December 15, 2016

Further to PDAD&C Memo #52 of April 13, 2016 announcing the pending retirement of Robert Cook, the University’s inaugural Chief Information Officer, I am pleased to report that efforts to identify both the new Associate Vice-President and Vice-Provost, Digital Strategies, and our new Chief Information Officer are well underway, informed by broad-based, tri-campus advisory committees.  Recommendations regarding both positions are anticipated in the new year. 

Consistent with Robert Cook’s wishes, I have agreed that he can ease into retirement by stepping away from his assignment as Chief Information Officer effective 31 December 2016. Bob will continue reporting to me in the performance of project duties until his retirement at the end of April.  Sincere thanks to Bob for his outstanding service to the university over the last twenty-seven years. 

I am pleased to announce that Patrick Hopewell has agreed to serve as Acting CIO, effective January 1, 2017, until June 30, 2017 or the appointment of the permanent CIO, whichever comes first.  As Director, Enterprise Infrastructure Solutions in the CIO’s portfolio, Patrick has been a key member of the Information Technology Services leadership team since 2009.  His group designs, develops and maintains services associated with institutional data centres, telecommunications, and the tri-campus network.  Patrick has extensive experience in supporting partnerships across ITS, the university’s campuses, its academic and administrative divisions, and with external partners. 

I am grateful to Patrick for assuming Acting CIO duties as we transition to our new IT leadership team, and to Bob for leading ITS through many years of initiative, collaboration and growth. 

Scott Mabury