MacEwan University Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

MacEwan University has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, financial administration, and institutional coordination.

Committed to academic excellence, MacEwan University fosters student success through undergraduate education and community engagement. This institution prioritizes accessible learning environments while driving innovation across the Canadian higher education landscape.

Leadership Roles at MacEwan University

  • Amp President & Chief Executive Officer - David Atkinson
  • Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Administration - Maureen Lomas
  • Strategic Coordinator & President, S Office - Taylor Witiw
  • Senior Coordinator, Strategy and Initiatives, Office of the President - Lacey Shandro
  • President - Chad Zerbe
  • President - Sarah Alexander
  • President - Alexandra Gagnon
  • President - Cason Lamothe
  • Associate VP, Information Services & Chief Information Officer - David Almond
  • Board of Governors - Janice Sarich
  • David Atkinson - Amp President & Chief Executive Officer

    David Atkinson, the Amp President & Chief Executive Officer at MacEwan University, directs the overarching academic vision and institutional growth. Atkinson manages the strategic alignment of undergraduate programs with evolving market demands across North America. By collaborating with the Board of Governors, the Amp President & Chief Executive Officer ensures fiscal sustainability and academic integrity. This leadership role involves cultivating partnerships with industry leaders to enhance student employability. David Atkinson maintains a focus on expanding the university footprint within the competitive Canadian education sector. Through rigorous oversight of faculty development and research initiatives, the Amp President & Chief Executive Officer drives continuous improvement in pedagogical standards. Atkinson champions inclusive learning environments that support diverse student populations. Ultimately, the Amp President & Chief Executive Officer secures the long-term reputation of the institution as a premier destination for undergraduate studies.

    Maureen Lomas - Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Administration

    Maureen Lomas, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Administration at MacEwan University, manages the fiscal health and resource allocation of the institution. Lomas directs the budgeting process, ensuring financial stability for all academic and administrative units. By overseeing capital projects and operational expenditures, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Administration maintains the physical and financial infrastructure required for student success. This leadership role involves reporting to the Board of Governors on financial performance and risk management. Maureen Lomas implements cost-saving measures that allow for reinvestment into core educational programs. Through strategic financial planning, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Administration supports the long-term growth objectives of the university. Lomas ensures compliance with provincial funding requirements and institutional policies. Ultimately, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Administration provides the necessary economic framework to sustain high-quality undergraduate education.

    Taylor Witiw - Strategic Coordinator & President, S Office

    Taylor Witiw, the Strategic Coordinator & President, S Office at MacEwan University, executes high-level initiatives that bridge executive leadership and operational departments. Witiw manages the flow of information and strategic priorities within the Office of the President. By coordinating cross-functional projects, the Strategic Coordinator & President, S Office ensures that institutional goals receive consistent attention from key stakeholders. This leadership role involves facilitating communication between the executive team and external partners to advance the university mission. Taylor Witiw monitors progress on major strategic milestones, providing regular updates to senior leadership. Through the organization of executive meetings and policy reviews, the Strategic Coordinator & President, S Office maintains operational momentum. Witiw supports the development of long-term planning documents that guide institutional direction. Ultimately, the Strategic Coordinator & President, S Office ensures that the executive agenda remains focused on enhancing the undergraduate experience and institutional impact.
    Taylor Witiw

    Lacey Shandro - Senior Coordinator, Strategy and Initiatives, Office of the President

    Lacey Shandro, the Senior Coordinator, Strategy and Initiatives, Office of the President at MacEwan University, drives the implementation of key institutional projects. Shandro manages the research and development of new strategic initiatives that align with the university academic goals. By analyzing market trends and internal performance data, the Senior Coordinator, Strategy and Initiatives, Office of the President provides actionable insights to the executive team. This leadership role involves managing stakeholder engagement for major campus-wide programs. Lacey Shandro ensures that all initiatives adhere to the core values of the institution while promoting innovation in undergraduate learning. Through the coordination of interdepartmental efforts, the Senior Coordinator, Strategy and Initiatives, Office of the President facilitates seamless project execution. Shandro maintains a focus on measurable outcomes that support the university growth strategy. Ultimately, the Senior Coordinator, Strategy and Initiatives, Office of the President strengthens the operational capacity of the Office of the President.

    Chad Zerbe - President

    Chad Zerbe, the President at MacEwan University, leads the development of specialized academic programs focused on community-based research. Zerbe directs the expansion of local partnerships that provide students with practical experience in the regional economy. By fostering relationships with community organizations, the President creates unique opportunities for undergraduate engagement. This leadership role involves advocating for the university within the broader provincial education system. Chad Zerbe ensures that academic offerings remain relevant to the needs of the local workforce. Through the promotion of collaborative research projects, the President enhances the reputation of the institution as a hub for community-focused learning. Zerbe manages the integration of experiential learning into the core curriculum. Ultimately, the President drives the mission of the university by connecting academic theory with real-world application for the benefit of the student body and the surrounding region.

