Office of the Vice-President (Administration)

In her capacity as chair on various University committees, such as the Implementation of the Path Forward Report: Responding to Sexual Violence, Discrimination and Harassment, University Information Technology Committee, Trust Investment Committee, Pension Committee and UM Properties Board, Ms. Andrew has demonstrated a deep commitment to UM and leadership in its administration.

She also serves community outside of her UM role, and most recently co-founded and serves as director of the National GC Network’s BIPOC Lawyers Leading the Way, a not-for-profit organization mandated to address issues of equity, diversity and inclusion within the legal profession.

Ms. Andrew brings a thoughtful, collaborative approach to leadership at UM with a strong commitment to the principles of equity diversity and inclusion.

Raman Dhaliwal (pronouns: she/her) is a seasoned higher education administrator and a visionary leader with a keen sense for strategy and forward thinking. She has ten years of experience in leading, designing, developing and implementing administrative structures and advancing critical projects and priorities that have shaped the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences and the University of Manitoba (UM).

• Learn more about the Office of the Associate Vice-President (Administration)

Mario Lebar joined the University of Manitoba in April 2012 and was appointed Chief Information Officer in November 2015. Mario has varied work experience across several sectors. At CN Rail for 5 years, The Canadian Wheat Board for 12 years, and for the past 10 years at the University of Manitoba. While he has worked on the business side, Mario has spent most of the past 22 years in information technology. Mr. Lebar’s education includes a B.A. (economics), LL.B., and M.B.A. all from the University of Manitoba.

As unit head for the central information and technology services unit, Mario leads a team of 190 FTE as they deliver a full suite of information technology support services. Mario is co-chair of the University Information Technology Advisory Committee which helps ensure information technology investments meet the ongoing needs of the university community. Mario sits on two Senate committees including the Senate Committee for Academic Computing and The Senate Committee on Curriculum and Course Changes. External to UM, Mario sits on the Canadian Shared Services Operations Center (CanSSOC) Research Intensive Group of Universities Committee that provides direction on the development of cyber protection solutions. 

Mr. Mike Emslie was appointed Chief Financial Officer/Comptroller of the University of Manitoba effective May 31, 2021.

Mr. Emslie joint the University of Manitoba from the University of Winnipeg where he most recently held the position of Vice President, Finance and Administration at the University of Winnipeg (2016 – 2021). Prior to this position, Mr. Emslie held a variety of positions at the UW since 2007. Prior to joining the UW, Mr. Emslie held a variety of accounting and auditing roles including two years as a Senior Audit Consultant with the University of Manitoba.

Mr. Emslie’s education and professional designations include Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), Chartered Accountant (CA), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), and Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) and Bachelor of Commerce – Honors, University of Manitoba.

As Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Comptroller Mike works to coordinate the activities of Financial Services, the Financial Planning and Budgeting office, and Treasury Services to support the priorities of the University. The CFO and Comptroller is also responsible for the operations of the Pension Office, and Ancillary Services, including Housing, Food Services and Parking.

René Ouellette was appointed Associate Vice-President (Human Resources) at the University of Manitoba effective January 2023. He brings over 20 years of experience in Human Resources management. He has held leadership positions with the Province of Manitoba and at the Manitoba Human Rights Commission, including responsibility for a wide range of complex and sensitive labor, recruitment, compensation and human rights issues. His education includes a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Bachelor of Commerce (honours) degree, with a double major in Human Resource Management and Small Business Management.  Since 2015, he held the position of Vice-President Human Resources & Staff Development with Southern Health-Santé Sud.  

In his current role, René oversees all aspects of human resources including labour relations for six bargaining units, human resource consulting, employee wellness, compensation and benefits, learning and organizational development, and change management and project services. He will be actively involved in multiple university level committees and initiatives.

Janice Martin was appointed the Director of Audit Services at the University of Manitoba effective August 7, 2012. Prior to her appointment at the University, she performed internal audit and consulting services in the public sector and worked at a “Big Four” accounting firm where she performed external audits for several large clients.

