Championing Business Excellence and Future Leaders
February 27, 2025
Trent University School of Business and CEO in Residence Jaime McKenna ‘97 inspires a future rooted in continuous learning, humility, and integrity
Distinguished real estate executive Jaime McKenna '97 ICD.D., CPA, CBV believes in shaping the world where future leaders lead with the determination to be a catalyst for positive change.
As President of Fengate Real Estate, McKenna has accelerated the growth of the firm’s integrated real estate platform through a diverse range of strategies. Under McKenna’s leadership, and with the support of her executive team, Fengate now manages a $20B+ real estate portfolio, more than 100 real estate properties and investments, a pipeline of more than 25,000 residential units and over five million square feet of industrial space under various stages of stabilization and development.
McKenna’s progressive approach to leadership at Fengate is also mirrored at Trent University, where her passion for business and mentorship intersects with her core values of continuous learning, humility, integrity, and a focus on results. As the 2025 Trent University School of Business CEO in Residence, McKenna works with and mentors students to emphasize not only financial success but also the importance of creating a sustainable, ethical, and socially responsible future.
Appreciating her educational roots, McKenna has generously supported Trent throughout the years by giving her time and expertise as a current Trent Board member and supporting students through the Board of Governors’ Leadership Scholarship. In her role on the Board, she has served on the Trent Lands Committee and the Audit & Investment Committee. McKenna also delivered an inspirational talk to graduating students at Trent’s Last Lecture in 2020. Her current role as CEO in Residence is fulfilling for McKenna as it allows her to directly impact students’ lives.
“I’m thrilled to work with the next generation of business leaders who are combining dedication and hard work with forward-thinking community and global awareness,” McKenna says. “It has been refreshing to return to my alma mater and witness first-hand how Trent University remains a timeless leader in this area, with a strong commitment to not just the bottom line, but to building a better world.”
A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE
McKenna’s real estate success and leadership mirror the foundational values of the Trent School of Business, one of the largest and fastest growing Schools of Study at the University. These values have produced renowned leaders in fields such as finance, marketing, human resources, and entrepreneurship including Ken Hartwick ‘81 (Champlain College), CEO of Ontario Power Generation; and financial expert Robert Gauvreau ‘01 (Lady Eaton College), CEO of Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory.
In fact, Gauvreau returned to Trent in 2024 to serve as CEO in Residence, joining the ranks of previous CEOs in Residence Dr. Katie Taylor ‘16 (hon), who was then board chair of the Royal Bank of Canada and past CEO of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts; and international media icon Anita Erskine ‘99 (Otonabee College), CEO of Anita Erskine Media.
“Our community of successful and driven alumni, scholars, and award-winning faculty are engaged in leading-edge research and successful Business ventures across the globe,” says Dr. Byron Lew, director of the Trent University School of Business. “Trent alumni don't just navigate the Business world - they question, challenge, and lead it.”
A PERSONAL REFLECTION
For Jaime McKenna, her experience in Trent’s unique Bachelor of Business Administration program was pivotal to her career.
“What set Trent apart was its emphasis on ethical decision-making and the ability to think critically and collaboratively,” McKenna says. “The small class sizes, the focus on developing communication skills, and the hands-on experiences all gave me a strong footing in the financial world and played a crucial role in shaping the leader I am today. The program didn’t just prepare me for a career—it taught me to approach business with integrity, a lesson that I continue to impart to my team and to the students I mentor.”
McKenna hopes her son will also attend the University so he too can become a successful leader grounded in Trent values.
“Trent graduates emerge on the Business scene as astute analytical thinkers and collaborative problem solvers who lead by creating a more sustainable and resilient future,” McKenna says. “I’m proud to play a role in Trent’s legacy – where the future of business is built on values that matter.”
Learn more about the Trent University School of Business and the CEO in Residence program. To support the School, please contact Lorelei Wilkinson, senior development officer, at 705-748-1011 x6025 or lwilkinson@trentu.ca.