Appointment of Vice-President (Finance & Administration)

After an extensive search, it is my pleasure to announce that Todd Gilchrist has been appointed Vice-President (Finance and Administration).

Image for PostTodd Gilchrist (photo supplied)

After an extensive search, it is my pleasure to announce that Todd Gilchrist has been appointed Vice-President (Finance and Administration) for a five-year term beginning October 26, 2020. Mr. Gilchrist comes to the university from Alberta Health Services, where he currently serves as Vice President of People.

Todd is a skilled executive with more than 30 years of experience in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors. In his most recent role as Vice President at Alberta Health Services, Todd's diverse portfolio encompassed Human Resources, Workplace Health & Safety, Protective Services, Legal & Privacy, and Ethics & Compliance. In addition, he currently serves as Board Director and Human Resources Committee Chair of the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources of Alberta (CPHR AB), Board Director with Habitat for Humanity Edmonton, and Vice Chair of the Board of Directors with the Capital Region United Way.

Todd is a graduate of the Rotman School of Management and the Institute of Corporate Directors (Directors Education Program). He holds a Master of Business Administration with a specialization in Human Resources Management and a Graduate Certificate in Executive Coaching, both from Royal Roads University. He is also a proud alumnus of the U of A's Occupational Health and Safety Program. He is designated as an ICD.D by the Institute of Corporate Directors, and accredited as a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) and a Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP).

As we collectively undertake an unprecedented institutional transformation over the year ahead, Todd's leadership and experience will be vital assets. He will lead the Service Excellence Transformation team to increase efficiencies across the university's administrative services, ensuring the long-term effectiveness and sustainability of the institution, and helping to grow the U of A's global leadership in higher education, research, and service. His strategic acumen, ability to think globally, and track record for innovation position him to advance the university's core mission and goals through this period of change. I look forward to working with him in the months ahead to enable our students, faculty and staff to realize their goals, and to ensure the university's sustainability in the broadest sense.

I would like to thank the members of the search committee for their advice, insight, and dedication throughout the search process. On behalf of the entire university, I also want to express my sincere gratitude to Gitta Kulczycki for her outstanding leadership as Vice-President (Finance and Administration) over the past four years. We wish her well as she takes on her new role at Dalhousie University. Finally, I wish to thank Martin Coutts, who has agreed to serve as Acting Vice-President (Finance & Administration) until Todd's arrival on October 26.

Please join me in welcoming Todd Gilchrist to the University of Alberta.

Bill Flanagan
President and Vice-Chancellor