I am pleased to announce that, following a global search, the Board of Governors has approved the appointment of Dr. David Bressler as the Vice-President (International and Enterprise) for a five-year term, effective July 1, 2025.
In addition to serving as the Chief Strategy Officer (International and Enterprise) for the last six months, David is a professor in the Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Science, specializing in bioresource technology, as well as renewable fuels, chemicals and materials. He is the technology founder behind Forge Hydrocarbons, an advanced lipid-to-hydrocarbon biofuel technology company. During his distinguished career, he has been recognized as one of Canada's Clean 50 (2017), served as Executive Director of the Biorefining Conversions Network (2009-2016) and was a Project lead/Member of the Scientific Advisory Board for Biofuelnet, the Canadian Network Center of Excellence, and Member of the scientific advisory board (2012-2015) for First Green Partners. He is a graduate of the U of A, receiving his PhD in microbiology and cell biotechnology.
In his new role, David will lead the university’s efforts to expand international academic collaborations and enhance our engagement with industry. The Office of the Vice-President (International and Enterprise) will operate horizontally across the university, working in close collaboration with the Provost, VP (Research and Innovation), and college and faculty deans to lead high-impact global partnerships that support our academic mission.
I’d like to thank the members of the search committee, as well as executive search firm DHR Global, who assisted with the recruitment process.
Bill Flanagan
President and Vice-Chancellor