Human Resources Technology is an area in which I have received considerable input from the wider University of Toronto community since I assumed my role of Vice-President, Human Resources & Equity. One of my priorities includes the development and advancement of an overarching vision for Human Resources Technology that builds on the work that has already been done. This vision will enhance the integration of Human Resources processes and will integrate evidence-based digital workplace practices and technologies, allowing for increased collaboration across portfolios and the ability to leverage existing University technology capacities.

I have decided, in collaboration with Scott Mabury, Vice-President, University Operations, to formally increase the capacity for technology leadership within the Human Resources & Equity portfolio. Therefore, beginning April 1, 2017 and over the next 12 months, Cathy Eberts will assume the enhanced role of Director, Enterprise Applications and Solutions Integration & Human Resources Technology. In this role, Cathy will continue to report to the Chief Information Officer, providing leadership to EASI within that portfolio as part of the Division of University Operations. As a result of this strategic realignment across my senior leadership team, Cathy will now also formally report to me with a portion of her time dedicated to leading the development and implementation of a University-wide HR Technology roadmap.

I am extremely excited to welcome Cathy, formally, to the Human Resources & Equity portfolio. As many of you are aware, Cathy currently provides oversight in the strategic use of technology across a wide variety of administrative systems at the University, including the Next Generation Student Information Services (NGSIS) program. Since assuming her position as Director, EASI, she has been working in close partnership with Human Resources & Equity to more fully explore opportunities to apply technical solutions within our division. I would like to thank Deb Ovsenny for her contributions to HR Technology initiatives and her efforts building the initial stages of the HR Technology roadmap. Given my own priorities around staff recognition and executive compensation and Deb’s expertise in these arenas, I have asked Deb to focus her energies in these areas, as well as continue to provide leadership to the Total Rewards team.