Athabasca University Executive and Leadership Team

David Head, the Performance Services Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer (Interim) at Athabasca University, directs all fiscal planning and budgetary oversight for the institution. Managing the financial health of this research-intensive entity, the Chief Financial Officer (Interim) ensures resource allocation aligns with the strategic goals of the Faculty of Business. David Head monitors revenue streams from diverse academic programs, including the Master of Business Administration and various undergraduate degrees. By implementing rigorous financial controls, the Performance Services Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer (Interim) supports the long-term sustainability of online education delivery. This leadership role involves collaborating with the Board to maintain fiscal transparency while optimizing operational costs. Through precise financial forecasting, the Chief Financial Officer (Interim) enables the university to expand its reach to working professionals and executives seeking flexible learning options across the province and beyond.

Matthew McCreary, the Chief of Staff & President, Office of at Athabasca University, coordinates executive communications and strategic initiatives across the institution. Managing the flow of information between the President and the broader leadership team, the Chief of Staff & President, Office of ensures operational alignment with the university's mission of providing accessible business education. Matthew McCreary facilitates high-level decision-making processes that impact the delivery of the Bachelor of Commerce and other academic programs. By streamlining administrative workflows, the Chief of Staff & President, Office of enhances the efficiency of the Office of the President. This leadership role involves managing complex projects that support the faculty's research-intensive goals and professional development offerings. Through proactive coordination, McCreary enables the executive team to focus on expanding the university's influence in the online education sector while maintaining the high standards expected of a publicly funded institution in Alberta.

Peter MacKinnon, the Interim President at Athabasca University, provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the institution during this transitional period. Overseeing the university's commitment to research-intensive business education, the Interim President maintains the quality and accessibility of programs like the Doctor of Business Administration. Peter MacKinnon collaborates with the Board and faculty to ensure the continued success of the Faculty of Business in serving working professionals and executives. By upholding the institution's reputation as a leader in online learning, the Interim President drives initiatives that expand the reach of undergraduate and graduate degrees. This leadership role involves navigating the complexities of the higher education landscape in Alberta while fostering innovation in curriculum delivery. Through steady guidance, MacKinnon ensures the university remains focused on its core mission of providing flexible, high-quality academic programs that meet the evolving needs of the global business community.

Alexander Clark, the President at Athabasca University, defines the long-term vision and strategic growth for this research-intensive institution. Leading the university's efforts to provide premier online business education, the President ensures that programs such as the Bachelor of Commerce and Master of Business Administration remain competitive and relevant. Alexander Clark engages with stakeholders to promote the value of flexible learning options for working professionals and executives. By championing academic excellence and research, the President drives the faculty's mission to deliver high-quality education in disciplines like accounting, finance, and management science. This leadership role involves setting the institutional agenda and fostering partnerships that enhance the university's impact within Alberta and beyond. Through strategic oversight, Clark ensures the institution continues to innovate in the digital space, providing students with the tools necessary to succeed in a rapidly changing global business environment.

Peter Scott, the President at Athabasca University, focuses on the operational scaling and international expansion of the university's online business education model. Directing the implementation of new academic programs and professional development courses, the President ensures the institution meets the diverse needs of students seeking flexible learning paths. Peter Scott oversees the integration of specialized Indigenous-focused courses into the broader curriculum, enhancing the university's commitment to inclusive education. By fostering a culture of research and innovation, the President supports the faculty in maintaining its status as a leading provider of business degrees. This leadership role involves managing relationships with government bodies and industry partners to secure the resources necessary for continued growth. Through strategic initiatives, Scott drives the university's efforts to reach a broader audience of working professionals, ensuring that the institution remains a cornerstone of accessible, high-quality education in the digital age.

Pauline Smeltz, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Athabasca University, architects the talent acquisition and organizational development strategies necessary for a premier online business education provider. Overseeing the recruitment of academic and administrative staff, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures the institution maintains a high standard of excellence in curriculum delivery. Pauline Smeltz manages employee relations and professional development initiatives that support the faculty in providing specialized courses in accounting, marketing, and management science. By fostering an inclusive workplace culture, the Chief Human Resources Officer drives engagement across the diverse workforce supporting students in undergraduate and graduate programs. This role involves aligning human capital strategies with the broader mission of providing flexible, research-intensive education. Through effective workforce planning, Smeltz secures the human resources required to sustain the university's reputation as a leader in digital business education within Alberta and the broader Canadian academic landscape.

Raymond Welshman, the Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer at Athabasca University, directs the digital infrastructure essential for delivering online business education. Overseeing the technological platforms that host the Bachelor of Management and various university certificates, the Chief Information Officer ensures seamless access for students and faculty. Raymond Welshman architects scalable cloud solutions and cybersecurity frameworks that protect the integrity of the institution's research-intensive academic programs. By modernizing the digital learning environment, the Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer supports the university's commitment to flexible, high-quality education for working professionals. This role involves collaborating with academic leaders to integrate new technologies into the curriculum, including specialized Indigenous-focused courses. Through robust IT management, Welshman maintains the technological backbone required to serve a diverse student body across regional and national markets, ensuring consistent performance and innovation in digital delivery.