Trent University School of Business Names Real Estate Expert Jaime McKenna ’97 as 2024-25 CEO in Residence
President of Fengate Real Estate and member of Trent Board of Governors to offer expertise in finance, leadership, networking and business development with University community
Trent University is pleased to announce distinguished real estate and financial executive Jaime McKenna ’97, ICD.D., CPA, CBV as the 2024-25 Trent University School of Business CEO in Residence. McKenna, who currently serves as president of Fengate Real Estate and is a member of the Trent University Board of Governors, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this prestigious role.
"We are delighted to welcome Jaime as our next CEO in Residence. Her extensive business expertise, proven leadership and innovative approach to real estate and finance will provide invaluable insights and inspiration to our students, faculty, and broader University community,” said Dr. Byron Lew, director of the School of Business at Trent University. “Her appointment underscores our commitment to connecting students with industry leaders who exemplify excellence and drive transformative change."
McKenna’s residency will take place January 16 and February 27 at the Peterborough Symons Campus with mentorship sessions, classroom visits, and a panel discussion. On March 11 and 13, McKenna will join the Trent University Durham GTA campus with additional classroom visits, mentorship sessions, and a panel discussion.
“I’m honoured to be the next Trent School of Business CEO in Residence and mentor the next generation of business leaders,” McKenna says. “Trent was incredibly impactful for me during a challenging time in my life. Without Trent, I might not have had the confidence to achieve my career aspirations and pursue my post-graduate designations. I hope by telling students about my educational and career journey they can see that truly anything is possible with hard work, grit, determination, and a university that supports your dreams."
As President of Fengate Real Estate, Fengate has successfully grown its real estate portfolio to more than $20 billion in completed value, with a pipeline of more than 25,000 residential units and five million square feet of industrial space in various stages of stabilization and development.
In addition to serving as a member of Trent’s Board of Governors (2024-27) and on the Board’s Audit and Investment Committee, McKenna is an active member of several other boards including the Real Property Association of Canada and Seasons Retirement Communities.
She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with honours and is a Chartered Professional Accountant, Chartered Business Valuator, and holds the Institute of Corporate Directors designation.
Learn more about the Trent School of Business CEO in Residence program and past participants.
The Trent School of Business is one of the largest and fastest growing Schools of Study at Trent University with uncompromising academic excellence, pivotal experiential learning, and unprecedented choice. Through the School’s CEO-in-Residence program, students at both the Peterborough and Durham campuses gain access and opportunities to learn from top business leaders across the country and around the globe. The engaged student body gains first-hand career experience through the B.B.A. co-op streams (available in every B.B.A. specialization) and learns from professors who take great pride in their student-centric approach to business education. In the Trent University School of Business, students don't just navigate the business world - they question, challenge, and lead it.
About Trent University
One of Canada's top universities, Trent University was founded on the ideal of interactive learning that's personal, purposeful and transformative. Consistently recognized nationally for leadership in teaching, research and student satisfaction, Trent attracts excellent students from across the country and around the world. Here, undergraduate and graduate students connect and collaborate with faculty, staff and their peers through diverse communities that span residential colleges, classrooms, disciplines, hands-on research, co-curricular and community-based activities. Across all disciplines, Trent brings critical, integrative thinking to life every day. Today, Trent's unique approach to personal development through supportive, collaborative community engagement is in more demand than ever. Students lead the way by co-creating experiences rooted in dialogue, diverse perspectives and collaboration. In a learning environment that builds life-long passion for inclusion, leadership and social change, Trent's students, alumni, faculty and staff are engaged global citizens who are catalysts in developing sustainable solutions to complex issues. Trent's Peterborough campus boasts award-winning architecture in a breathtaking natural setting on the banks of the Otonabee River, just 90 minutes from downtown Toronto, while Trent University Durham Greater Toronto Area, delivers a distinct mix of programming in the east GTA.
Celia Grimbly, Manager, Communications, Trent University, (705) 748-1011 x6240 or celiagrimbly@trentu.ca