Our Executive Team
Neil Fassina
President, Athabasca University
On October 11, 2016, Dr. Neil Fassina became Athabasca University’s (AU) eighth President. Shortly thereafter, and on behalf of the university community, Neil introduced Imagine: Transforming Lives, Transforming Communities, a five-year strategic plan to transform AU into a world-leading, digital-first university.
View BioMatthew Prineas
Provost and Vice President Academic, Athabasca University
Dr. Matthew Prineas joined Athabasca University in early September 2017 and is in his first term as Provost and Vice President Academic. Before assuming his current role as Provost at Athabasca University, Matthew served in a variety of influential leadership roles at the University of Maryland University College.
View BioAdriana Cavaliere
Senior Executive Assistant, Office of the President, Athabasca University
Adriana joined Athabasca University in January 2018.
As the President’s Senior Executive Assistant, she brings years of diverse experience, having provided administration and support services to both the executive leadership team and the board of governors.
View BioCarol Lund
University Secretary, Athabasca University
Carol joined the Office of the University Secretariat at Athabasca University in 2001. Her prior work included various senior administration roles in management and human resources, in both the public and private sectors.
View BioDeborah Meyers
Vice President Finance and Administration, Chief Financial Officer, Athabasca University
Deborah joined Athabasca University in September 2018 as the Vice President Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer. Deborah brings strong leadership, mentorship, and a service-based culture to the Finance and Administrative team at Athabasca University.
View BioGilbert Perras
Chief of Staff, Office of the President, Athabasca University
Gilbert joined Athabasca University in March 2019, as the Chief of Staff, Office of the President.
Gilbert began his career at Athabasca University (AU) over 30 years ago holding various positions within the IT department and the Office of the Registrar. While working full-time he also completed his Master of Education at AU in 2001.
View BioCharlene Polege
Chief Human Resources Officer
Charlene Polege has spent the last 20 years collaborating with business leaders to empower and amplify their people talent in support of business goals and objectives.
View BioJennifer Griffin Schaeffer
Vice President Information Technology and Chief Information Officer
Jennifer Griffin Schaeffer is the Vice President Information Technology and Chief Information Officer. Jennifer started at Athabasca University in November 2017 and is leading the digital transformation of Athabasca University to a Cloud & Code Campus—providing a collaborative engagement space for students, professors, and researchers to continuously innovate in digital pedagogy, applied augmented intelligence, and online learning experiences.
View BioKristine Williamson
Vice President, University Relations
Kristine Williamson joined Athabasca University in October 2018, as the Vice President University Relations. A recognized leader in fundraising, communications, marketing, and alumni relations strategy and management for over 20 years, Kristine has an extensive background in building effective and productive relationships in the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors.
View Bio