For Immediate Release:  January 15, 2026

The London Police Service Board Appoints Chair and Vice Chair for the 2026 Term

London, ON – The London Police Service Board (the “Board”) held its annual Chair and Vice Chair elections at its first Board meeting of the year, in accordance with the Community Safety and Policing Act. The Board announces the re-election of Ryan Gauss as Chair and Nancy Branscombe as Vice Chair for the 2026 term, ensuring continued leadership and oversight of policing in the City of London.

Chair Gauss and Vice Chair Branscombe demonstrated strong leadership and commitment to their respective roles throughout 2025. Over the past year, the Board advanced key public safety priorities, strengthened its governance foundation, increased visibility of Board initiatives, and supported an accountable and transparent approach to oversight. Their re-election provides continuity as the Board builds on this momentum and turns its attention to priorities that matter to London, including the development of the community-oriented 2027–2031 Strategic Plan.

See ‘2025: Year in Review’ for some of the key work completed by the Board during 2025.

“The Board has accomplished a great deal in 2025 in terms of future proofing the Service through continuity initiatives and supporting effective and responsive policing in my hometown of London,” said Chair Gauss. “I am honoured to serve alongside Vice Chair Branscombe as we continue leading a Board that shares a strong commitment to public service and community advancement. The Board is well-positioned to fulfill its mandate and work collaboratively with the Service and our stakeholders to improve safety outcomes for Londoners.”

Ryan Gauss is a lifelong Londoner with extensive experience in public service, governance, and community leadership. He currently serves as Director of Stakeholder Relations in the Office of the CEO at London Hydro. Previously, Chair Gauss spent nearly a decade as Chief of Staff to Member of Parliament Peter Fragiskatos, leading strategic communications and stakeholder engagement, and more than 12 years with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in a range of civilian roles. He has also served as Chief Executive Officer of the London City Professional Soccer Club. In addition to his role as Chair of the London Police Service Board, he is Chair of the Board of Directors for Bethany’s Hope Foundation. Chair Gauss received the King Charles III Coronation Medal in June 2025 and has been named multiple times to The Hill Times Top 25 Terrific Staffers List, recognizing the contributions of political staff across Canada.

“This past year marked an important period of progress,” said Vice Chair Branscombe.  “At the same time, there is more work ahead. The re-election of the Chair and Vice Chair provides continuity at the Board level as we move forward with our priorities for the coming year and continue working toward a Safer City, Now.”

Vice Chair Branscombe has served on the Board since March 2022 and is a respected governance leader with a strong record of community service. A former City Councillor, she led the Service Review of the City of London and has served on several local boards. She currently serves as Board Chair of the Forest City Film Festival and the Forest City Youth Film Festival.

About the London Police Service Board

The London Police Service Board is the civilian oversight body responsible for the London Police Service.  Per the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019, the Board provides strategic oversight, sets priorities, hires and monitors the Chief of Police, and works to ensure effective, efficient, and community-focused policing for the City of London.

The London Police Service Board is composed of seven members:

• Three elected members from the London City Council.
• One person appointed by the City Council. This person cannot be another member of the City Council or an employee of the City of London.
• Three persons appointed by the Province of Ontario.

Members must meet eligibility requirements and complete mandatory training on governance, diversity and oversight.

For more information about the London Police Service Board, please visit: www.londonpoliceserviceboard.com

London Police Service Board:

Mr. Ryan Gauss, Chair

Ms. Nancy Branscombe, Vice-Chair

Mr. Jeffery Lang, Member

Mayor Josh Morgan, Member

Councillor Steve Lehman, Member

Councillor Susan Stevenson, Member

Mr. Mike Wallace, Member