Candidates presented for Vice-Rector, Services

The four shortlisted applicants for the next term of the position of Vice-Rector, Services, were presented to the university community on January 31.

Two candidates were internal, and two external. The incumbent, Charles Emond, described his achievements over the past three years, which includes major space planning and the merging of two large support units (Audio Visual and Computing Services, which combined to form Instructional and Information Technology Services). He described the challenges of his post, saying that while he always tries to be responsive, he must also be fair.

Michael Di Grappa is Executive Director of Physical Resources. He traced his rapid rise at Concordia -- from undergraduate student in the mid-1980s to taking responsibility for external contracts in the building of the Oscar Peterson Concert Hall and the J.W. McConnell complex, and from there, to the leadership of the largest department in the Vice-Rector's portfolio, with an $11-million budget and responsibility for labour contracts.

Carol-Ann Tetrault Sirsly brings an unusually rich background to her candidature; she is an engineer and a chartered accountant, with an MBA and extensive experience in the banking world. She drew parallels between her current workplace, the huge and successful Desjardins co-operative movement, and the collegial, para-public environment of Concordia.

Duncan Campbell is a seasoned manager who is confident in his ability to adapt to new working environments. He is currently chief administrative officer of the Town of Mount Royal, overseeing 200 employees and a budget of $43 million. He told the audience that he is a strong advocate of teamwork, and beyond the workplace, he is an active community volunteer.

This post is for a term of five years. Comments on the candidates will be accepted by the advisory search committee until tomorrow (February 11) at 5 p.m., and should be sent to Diane Hastings, Office of the Vice-Rector, Institutional Relations and Secretary-General, BC-303 or dhast@vax2.concordia.ca . Confidentiality is assured.

- Barbara Black