Algoma University announced their new vice-president of finance and operations.
Shannon Brooks will fill the role starting Jan. 10, 2022.
She has 22 years experience in post-secondary education as an executive, as well as two terms as chair of the Colleges Ontario Finance Officers.
For more information, please see the full news release included below.
Algoma University is pleased to announce that following an extensive national executive search process led by KBRS, Shannon Brooks will assume a senior leadership role as vice-president of finance and operations commencing on Jan. 10, 2022.
Brooks holds a bachelor of commerce (Hon) from McMaster University, an MBA from Laurentian University and in 2001 completed her certified professional accountant (CPA-CGA) designation. She has also completed extensive leadership training and development programs throughout her career including the CFO leadership program at the Rotman School of Management (UofT).
Brooks is an accomplished executive with over 22 years of experience in the post-secondary education sector. Her most recent position was associate vice-president, corporate services at Centennial College where she oversaw the finance and facilities divisions including finance, budget, plant operations, master campus planning, zoning compliance, infrastructure and capital projects, and other facility operations. She brings extensive experience developing and implementing enterprise risk management (ERM) programming, has led significant expansion projects including a major campus building ($100M) featuring an Indigenous design, carbon net positive and LEED Gold. She also led the Downsview Campus Aerospace project ($72M). Both projects ran on time and on budget.
In addition, Brooks brings an extensive network from the higher education sector to the role and is well respected for her work on various Ministry of Colleges and Universities working groups, including two terms as chair of the Colleges Ontario Finance Officers (COFO) group from 2014-2016.
“Shannon possesses the breadth of leadership skills and experience to lead this very comprehensive portfolio for the University during this period in our history,” notes Asima Vezina, president and vice-chancellor. “Given her vast experience at Centennial, she brings tremendous insight and expertise in planning for enrolment growth, campus expansion and transformational change. How fortunate to be welcoming a leader who has already experienced much of what we are preparing to undertake.”
Not only is Brooks an exceptional leader, but she is also an avid triathlete, ironman finisher and Multi-Sport World Championship finisher. She is active as a volunteer with the Public Services Health and Safety Association and previously served as treasurer for the Toronto Triathlon Club.
“I am delighted to be joining Algoma’s senior executive team during such an impressive and exciting period of transformation for the university,” Brooks shared. “I look forward to working with the faculty, staff and leadership teams to support Algoma University’s special mission, EDI efforts, commitments to reconciliation and the continued strategic development of the University in Brampton, Sault Ste. Marie and Timmins.”