Leadership Overview
Athabasca University has 6 executives leading key functions including human resources, financial performance, administrative operations, information technology, and institutional leadership.
Committed to accessible online education, Athabasca University delivers research-intensive business programs to working professionals globally while maintaining a strong academic presence in Alberta.
Committed to accessible online education, Athabasca University delivers research-intensive business programs to working professionals globally while maintaining a strong academic presence in Alberta.
Leadership Roles at Athabasca University
David Head - Performance Services Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer (Interim)
David Head, the Performance Services Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer (Interim) at Athabasca University, manages the fiscal health and long-term financial planning of the institution. Overseeing the budgeting process, the Performance Services Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer (Interim) ensures the efficient allocation of resources across all online business programs. This role involves rigorous financial reporting and risk management to support the university's research-intensive mission. By analyzing market trends, David Head optimizes revenue streams and cost structures to sustain academic excellence. Head also coordinates with the Board to provide transparent financial oversight. Managing the financial operations across the Canadian landscape, the Performance Services Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer (Interim) drives fiscal sustainability. Through precise financial modeling, Head supports the expansion of undergraduate and graduate degrees, ensuring the institution maintains the necessary capital to innovate within the competitive online education market.
Matthew McCreary - Chief of Staff & President, Office of
Matthew McCreary, the Chief of Staff & President, Office of at Athabasca University, coordinates executive communications and strategic initiatives across the institution. Managing the daily operations of the presidential office, the Chief of Staff & President, Office of ensures seamless collaboration between the executive team and academic departments. This role involves facilitating high-level decision-making processes and monitoring the execution of institutional priorities. By streamlining administrative workflows, Matthew McCreary enhances organizational efficiency and communication clarity. McCreary also represents the office in cross-functional meetings to align departmental goals with the university's broader mission. Overseeing administrative functions within the Alberta headquarters, the Chief of Staff & President, Office of drives operational excellence. Through proactive management of executive projects, McCreary supports the delivery of flexible learning options, ensuring the leadership team remains focused on advancing the university's reputation as a premier provider of online business education.
Alexander Clark - President
Alexander Clark, the President at Athabasca University, defines the strategic vision and academic direction of the institution. Overseeing the entire university, the President ensures the faculty remains a leader in research-intensive online business education. This role involves engaging with stakeholders and promoting the university's mission to provide flexible learning options to working professionals. By championing academic innovation, Alexander Clark drives the development of new programs and professional development courses. Clark also leads the executive team in achieving long-term growth and institutional stability. Managing the university's presence within the Canadian higher education landscape, the President fosters partnerships that enhance the student experience. Through visionary leadership, Clark supports the expansion of the Bachelor and Master of Business Administration programs, ensuring the institution continues to meet the evolving needs of the global workforce while maintaining high standards of academic rigor and research excellence.
Peter MacKinnon - Interim President
Peter MacKinnon, the Interim President at Athabasca University, provides steady leadership and maintains operational continuity during the transition period. Overseeing the university's core functions, the Interim President ensures the consistent delivery of high-quality online business education. This role involves managing relationships with the Board and faculty to uphold the institution's research-intensive standards. By facilitating clear communication, Peter MacKinnon supports the ongoing success of undergraduate and graduate programs. MacKinnon also monitors the execution of current strategic initiatives to ensure alignment with the university's mission. Overseeing institutional activities across the Alberta region, the Interim President drives stability and focus. Through careful stewardship of resources and academic priorities, MacKinnon supports the faculty's commitment to flexible learning, ensuring the university continues to serve working professionals and executives effectively while preparing the institution for future growth and long-term strategic development.
Pauline Smeltz - Chief Human Resources Officer
Pauline Smeltz, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Athabasca University, directs all talent acquisition and organizational development initiatives. Managing the workforce lifecycle, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures alignment between faculty staffing needs and the online delivery model. This leadership role involves architecting comprehensive compensation structures and fostering an inclusive culture across the institution. By implementing strategic performance management systems, Pauline Smeltz optimizes employee engagement and retention. Smeltz also collaborates with academic leadership to support the professional development of faculty members. Overseeing North American human capital operations, the Chief Human Resources Officer maintains compliance with provincial labor standards while driving institutional growth. Through these efforts, Smeltz secures the human infrastructure necessary for delivering high-quality business education to students worldwide, ensuring the university remains a competitive employer within the research-intensive higher education sector.
Raymond Welshman - Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer
Raymond Welshman, the Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer at Athabasca University, architects the digital infrastructure required for large-scale online education. Overseeing the development of learning management systems, the Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer ensures robust connectivity for students and faculty. This role involves securing institutional data and implementing innovative software solutions to support the diverse curriculum. By modernizing the technological framework, Raymond Welshman enables the seamless delivery of degrees and professional development courses. Welshman also collaborates with academic leaders to integrate new digital tools into the classroom experience. Managing IT operations across the global digital footprint, the Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer drives technological transformation. Through strategic investment in cybersecurity and cloud infrastructure, Welshman supports the university's commitment to flexible, accessible learning, ensuring the digital environment remains reliable and scalable for all users.
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Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Athabasca University Top Executives and Leadership Team
