University of Manitoba President and Vice-Chancellor David Barnard today announced the appointment of respected and experienced administrator and manager Paul Kochan as vice-president (administration).

“Paul’s talent and experience will be invaluable as we move forward with initiatives that will ensure the current and future success of the University of Manitoba including the next phases of the Resource Optimization and Service Enhancement Project (ROSE) and Project Domino,” Barnard said.

Kochan, a University of Manitoba alumnus who begins work on Sept. 17, has enjoyed a stellar career in public and private sector management including 14 years as vice-president and chief financial officer of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority.

At the WRHA, Paul was part of a senior management team overseeing a $2.5 billion health region responsible for delivering health care for Winnipeggers as well as for rural and northern Manitobans who need specialized service not offered in their home communities.

During the last decade, the WRHA achieved the third best financial performance of all major health regions across Canada, according to the Canadian Institute for Health Information. Paul led a number of resource optimization, planning and capital projects in his tenure at the WRHA. The region averaged surplus budgets during his years as chief financial officer. In addition, he recently successfully led a large enterprise resource policy implementation for the region.

In addition to two degrees from the University of Manitoba, Kochan has received three professional designations: Chartered Accountant, Chartered Business Valuator and Certified Public Accountant. He was named Fellow by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Manitoba, the highest honour in the chartered accounting profession.

Paul also has a strong commitment to the community and has served on the boards of the Ukrainian Council and Education Centre, the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra and as a dedicated amateur basketball coach.

Barnard also paid tribute to Deborah McCallum, out-going vice-president (administration), who announced her retirement this spring and is staying on until her successor is in place.

“I also would like to thank Debbie for her tireless commitment, strong leadership and boundless enthusiasm throughout her outstanding career at the University of Manitoba,” said Barnard.

For more information contact Peter Dalla-Vicenza Marketing Communications Office, University of Manitoba, 204-474-9234 (peter_dalla-vicenza@umanitoba.ca).