McMaster University Executive and Leadership Team

Piper Plavins, the Chief Executive Officer at McMaster University, directs the overarching strategic vision and operational framework for the institution. This leadership position involves guiding the university's academic and research endeavors, ensuring alignment with its mission to advance knowledge and foster innovation. Plavins oversees the integration of all six academic faculties, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and resource optimization. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities extend to external relations, stakeholder engagement, and securing the university's position as a leading global research institution. By championing new initiatives and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, Piper Plavins drives the university's growth and impact across Canada and internationally. This role demands a comprehensive understanding of higher education trends and a commitment to academic excellence.

Sarah Cushnie, the President at McMaster University, leads a significant academic division, driving its strategic objectives and operational excellence. This leadership position involves overseeing academic programs, faculty development, and student success initiatives within a specific domain of the university's operations. Cushnie champions research excellence and fosters an environment conducive to scholarly inquiry and innovation. The President's responsibilities include managing departmental resources, ensuring high standards of teaching and learning, and promoting collaboration across faculties. By guiding key academic priorities and advocating for the division's needs, Sarah Cushnie contributes directly to McMaster University's reputation as a premier research institution. This role focuses on advancing the educational mission and enhancing the student experience.

Serena Lai, the Co President at McMaster University, shares leadership responsibilities for a key academic or organizational unit, focusing on collaborative governance and strategic execution. This role involves working alongside another Co-President to guide departmental initiatives, foster interdisciplinary projects, and enhance the overall student and faculty experience. Lai contributes to setting strategic priorities, managing operational budgets, and ensuring the effective delivery of academic programs. The Co President's focus often includes driving innovation in teaching methodologies and research practices. By promoting a shared vision and coordinating efforts across various stakeholders, Serena Lai supports the advancement of McMaster University's educational and research goals. This collaborative leadership ensures comprehensive oversight and strategic alignment.

Jenny Lu, the Biology and Pharmacology Society President at McMaster University, leads student initiatives and advocacy within these specific scientific disciplines. This role involves organizing academic events, fostering networking opportunities among students and faculty, and representing student interests to university administration. Lu champions engagement in scientific research and promotes a deeper understanding of biology and pharmacology. The Biology and Pharmacology Society President's responsibilities include managing society operations, coordinating volunteer efforts, and developing programs that enhance the academic and professional development of members. By facilitating a vibrant community and supporting student-led projects, Jenny Lu contributes to the rich academic environment at McMaster University. This leadership cultivates a strong sense of community and academic pursuit.

David Millar, the President at McMaster University, directs a significant operational or academic segment, driving strategic growth and institutional advancement. This leadership role involves overseeing key functions, ensuring the effective allocation of resources, and championing initiatives that enhance the university's research output and educational quality. Millar focuses on fostering collaboration among departments and external partners to achieve institutional objectives. The President's responsibilities include guiding policy development, managing complex projects, and ensuring operational efficiency across their designated area. By providing strategic direction and fostering a culture of excellence, David Millar significantly contributes to McMaster University's mission of advancing knowledge and preparing students for future success. This leadership ensures robust operational performance and strategic alignment.

Alyssia Naran, the Co-President at McMaster University, shares executive leadership for a critical university entity, focusing on collaborative strategy and operational oversight. This position involves working in tandem with another Co-President to guide departmental objectives, implement new programs, and enhance the overall university experience for students and faculty. Naran contributes to strategic planning, resource management, and the execution of initiatives designed to advance academic and research goals. The Co-President's role emphasizes shared decision-making and coordinated action to achieve collective success. By fostering a unified approach and driving key projects forward, Alyssia Naran supports the continued growth and impact of McMaster University. This collaborative leadership ensures comprehensive management and strategic execution.

Anastasia Fedina, the President at McMaster University, leads a key academic or administrative unit, driving its strategic direction and operational effectiveness. This role involves overseeing specific departmental functions, ensuring the successful implementation of academic programs, and fostering an environment that supports research and innovation. Fedina is responsible for managing resources, guiding faculty and staff, and promoting the unit's objectives within the broader university framework. The President's focus includes enhancing educational delivery and advancing scholarly pursuits. By providing strong leadership and strategic vision, Anastasia Fedina contributes significantly to McMaster University's commitment to academic excellence and its global research standing. This leadership ensures the unit's contribution to the university's overall mission.

Thilini Wijesekera, the Co-President at McMaster University, shares executive responsibility for a vital university division, focusing on collaborative leadership and strategic implementation. This position involves partnering with another Co-President to guide departmental operations, advance academic initiatives, and enhance the university's overall mission. Wijesekera contributes to setting strategic priorities, overseeing resource allocation, and ensuring the effective execution of programs that support students and faculty. The Co-President's role emphasizes shared governance and coordinated efforts to achieve institutional goals. By fostering teamwork and driving key projects, Thilini Wijesekera plays an integral part in the ongoing success and development of McMaster University. This collaborative leadership ensures comprehensive oversight and strategic alignment.

Jill Hohs, the Chief Information Officer at McMaster University, architects and executes the institution's comprehensive information technology strategy. This critical role involves overseeing all aspects of digital infrastructure, data management, and technology services that support academic, research, and administrative functions across the six faculties. Hohs drives the implementation of innovative technological solutions to enhance learning environments, streamline operations, and ensure robust data security. The Chief Information Officer's purview includes managing IT budgets, leading technology teams, and fostering digital literacy among students and staff. By ensuring the reliability and scalability of the university's IT systems, Jill Hohs directly supports McMaster University's commitment to cutting-edge research and accessible education. This leadership ensures technological advancements empower the university's mission.

Tracy Dallaire, the Deputy Chief Technology Officer & Director, Information Security Services at McMaster University, spearheads the protection of the university's digital assets and information systems. This dual role encompasses both the strategic direction of technology services and the rigorous implementation of cybersecurity protocols across all academic and administrative operations. Dallaire oversees the development and enforcement of security policies, manages incident response, and ensures compliance with data privacy regulations. The Deputy Chief Technology Officer & Director, Information Security Services also contributes to the broader technology strategy, focusing on secure infrastructure development and the integration of advanced security measures. By safeguarding sensitive data and ensuring system integrity, Tracy Dallaire plays a vital part in maintaining the trust and operational continuity of McMaster University. This leadership ensures a secure digital environment for research and learning.