    Sarah Alexander - President

    Sarah Alexander, the President at MacEwan University, oversees the advancement of international student recruitment and global academic partnerships. Alexander directs the development of exchange programs that broaden the cultural perspective of the undergraduate student body. By managing international relations, the President ensures that the university maintains a competitive presence in the global education market. This leadership role involves coordinating with international institutions to facilitate research collaboration and student mobility. Sarah Alexander implements strategies to improve the integration of international students into the campus community. Through the expansion of global outreach, the President increases the diversity of the student population. Alexander monitors the effectiveness of international recruitment efforts to ensure alignment with institutional growth targets. Ultimately, the President strengthens the global footprint of the university while enriching the educational experience for all students through diverse international perspectives.

    Alexandra Gagnon - President

    Alexandra Gagnon, the President at MacEwan University, leads the enhancement of student support services and campus wellness initiatives. Gagnon directs the implementation of programs designed to improve student retention and mental health outcomes. By overseeing the student affairs division, the President ensures that the campus environment remains inclusive and supportive. This leadership role involves collaborating with student organizations to address emerging needs and improve the overall quality of campus life. Alexandra Gagnon monitors the impact of support services on student success metrics. Through the development of comprehensive wellness strategies, the President fosters a culture of care that promotes academic achievement. Gagnon manages the allocation of resources to student-facing departments to ensure high-quality service delivery. Ultimately, the President provides the necessary support systems to help students thrive throughout their undergraduate journey at the university.

    Cason Lamothe - President

    Cason Lamothe, the President at MacEwan University, manages the advancement of digital learning technologies and online education platforms. Lamothe directs the transition toward hybrid learning models that increase flexibility for undergraduate students. By overseeing the integration of virtual classrooms, the President ensures that the university remains at the forefront of educational technology. This leadership role involves collaborating with faculty to develop high-quality online course content. Cason Lamothe monitors the effectiveness of digital learning tools in improving student engagement and learning outcomes. Through the expansion of online program offerings, the President increases access to education for non-traditional students. Lamothe manages the technical and pedagogical support required for successful digital transformation. Ultimately, the President drives the modernization of the university curriculum to meet the demands of a digital-first world while maintaining the high standards of undergraduate education.

    David Almond - Associate VP, Information Services & Chief Information Officer

    David Almond, the Associate VP, Information Services & Chief Information Officer at MacEwan University, architects the digital infrastructure supporting modern academic delivery. Almond oversees the integration of advanced learning management systems and cybersecurity protocols across the campus network. By modernizing data analytics capabilities, the Associate VP, Information Services & Chief Information Officer enables evidence-based decision-making for administrative departments. This leadership role involves managing large-scale technology investments to improve student access to digital resources. David Almond ensures the reliability of critical information systems during peak academic periods. Through the implementation of cloud-based solutions, the Associate VP, Information Services & Chief Information Officer optimizes operational efficiency for faculty and staff. Almond maintains alignment between technological advancements and the broader institutional mission. Ultimately, the Associate VP, Information Services & Chief Information Officer provides the robust technical foundation necessary for a high-performing undergraduate university environment.

    Janice Sarich - Board of Governors

    Janice Sarich, the Board of Governors at MacEwan University, provides high-level oversight of institutional governance and policy development. Sarich directs the evaluation of executive performance and ensures that the university adheres to its legal and ethical mandates. By participating in board committees, the Board of Governors reviews major financial decisions and long-term strategic plans. This leadership role involves representing the interests of the public and the university community in all governance matters. Janice Sarich facilitates communication between the board and the executive leadership team to ensure alignment on institutional priorities. Through the rigorous review of university policies, the Board of Governors maintains the integrity of the academic mission. Sarich supports the development of frameworks that guide the future direction of the institution. Ultimately, the Board of Governors ensures the accountability and long-term sustainability of the university for the benefit of all stakeholders.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding MacEwan University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads MacEwan University?
    MacEwan University is led by David Atkinson (Amp President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Maureen Lomas (Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Administration) and Taylor Witiw (Strategic Coordinator & President, S Office).
    Who is part of MacEwan University’s executive team?
    The executive team of MacEwan University includes leaders such as David Atkinson (Amp President & Chief Executive Officer), Maureen Lomas (Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Administration), Taylor Witiw (Strategic Coordinator & President, S Office) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does MacEwan University have?
    MacEwan University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in MacEwan University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of MacEwan University includes roles such as Amp President & Chief Executive Officer, Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Administration, Strategic Coordinator & President, S Office, Senior Coordinator, Strategy and Initiatives, Office of the President, President.