Kwantlen Polytechnic University Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Kwantlen Polytechnic University has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, information technology, and academic governance.

Committed to transforming education into real-world applications, Kwantlen Polytechnic University fosters an inclusive environment where hands-on learning prepares the next generation of professionals for diverse career paths.

Leadership Roles at Kwantlen Polytechnic University

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Gerry Kilcup
  • Chief Financial Officer - Chervahun Emilien
  • Chief Financial Officer (Pro TEM) - Carole Laplante
  • President & Vice Pro TEM Chancellor - Diane Purvey
  • President & Vice Chancellor - Alan Davis
  • Chief Information Officer - Peter Siermacheski
  • Gerry Kilcup - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Gerry Kilcup, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, directs the overarching strategic vision for the institution. Overseeing the alignment of academic programs with industry demands, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that the university maintains a competitive edge in the higher education sector. This leadership role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships and driving institutional growth across all five campuses. By prioritizing hands-on learning initiatives, Gerry Kilcup strengthens the connection between classroom theory and professional practice. The President & Chief Executive Officer also collaborates with the Board to secure long-term financial sustainability and academic excellence. Through rigorous oversight of university operations, Kilcup fosters an environment conducive to student success and career readiness. This executive leadership ensures that the institution remains a leader in polytechnic education, consistently delivering high-quality, career-focused programs to a diverse student body.

    Chervahun Emilien - Chief Financial Officer

    Chervahun Emilien, the Chief Financial Officer at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, manages the fiscal health and resource allocation for the entire institution. Overseeing the budgeting process, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that financial assets support the university's mission of providing career-ready education. This role involves analyzing economic trends to optimize funding for co-ops, internships, and practicums. By maintaining strict financial controls, Chervahun Emilien protects the university's long-term viability while enabling investment in modern campus infrastructure. The Chief Financial Officer works closely with academic leadership to align departmental spending with strategic growth objectives. Through meticulous financial planning, Emilien supports the expansion of programs that serve international and Indigenous students. This leadership position requires constant monitoring of revenue streams and expenditure efficiency to ensure that the institution continues to deliver high-value educational experiences across all regional operations.

    Carole Laplante - Chief Financial Officer (Pro TEM)

    Carole Laplante, the Chief Financial Officer (Pro TEM) at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, manages interim fiscal operations and maintains budgetary stability. Overseeing the daily financial reporting, the Chief Financial Officer (Pro TEM) ensures that departmental expenditures remain aligned with the university's core educational objectives. This role involves auditing current financial processes to identify opportunities for operational efficiency and cost reduction. By providing critical financial data to the executive team, Carole Laplante supports informed decision-making regarding new program development and campus resource allocation. The Chief Financial Officer (Pro TEM) works to ensure that the university's financial foundation remains strong during periods of transition. Through careful management of institutional funds, Laplante enables the continued delivery of high-quality internships and practicums. This leadership role focuses on maintaining fiscal integrity while supporting the diverse needs of the student body and the broader academic community.

    Diane Purvey - President & Vice Pro TEM Chancellor

    Diane Purvey, the President & Vice Pro TEM Chancellor at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, directs academic governance and institutional policy. Overseeing the development of curriculum standards, the President & Vice Pro TEM Chancellor ensures that all 140 programs meet rigorous industry requirements. This role involves fostering partnerships with external organizations to enhance student practicum opportunities and career readiness. By championing inclusive educational practices, Diane Purvey supports the diverse needs of current and future students. The President & Vice Pro TEM Chancellor collaborates with faculty leadership to maintain high academic standards across all five campuses. Through strategic oversight of academic affairs, Purvey drives the university's commitment to transforming education into real-world applications. This leadership position requires balancing administrative responsibilities with a focus on student-centered learning outcomes. Ultimately, the President & Vice Pro TEM Chancellor ensures that the institution remains a premier destination for professional development and academic growth.

    Alan Davis - President & Vice Chancellor

    Alan Davis, the President & Vice Chancellor at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, leads the institution's long-term strategic direction and external relations. Overseeing the university's reputation and community engagement, the President & Vice Chancellor ensures that the institution remains a vital contributor to the regional economy. This role involves representing the university to government bodies and industry partners to secure support for career-focused initiatives. By driving the mission of providing hands-on learning, Alan Davis ensures that graduates possess the skills necessary for their desired careers. The President & Vice Chancellor works with the executive team to foster an environment that supports Indigenous and international students alike. Through visionary leadership, Davis promotes the university's role in transforming education into practical, real-world applications. This executive position requires a deep commitment to academic excellence and institutional growth, ensuring that the university continues to serve as a leader in polytechnic education.

    Peter Siermacheski - Chief Information Officer

    Peter Siermacheski, the Chief Information Officer at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, architects the digital infrastructure necessary for modern polytechnic education. Overseeing the integration of advanced learning technologies, the Chief Information Officer ensures that students and faculty possess the tools required for hands-on digital training. This role involves securing the university's data networks and implementing scalable software solutions that support academic research and administrative efficiency. By driving innovation in campus connectivity, Peter Siermacheski enhances the overall learning experience for a diverse student population. The Chief Information Officer collaborates with other executive leaders to align technology investments with the university's broader strategic goals. Through the deployment of robust information systems, Siermacheski facilitates seamless access to educational resources across all five campuses. This leadership function remains critical to maintaining the institution's reputation for excellence in technical and professional training within the competitive education landscape.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Kwantlen Polytechnic University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Kwantlen Polytechnic University?
    Kwantlen Polytechnic University is led by Gerry Kilcup (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Chervahun Emilien (Chief Financial Officer) and Carole Laplante (Chief Financial Officer (Pro TEM)).
    Who is part of Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Kwantlen Polytechnic University includes leaders such as Gerry Kilcup (President & Chief Executive Officer), Chervahun Emilien (Chief Financial Officer), Carole Laplante (Chief Financial Officer (Pro TEM)) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Kwantlen Polytechnic University have?
    Kwantlen Polytechnic University has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Kwantlen Polytechnic University includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer (Pro TEM), President & Vice Pro TEM Chancellor, President & Vice Chancellor.