Copenhagen Executive Roundtable

John Baker

Founder and CEO, D2L

John founded D2L in 1999, at the age of twenty-two, while attending the University of Waterloo. He strongly believes that learning is the foundation upon which all progress and achievement rests.

He is a member of the Business Council of Canada, board member of the Business Higher Education Roundtable, member of the Industry Strategy Council in Canada, Chair of the Digital Economic Strategy Table in Canada, has served on the Governing Council of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, is the Past Chair of the board of Communitech, and is a board member of Canada’s National Ballet School.

John was awarded the Meritorious Service Cross, the EY Entrepreneur of the Year (Ontario for Software and Technology), Young Alumni Achievement Medal from University of Waterloo, and Intrepid Entrepreneur of the Year in Waterloo Region Hall of Fame.

John graduated from the University of Waterloo with an Honours B.A.Sc. in Systems Design
Engineering, with First Class Honours and an option in Management Sciences.

Dr Cristi Ford

Chief Learning Officer, D2L

Dr. Cristi Ford serves as the Chief Learning Officer at D2L. She brings more than 20 years of cumulative experience in higher education, secondary education, project management, program evaluation, training and student services to her role. In this role, she offers thought leadership and direction to the academic affairs unit of the organization. Her previous roles have allowed her to have impact in education from secondary and higher education settings within North America and as part of the international landscape. Her reach has allowed her to focus on building online education in the US and in Africa.

In addition to her experience building new online learning programs and research related to online teaching and learning, Dr. Ford possesses significant experience in the design and delivery of integrated educational support, training and transition services for young adults and children with neurodevelopment disabilities.

Dr. Ford was selected by the Online Learning Consortium as the 2022 OLC Fellow (the highest professional distinction offered by the association). She is a tireless advocate for quality online education and has leveraged her passion and expertise in many realms in the education space. She is known for utilizing her leadership in extraordinary ways to help institutions build capacity to launch and expand online programming through effective faculty development, instructional design and pedagogical practices.

Dr. Ford holds a PhD in Educational Leadership from the University of Missouri-Columbia and undergraduate and graduate degrees in the field of Psychology from Hampton University and University of Baltimore, respectively.

Rachel Foster

Principal Solutions Engineer, D2L

Rachel Foster is a dynamic and solutions-driven Principal Solutions Engineer at D2L, where she leads strategic engagements that help institutions unlock the full potential of digital learning. With over six years at D2L, Rachel has progressed through senior engineering roles, including team leadership, consistently delivering tailored solutions that meet complex client needs across the UK and beyond. Rachel’s passion for education extends beyond her professional role—she served as a dedicated school Governor at Thorn Grove Primary School for over five years, including as Chair during the COVID-19 pandemic. She holds a BSc in Information Technology and Multimedia from the University of Gloucestershire and a Professional Certificate in Management from The Open University. Known for her technical acumen, leadership, and collaborative spirit, Rachel is committed to driving innovation in education through thoughtful, impactful technology.