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Todd Gilchrist is a skilled executive with more than 30 years of experience in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors. Todd’s current role as Vice-President, University Services, Operations, and Finance at the ß÷ßäÉçÇø encompasses virtually all of the non-academic elements of a world class (top 100 worldwide) research-intensive university. Specific accountabilities include all aspects of institution-wide finance, campus infrastructure, human resources, information technology, and enterprise risk management along with an expansive shared services delivery network.

Todd is a graduate of the Rotman School of Management and the Institute of Corporate Directors (Directors Education Program). He holds a Master of Business Administration with a specialization in Human Resources Management and a Graduate Certificate in Executive Coaching, both from Royal Roads University. He is designated as an ICD.D by the Institute of Corporate Directors and accredited as a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) and a Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP).

As an engaged visionary leader, Todd inspires his team to realize their abilities and greatness which moves organizations forward. He believes in doing things right and doing the right thing — even if and especially when it is difficult. He leads with a remarkable balance of compassion and accountability, knowing that when staff can bring their whole self to work they can achieve the heights of success — both personally and professionally.

After completing his training and certifications to embark on a career as a commercial pilot, Gordon instead developed a passion for the public sector. For 20 years, he worked for the Government of ß÷ßäÉçÇø in ministries responsible for ß÷ßäÉçÇø’s health care system, employment and training programs, and, finally, labour standards legislation and compliance.

He holds an MBA specializing in Executive Management and Management Consulting. Gordon joined the university in 2017.

Mike oversees both Asset Management & Operations (including infrastructure maintenance, facility services, engineering and operations, and UAPS) and Utilities. 

Mike has worked in a variety of leadership roles in many different areas across both the private and public sectors. He has experience in the oil and gas industry, utility management, project management and engineering. He has a BSc degree in Mechanical Engineering from U of S as well as a MSc in Process Control from U of A.

Katherine Huising has served as the Associate Vice President, Campus Services at the ß÷ßäÉçÇø since 2017. She is proud to lead a diverse group of service units with a team that shapes exceptional campus experiences. The breadth of Campus Services has evolved to include services on all five campuses. This department includes the services that serve students, staff, and visitors by providing campus credentials, parking, recreation facilities, dining services, horticultural tourism, fleet vehicles and residences.

Prior to her appointment, Katherine worked with the Government of ß÷ßäÉçÇø in various leadership positions including serving as Chief of Protocol with the Executive Council. She earned a BA degree in History from the ß÷ßäÉçÇø.

Darrell joined us from the Government of ß÷ßäÉçÇø where he worked for 22 years providing financial and corporate service expertise. He has held leadership positions in various ministries, including Assistant Deputy Minister and Senior Financial Officer with Agriculture and Irrigation, Environment, and Forestry, Parks and Tourism.

Darrell is a Chartered Professional Accountant with a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the ß÷ßäÉçÇø.

Marcie has over 25 years of experience leading all aspects of human resources, as well as health, safety, and environment, communications, supply chain management, and corporate services. Prior to joining the university, Marcie was the Vice President, People & Culture at the ß÷ßäÉçÇø Teachers' Retirement Fund. Marcie is a Certified Executive Coach, holds a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation and a Bachelor of Commerce in Management of Organizations and Human Resources from the University of Calgary. She has also completed The Executive Program (Executive Education) at the U of A among other related certifications and designations, and was recently appointed to the Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) Sponsor Board.  

Mark has over 25 years of IT leadership experience, most recently as the Chief Information Office and Associate Vice-President, Information Technology at the University of New Brunswick. Mark has spent the majority of his career in post-secondary and public sector prior to joining the university in August 2025. 

Throughout his career, Mark has successfully led multiple digital transformation projects within post-secondary institutions and during his tenure as the Information Technology Director at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Additionally, Mark has substantial experience collaborating with National Research and Education Network (NREN) partners including CANARIE and Cybera, as well as related organizations such as the Canadian University Council of Chief Information Officers (CUCCIO).

Ashley is a collaborative leader with a background in capital development related to strategic funding partnerships and policy. Ashley has experience in the public and private sector, most recently in the Government of ß÷ßäÉçÇø in a number of senior leadership roles. At the U of A, she leads a team of strategic thinkers and technical experts, who through planning and partnerships, improve the viability and utility of the physical spaces on U of A campuses.

Ashley has a Masters in International Trade from the Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy, a BA from the ß÷ßäÉçÇø, and a BA from the Université de Saint-Boniface (University of Manitoba). She also has a Graduate Certificate in Executive Coaching from Royal Roads University.

Nokuthula brings over 25 years of audit and risk management experience. She spent over a decade in public practice within Big 4 firms Ernst and Young and Deloitte Canada. Prior to joining the university she spent 12 years in leadership roles in Internal controls and Internal audit within ß÷ßäÉçÇø Health Services. She holds a Master of Business Administration from Durham Business School and has designations as a Certified Professional Accountant, Chartered Accountant and Certified Internal Auditor. Nokuthula has a robust skill set that includes internal controls, internal audit, external audit, financial reporting, process improvement, project management, system implementation, accounting, fraud investigations, and risk management.

Nokuthula’s leadership style focuses on aligning with the organization’s vision by providing value-added advice and insights as it relates to a strong risk-based internal control environment. She is known for her commitment to leading her team with a people focus, continuous learning and professional development, for herself and her team, her collaborative approach to everything she does, and being held accountable to a high standard.

Ria Ames is an accomplished leader with more than 25 years of experience working with large, complex organizations undergoing significant transformational change. Her passion for optimizing organizational effectiveness, while fostering meaningful relationships and building safe, healthy and inclusive work spaces has been her key success to moving change forward. With the mantra of “progress over perfection”, along with her Service Launch model, has allowed her teams to establish quickly and stay flexible and agile to changing and growing environments. She is a firm believer in the administrative operating model and the value the Shared Services team continues to bring to the university.

Ria is a U of A alumna and holds her Prosci designation in change management, her CPHR (Certified Professional Human Resources) designation, SHRM-SCP (Certified Senior Practitioner, Society Human Resources Management) and CPC (Certified Personnel Consultant).

Bio to come.