LONDON POLICE SERVICE BOARD MEDIA RELEASE

LONDON POLICE SERVICE BOARD MEDIA RELEASE

For Immediate Release:  January 16, 2025 

The London Police Service Board Elects Chair and Vice Chair for 2025 

London, ON — In accordance with the Community Safety and Policing Act (CSPA), the London Police Service Board held its annual elections today, reaffirming its commitment to transparent and effective governance. The Board is pleased to announce the re-election of Ali A. Chahbar as Chair for the 2025 term. 

The CSPA mandates annual elections for these leadership roles to ensure accountability and the continuous renewal of perspectives within police governance. This structured approach aligns with the Board’s overarching mission to enhance public trust and maintain a forward-looking strategy in community safety and policing. 

Chair Ali Chahbar was appointed by the province to the LPSB in December 2021 and has served as the LPSB Chair since January 2023. Ali is General Legal Counsel and Executive Officer with the Thames Valley District School Board. Chair Chahbar participates on a number of not-for-profit boards and in an array of community initiatives in the London region. He is a regular contributor and frequent guest in local media on a range of political, legal and community issues and was recently recognized as one of London’s Top 20 Under 40 which acknowledges professionals in the region who have excelled and distinguished themselves in their respective field and community.  Ali also enjoys a busy family life.  

“I am honoured to have the opportunity to serve as the Chair of the London Police Service Board. I thank my fellow board members for bestowing their confidence in me in electing me for a third term as Chair. I look forward to working with them, the London Police Service and community stakeholders to advance the important business that lies ahead”, says Chair Chahbar.  

The LPSB elected Ryan Gauss to the position of Vice Chair of the London Police Service Board. 

Vice Chair Gauss is a citizen appointee.  Born and raised in London, Ryan has been heavily involved in the community through board appointments and volunteer roles. He currently serves as Director of Operations and Personnel for Peter Fragiskatos, MP for London North Centre, working both locally and on Parliament Hill. Previously, Ryan spent approximately 12 years with the RCMP, starting as a high school co-op student and advancing to Human Resources Advisor. He also served as CEO of London City Professional Soccer Club until its sale in 2011. A dedicated volunteer with Bethanys Hope Foundation since 2006, Ryan joined its Board of Directors in 2008, became Vice-Chair in 2011, and has been Chair since 2013. Additionally, he was President of the World Leukodystrophy Alliance in 2015, supporting global efforts to improve therapies and quality of life for those with leukodystrophies. 

“Being elected as Vice Chair is an immense privilege and I would like to thank my colleagues for their confidence.  I am humbled to serve in this role and am looking forward to continuing ensuring the Board’s work reflects the values and priorities of our community,” says Vice-Chair Gauss. “This Board and the LPS have made significant strides to improve public safety, but there is still much to do. I am committed to working collaboratively to make London a safer City.” 

We look forward to their leadership in 2025, in advancing public trust and community safety.

London Police Service Board: 

Mr. Ali Chahbar, Chair

Mr. Ryan Gauss, Vice Chair

Ms. Nancy Branscombe, Member

Mayor Josh Morgan, Member

Councillor Steve Lehman, Member      

Councillor Susan Stevenson, Member

Ms. Megan Walker, Member

For additional information, contact Stephanie Johanssen, Executive Director, London Police Service Board at lpsb@londonpolice.ca