William Sauder was a leader in the forest industry, education and health; he has played a significant role in the social and economic development of this province.

For more than 25 years as Chairman and CEO of International Forest Products Ltd., Mr. Sauder directed the company's growth into one of Western Canada's largest and most successful logging and saw-milling operations. Most recently he was the Chair of Sauder Industries Ltd., a world leader in innovation and marketing.

Mr. Sauder's business acumen led to his membership on the Board of Directors of the Toronto Dominion Bank, the British Columbia Development Corporation, and the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors at BC Hydro. He was also a member of the Board of Directors of the World Presidents' Organization.

Success in business has gone hand-in-hand with outstanding service to the community for Bill Sauder. He is a highly respected figure in the world of philanthropy and medical research. He served on the Board of Directors of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of B.C. and Yukon, and has supported numerous important medical initiatives at the University of British Columbia. A UBC graduate, Mr. Sauder served the university for 12 years, including service for two terms as its Chancellor. He received an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from UBC in 1990. UBC renamed the Faculty of Commerce to the Sauder School of Business after receiving a major donation from the Sauder family.

In 2005, the Woodrow Wilson International Centre for Scholars presented Bill Sauder with the Woodrow Wilson Award for Corporate Citizenship, recognizing his exceptional service and contribution to the community. Mr. Sauder has also received the Order of Canada and the Order of British Columbia.