Lydia So

Lydia So, MBA, CPA, CA has a diverse and extensive work experience. Lydia currently serves as the Associate Director of Pension Strategy, Governance & Secretariat at Canadian Blood Services since January 2020. In this role, they manage three pension plans and provides strategic advice and secretariat support to the Board of Trustees and pension committees. Lydia also develops and maintains governance frameworks and policies for each pension plan.

Prior to their current position, Lydia worked at Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada) from November 2008 to December 2019 as the Senior Principal of the Public Sector Accounting Board (PSAB). During this time, they led the Employment Benefits project, developed the Restructuring Transactions standard, and conducted the first post-implementation review of the Government Transfers standard.

Before joining CPA Canada, Lydia worked at the Office of the Provincial Controller, Province of Ontario, from January 1996 to October 2008 as a Senior Analyst. In this role, they implemented accounting standards, developed accounting policies for the government, and provided advice to senior government officials.

Lydia's earlier experience includes working as a Treasury Board Analyst at the Treasury Board Division, Ministry of Finance, Province of Ontario, from June 1994 to December 1995. In this role, they reviewed and analyzed Treasury Board and Cabinet submissions and provided financial and policy advice to the Minister of Finance and Chair of the Treasury Board.

Overall, Lydia So's work experience showcases their expertise in pension management, accounting standards, governance, and policy advice in both the public and private sectors.

Lydia So holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree in General Business Management and Human Resources Management from The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Lydia also has a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Schulich School of Business at York University. Lydia So has recently completed a Certificate in Pension Law from York University - Osgoode Hall Law School. Additionally, they have obtained certifications in various areas such as leadership development, inclusion and equity, psychological safety, and supporting colleagues with ADHD in the workplace.