The man who chaired Western University's Board of Governors through the scandal surrounding President Amit Chakma's double pay will step down at the end of the year.
The university announced Thursday that Chirag Shah will step down when his term ends on December 31 rather than seek another four years as chair and member of the board. Shah was thrust into the spotlight when the 2014 public salary disclosure revealed Chakma was paid nearly $1-million that year, more than double his regular salary. A provision in his contract allowed him to collect a year’s salary in lieu of a paid year off at the end of his first five year term.
It caused outrage within the Western community, spurring online petitions, protests and an attempted vote of non-confidence in the president.
An independent review of the salary agreement conducted by Justice Stephen Goudge criticized Shah for approving Chakma's extra pay without informing the rest of the board.
“The interviews I conducted made clear that the breadth and depth of the reaction in the Western community to what the president’s contract permitted took those involved in negotiating it by complete surprise. That should not have happened,” wrote Justice Goudge in his report.
In a statement released Thursday, Chakma praised Shah for his contributions to the university.
“Mr. Shah has served the board and the University with distinction and dignity,” says Chakma. “During his term, a new strategic plan, Achieving Excellence on the World Stage, and the new Campus Master Plan were approved.”
Shah also released a statement on Thursday.
“The strength of Western’s Board lies in its breadth of representation – from faculty, staff, students, alumni and external volunteers. I feel privileged to have served as chair of this board that is composed of so many dynamic and strong leaders,” he says. “I am very proud to be part of the many achievements of this board.”
The board will select a new chair at its meeting on November 26.
