Our Founders

founder of the Comedic Artists Alliance is  best known for his stewardship of The Second City and the award-winning iconic TV show SCTV. Mr. Alexander was CEO and Executive Producer and co-owner of The Second City, Alexander has devoted over 47 years to further cementing Second City’s status as a world renowned comedy brand.

He has produced or executive produced over 200 Second City revues in Canada and the United States. Since acquiring The Second City Chicago in 1985, the company has collected over 150 Jeff Award nominations and 30 Jeff wins. The Second City Toronto has won two Dora Awards and has been nominated 20 times. 

Alexander has served on the Columbia College Board of Trustees, the Board of the Gilda’s Club Toronto and was a co-founder and Board Member of Chicago Gilda’s Club. Alexander has also served on the Board of the League of Chicago Theatres and the Canadian Walk of Fame.

In 2008,. Mr. Alexander has had 2 Emmy Nomination and has received The Canadian Comedy Awards Chairman Award, Gildas Magic Award from Gildas Club, Chicago Improv Festival Lifetime Achievement Award 2009, The League of Chicago Theaters 2009 Artistic Leadership Award and named 2009 Arts Chicagoan of The Year by Chicago Tribune, Crain’s Who’s Who in Chicago Business 2011, Chicago Magazine Power 100 – 2012.

As well as receiving on behalf of Second City, the Lifetime Achievement Award from Just for Laughs, Spirit of Innovation Award 2011, The Big Shoulders Award 2012 from the Chicago Film Critics and The NAB Spirit of Broadcasting Award 2012, Phi Beta Kappa Distinguished Service Award 2014 and Chicago Fifth Star Award 2016. Governor-General Performing Arts Award 2018