Athabasca University Executive and Leadership Team

David Head, the Performance Services Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer (Interim) at Athabasca University, directs the fiscal strategy and budgetary planning for the institution. Overseeing financial reporting and resource allocation, the Performance Services Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer (Interim) ensures long-term economic stability. Head architects rigorous audit processes to maintain transparency and compliance with provincial funding requirements. By analyzing revenue streams from diverse student programs, the Performance Services Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer (Interim) optimizes capital investments in educational infrastructure. David Head also collaborates with the Board to align financial goals with the university's strategic vision for growth. Through the management of complex financial portfolios, Head supports the expansion of academic offerings. This leadership position requires precise oversight of institutional assets to ensure the continued delivery of high-quality distance education services across Canada.

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 that leadership priorities remain aligned with academic goals. McCreary architects internal workflows that facilitate efficient decision-making among senior administrators. By serving as a primary liaison between the President and various university departments, the Chief of Staff & President, Office of streamlines organizational communication. Matthew McCreary also oversees the preparation of high-level reports and policy briefings for the Board of Governors. Through the management of complex projects, McCreary supports the university's mission to provide flexible learning opportunities. This role requires exceptional organizational skills to balance competing institutional demands while maintaining focus on long-term strategic objectives for the entire university community.

Peter Scott, the President at Athabasca University, directs the overall strategic vision and academic mission of the institution. Overseeing the university's growth and reputation, the President ensures that all programs meet the needs of a diverse, remote student population. Scott architects partnerships with industry leaders and government bodies to expand the reach of distance education. By fostering a culture of innovation, the President drives the development of new curricula and research initiatives. Peter Scott also leads the executive team in executing long-term goals related to student success and institutional sustainability. Through the promotion of accessible learning, Scott strengthens the university's position as a leader in the Canadian education market. This leadership role requires balancing academic integrity with the practical demands of a modern, digital-first university. Ultimately, Scott guides the institution toward achieving its core objective of providing high-quality education to learners everywhere.

Peter MacKinnon, the Interim President at Athabasca University, directs the continuity of academic and administrative operations during this transitional period. Overseeing the implementation of existing strategic plans, the Interim President ensures that the university maintains its commitment to distance learning excellence. MacKinnon architects collaborative efforts among faculty and staff to sustain institutional momentum. By engaging with stakeholders and the Board, the Interim President provides stable leadership for all university departments. Peter MacKinnon also monitors the execution of key projects to ensure that student services remain uninterrupted. Through the careful management of institutional resources, MacKinnon supports the ongoing mission of providing flexible education. This role requires a focus on maintaining high standards of governance and academic quality. Ultimately, MacKinnon ensures that the university remains well-positioned to achieve its long-term goals while preparing for the next phase of leadership and growth.

Alexander Clark, the President at Athabasca University, directs the strategic development and operational excellence of the institution. Overseeing the alignment of academic programs with market demands, the President ensures that the university remains a premier provider of distance education. Clark architects initiatives that enhance student engagement and improve learning outcomes across all disciplines. By managing relationships with external partners and regulatory bodies, the President secures the resources necessary for institutional advancement. Alexander Clark also leads the senior leadership team in fostering an environment of academic rigor and innovation. Through the implementation of forward-thinking policies, Clark drives the university's mission to provide accessible, high-quality education to a global audience. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of the educational landscape to ensure the institution adapts to changing student needs. Ultimately, Clark maintains the university's reputation for excellence in the competitive higher education sector.

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 broader mission of providing accessible education. Smeltz architects comprehensive compensation frameworks and professional development programs that support academic staff across diverse Canadian regions. By fostering an inclusive workplace culture, the Chief Human Resources Officer drives employee engagement and retention. Pauline Smeltz also collaborates with executive leadership to implement strategic workforce planning that addresses the evolving demands of digital learning environments. Through the optimization of human capital management systems, Smeltz enhances operational efficiency and supports the long-term growth of the institution. This leadership role remains vital for maintaining the high standards of service expected within the university sector.

Graeme Denney, the Deputy Chief Information Officer at Athabasca University, manages the technical infrastructure supporting distance education platforms. Overseeing daily network operations, the Deputy Chief Information Officer ensures high availability for digital learning tools used by students across North America. Denney architects robust cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive academic data and institutional research. By coordinating with the broader IT department, the Deputy Chief Information Officer streamlines software deployment and hardware maintenance cycles. Graeme Denney also evaluates emerging educational technologies to improve the user experience for remote learners. Through the implementation of scalable cloud solutions, Denney supports the university's commitment to flexible, technology-driven academic delivery. This role requires constant monitoring of system performance to prevent service disruptions. Ultimately, Denney maintains the digital backbone necessary for the institution to function effectively in a competitive global education market.

Raymond Welshman, the Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer at Athabasca University, directs the overarching digital strategy and technological roadmap. Overseeing the entire IT division, the Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer ensures that all software and hardware systems support the university's distance learning model. Welshman architects enterprise-wide digital transformation projects that enhance student accessibility and faculty productivity. By integrating advanced data analytics into academic operations, the Vice President, Information Technology & Chief Information Officer drives evidence-based decision-making across the institution. Raymond Welshman also manages large-scale vendor relationships and infrastructure investments to maintain a competitive edge in the education sector. Through the implementation of secure, scalable platforms, Welshman enables the university to serve a global student body effectively. This leadership role remains central to the institution's ability to innovate within the rapidly evolving landscape of online higher education.