The University of Windsor will be proceeding with an organizational restructuring, announced earlier this year, that will create the role of Vice-President, Finance and Operations.
The decision follows a thorough and comprehensive search to fill the role on a permanent basis. Unfortunately, an appointment was not made due to several reasons, including the continuing issues and uncertainty surrounding COVID-19.
In the meantime, effective Nov. 16, the position of Vice-President, Finance and Operations will be filled on an interim basis by Sandra Aversa, who has been serving as special advisor, major capital projects. A new search to fill the VP Finance and Operations position on a permanent basis will be undertaken over the next 12 months.
As part of the new restructuring, two direct reports to the vice-president's role have been established: associate vice-president finance and associate vice-president operations. Legal Services will continue to report directly to the vice-president, with the Internal Audit role reporting administratively only.
Gillian Heisz, currently controller and executive director - financial reporting and accounting, will take on the role of Associate Vice-President Finance, and will provide strategic leadership in the areas of financial accounting and reporting, budgets, and financial services.
Anna Kirby, who has been serving as acting vice-president, planning and administration, will take on the role of Associate Vice-President Operations, and will provide strategic leadership in the areas of campus services, facility services, sustainability, and overall infrastructure planning, support, and management. The University would also like to thank Kirby for her leadership and commitment as the acting Vice-President, Planning and Administration for the past two years and five months.
Appreciation is also extended to the members of the Vice-President Finance and Operations search committee, who worked throughout this past summer.
The University thanks everyone for their help and support during this extended transition.