Vancouver Island University Executive and Leadership Team

Carolyn Russell, the Interim Chief Financial Officer at Vancouver Island University, manages the fiscal health and budgetary planning for the entire institution. Russell oversees financial reporting, resource allocation, and long-term economic sustainability to support the university mission. By analyzing revenue streams and operational costs, the Interim Chief Financial Officer ensures the university maintains a robust financial foundation for academic programs. Carolyn Russell directs the financial strategy to align with regional economic goals in British Columbia. This position involves frequent reporting to the Board regarding fiscal performance and risk management. Through careful monitoring of institutional assets, the Interim Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary funding for research and infrastructure development. Russell implements fiscal policies that promote transparency and accountability across all departments, ensuring the university remains a vital contributor to the educational and economic life of the region.

Harleen Kalra, the Administrative Coordinator & Offices of The President & Chief Financial Officer at Vancouver Island University, manages the daily operational logistics for the executive leadership team. Kalra coordinates scheduling, documentation, and inter-departmental communication to ensure the President and the Chief Financial Officer function effectively. By organizing administrative workflows, the Administrative Coordinator & Offices of The President & Chief Financial Officer supports the seamless execution of institutional policies. Harleen Kalra facilitates the flow of information between the executive offices and external stakeholders across British Columbia. This role requires precise attention to detail in managing sensitive records and high-level correspondence. Through proactive support of the executive team, the Administrative Coordinator & Offices of The President & Chief Financial Officer enhances the efficiency of the university administration. Kalra maintains the organizational structure necessary for the institution to fulfill its educational mandate and community obligations.

Dennis Johnson, the Interim President & Vice Chancellor at Vancouver Island University, provides executive leadership for the entire academic institution. Johnson directs the strategic vision, academic standards, and community engagement efforts to ensure the university remains a cornerstone of regional development. By overseeing faculty relations and student success initiatives, the Interim President & Vice Chancellor drives the institution toward excellence in research and teaching. Dennis Johnson represents the university in public forums and collaborates with government bodies across British Columbia to secure support for educational programs. This leadership role involves balancing the needs of diverse academic departments with the overarching financial and cultural goals of the university. Through decisive action and long-term planning, the Interim President & Vice Chancellor fosters an environment of innovation. Johnson ensures the university continues to play a vital role in the economic and social life of the region.

Christine Cleghorn, the Chief of Staff at Vancouver Island University, directs high-level institutional operations and coordinates strategic initiatives across the campus. Cleghorn manages complex workflows between the executive office and academic departments to ensure alignment with the university mission. By facilitating communication among senior leadership, the Chief of Staff optimizes decision-making processes regarding regional educational outreach. Christine Cleghorn monitors the execution of long-term institutional goals while maintaining operational efficiency across British Columbia. This role requires constant collaboration with the Board to address evolving academic needs and administrative requirements. Through rigorous oversight of internal projects, the Chief of Staff drives organizational stability and supports the broader economic impact of the institution. Cleghorn maintains focus on streamlining administrative functions to enhance the overall student experience and faculty productivity within the public university framework.