Professional Summary
Professional Overview
Todd Gilchrist is an accomplished finance and operations executive with over 20 years of experience in the higher education sector. As the Vice President of University Services and Finance/Chief Financial Officer at the University of Alberta, he is responsible for providing strategic leadership and oversight of the institution's financial operations, facilities management, and administrative services.
Experience Summary
Current Role
In his role as Vice President and CFO at the University of Alberta, Todd is responsible for the overall financial management and administrative operations of the institution. He oversees a team of over 400 employees and manages an annual budget exceeding $1.5 billion. Under his leadership, the University has achieved significant cost savings and operational efficiencies, while maintaining a strong financial position and credit rating.
Career Progression
Prior to joining the University of Alberta, Todd held various senior finance and operations roles at other leading post-secondary institutions, including serving as the Chief Financial Officer at the University of Calgary and the Director of Finance and Administration at the University of Lethbridge. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong track record of driving organizational transformation, implementing innovative technologies, and fostering collaborative partnerships both within and outside of the higher education sector.
Academic Background
Todd holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Alberta and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Calgary. He is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and a Certified Management Accountant (CMA), with a specialization in financial management and strategic planning.
Areas of Expertise
- Financial management and reporting
- Budgeting and resource allocation
- Facilities and infrastructure management
- Strategic planning and organizational transformation
- Risk management and compliance
- Stakeholder engagement and partnership development
Professional Impact
In addition to his role at the University of Alberta, Todd serves on the boards of several industry organizations, including the Public Sector Pension Plan (PSPP), the Canadian Association of University Business Officers (CAUBO), and the Universities Academic Pension Plan (UAPP). His leadership and expertise have been instrumental in shaping industry best practices and driving innovation within the higher education sector.
Conclusion
With his extensive experience, strong financial acumen, and strategic leadership abilities, Todd Gilchrist is poised to continue making a significant impact on the University of Alberta and the broader higher education community. His commitment to excellence and focus on driving operational efficiency and financial sustainability make him a valuable asset to any organization.
