Darran Fernandez is a principal consultant at Robin Fern & Co., where he helps people and organizations grow their potential through expert group facilitation, strategic plan development, and project planning.  He’s honed his specialty in building teams and in supporting groups in deciding what’s important to move forward toward success and what’s even more important to leave behind.

In addition to his work with Robin Fern & Co., Darran works at McMaster University as the University’s Registrar.  His background is in higher education and political relations.  For the last 15 years his work in higher education has ranged from managing a residence building, building successful mentorship programs, contributing to a $1.5b fundraising and people engagement campaign to leading a $62m financial aid program for the second largest public university in Canada.  An authentic, thoughtful and unabashed leader, Darran is known for building relationships, supporting shared goals and seeing beyond what’s in front of him.  Darran has also spent time working in politics, supporting two members of parliament in committee work and drafting policy responses.

Born in Abu Dhabi, UAE and bred in Montreal, QC and Mississauga, ON, Darran holds a BA in Mass Communications and Political Science from Carleton University, an MEd in Higher Education (Student Affairs and Institutional Policy) from the University of British Columbia, and an EdD in Educational Leadership from Western University.  Darran is an ICF Accredited Coach.  When he’s not hiking trails or going for walks with his mutt, Lex, he can be found on the field playing ultimate frisbee or on the rink curling a few stones.  

EDUCATION

Western University
EdD, Educational Leadership

University of British Columbia
MEd, Higher Education - Student Affairs and Institutional Policy

Carleton University
BA, Mass Communications and Political Science

CERTIFICATIONS & AFFILIATIONS

  • Certified Organizational Coach, University of British Columbia (ICF Accredited)

  • British Columbia Council on Admissions and Transfer (BCCAT), Council Member (Provincial Government Appointment)

  • Canadian Association of College and University Student Services (CACUSS), Director-at-Large

  • Association of Registrars of Universities and Colleges of Canada (ARUCC), Member

  • American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO), Member

Meet Robyn...

Meet Robyn...