to the role of Manager, President’s Office, and University Secretary. As Manager of the President's Office, Paul's responsibilities include the following:

  • Providing support to the Board of Directors and its committees.
  • Providing support to College Council for compliance with College Council’s constitution and governance policies
  • Acting as a resource for interpretation of policy, procedure and protocol across King’s
  • Supporting the President in achieving the annual and strategic plan priorities including monitoring, tracking and reporting

Paul is quickly becoming one of Canada’s experts in university governance through his doctoral work focusing on Laurentian University. As well, he has professional and volunteer pursuits in governance, including board member and leadership experience as the past-President of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Hemophilia Society, Vice-President of the Canadian Organization for Rare Diseases, past Secretary of the Urban League of London and a Director of the King’s University College Board of Directors. Paul was named a Bertram Scholar at the Canadian Foundation for Governance Research and he studied not-for-profit governance at the Smith School of Business, Queen’s University. As University Secretary, Paul will be a key resource for our strategic planning initiatives.

In his spare time, Paul co-hosts a podcast called the Governance Guys. He lives with his wife, daughter, and Whippet in what he describes as far south London. He loves the Leafs, swimming, reading and laughing.

Cynthia Lessard, 07’ BA, BEd, M.Ed. (in progress), brings over 17 years of experience in the education sector to her role as Executive Assistant to the President. She excels in high-level administrative and strategic support, with a focus on fostering inclusive, equity-driven environments and advancing the mission of King’s.

Her key responsibilities include:

  • Managing the President’s schedule and providing comprehensive administrative support to the Office of the President
  • Coordinating high-profile events, initiatives, and communications

Cynthia’s diverse background spans teaching, student advising, and senior administrative roles in higher education, including serving as Academic Advisor at Fanshawe College and as Executive Assistant to the Senior Vice-President, Academic at Humber College. She began her career in the publishing sector as a Marketing Coordinator with John Wiley & Sons before transitioning fully into postsecondary education.

Holding a Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto, an Honours Bachelor of Arts in History from King’s, and an Ontario College Graduate Certificate in Publishing from Centennial College, Cynthia is currently pursuing a Master of Education in Student Affairs at Wilfrid Laurier University. Cynthia’s work is grounded in lived experience and a deep sense of social justice and equity. She brings empathy, resilience, and a systems-level perspective to her work.

Her volunteer contributions include coaching youth soccer, supervising student councils, and supporting community organizations such as the CNIB, Toronto Humane Society, and the Boys’ and Girls’ Club.

In her spare time, Cynthia enjoys taking cycling classes, hiking, reading and discovering new local coffee shops. She lives in London with her husband, son, and two rescue cats.