Further to PDAD&C #52 (2015-16), 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 & 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 December 31, 2016. Bob will continue reporting to me in the performance of project duties until his retirement at the end of April 2017. Our sincere thanks go 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 Chief Information Officer, effective January 1, 2017 and until June 30, 2017, or the appointment of the new Chief Information Officer, whichever occurs first. As Director, Enterprise Infrastructure Solutions in the Chief Information Officer’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 Chief Information Officer duties as we transition to our new IT leadership team, and to Bob for leading ITS through many years of initiative, collaboration, and growth.