Martin’s committee experience includes being a Board of Governors appointed member on the University’s Pension Committees. She is also a former board member and Treasurer of the Winnipeg Chapter of the Institute of Internal Auditors. Martin holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) degree from the University of Manitoba, she is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA), a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) and holds a Certificate in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA). She also has Certificates in Foundations of Trust Management Standards and Advanced Trust Management Standards.

Martin’s expertise lies in governance, risk management and control, and focuses her work on promoting ethical conduct in the workplace.

Janesca Kydd was appointed General Counsel on June 28, 2021. As lead of the Office of Legal Counsel, she oversees approximately 15 lawyers and staff members who work closely together in supporting the University’s efforts in meeting its legal obligations and strategic priorities and in ensuring a fair and respectful work and learning environment.

Janesca joined the University as legal counsel in 2013 and has served as the primary legal advisor for the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, including the Colleges of Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy and Rehabilitation Sciences. Prior to joining the University, Janesca worked with the Manitoba Government in health policy and regulatory development and for a large Winnipeg private law firm.

During her time with the University, Janesca has actively engaged in a number of committees and working groups such as those relating to governance, accreditation and equity, diversity and inclusion. She is dedicated to assisting the University with its efforts in student recruitment, retention, engagement and Indigenous reconciliation.

Janesca is committed to continuous learning and professional development. In 2021 she completed the Business Leadership Program for In-House Counsel with the Rotman School of Management and Canadian Corporate Counsel Association, as well as the Leadership Intensive Program offered by the Asper School of Business.

Karen Meelker became the Executive Director, Office of Risk Compliance in June 2021. Karen has been with the University since 2011 as the Access and Privacy Officer and more recently, the Acting Chief Risk Officer. Karen’s education and training, her depth of knowledge and experience with institutional risk mitigation and regulatory compliance, and her well established and influential leadership role in the University community, ensure that Karen and her team are central to creating and supporting a safe work and learning environment for students, faculty, researchers, and staff.

Karen has led, chaired or been a member of many committees, working groups, and projects at the university related to data and records management, privacy and security assessment processes, digital identity, social media awareness, sexual violence, and many others. Karen was a member of the leadership team at The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation for 5 years, working closely the NCTR’s governing bodies to implement an access to information process for Survivors of residential schools and their families.

Prior to joining the University of Manitoba, Karen was a Senior Policy Analyst with the Manitoba Government specializing in access to information and the protection of privacy.

Bio coming soon.

Sonya Penner was appointed Director of Strategic Initiatives & Communications effective August 12, 2024. She brings over 20 years of leadership experience in higher education. She held leadership positions with the Province of Manitoba and University of Manitoba, including responsibility for advancing key initiatives for the post-secondary education system and international education, and leading large-scale and complex change management and communications plans. Sonya is an alumna of the University of Manitoba, where she completed a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) with a double major in English and Religion. She furthered her education with a Master of Arts in Global Justice, Religion and Culture from Wilfrid Laurier University, and holds a certificate in Prosci Change Management.

As Director of Special Initiatives & Communications, Sonya is responsible for leading, managing and implementing strategic communication activities related to initiatives within the Office of the Vice-President (Administration) and across the VPA portfolio that support the priorities of the University of Manitoba. She will closely liaison with the university's central communications office and be actively involved in several university-wide committees and initiatives. 

Tanjit K. Nagra (she/her) was appointed Director, Office of the Vice-President (Administration) at the University of Manitoba effective May 1, 2024. She is a two-time alumna of the University of Manitoba, holding a Bachelor of Arts in Political Studies and a Master of Business Administration with a double major in Leadership and Organizations and Sustainability. She is also a Chartered Professional of Human Resources (CPHR) Candidate.

Tanjit brings a wealth of experience from her previous roles, including her tenure as Chief Executive Officer of Pharmacists Manitoba, where she was responsible for advising the Board of Directors, managing day-to-day operations, and advancing the pharmacy profession within the province. She has also previously served as Government Relations Officer at the University of Manitoba and held leadership positions in various not-for-profit organizations, including President of the University of Manitoba Students’ Union (UMSU) and Vice-President (Academic) of the University of Manitoba Graduate Students’ Association (UMGSA).

In addition to her professional achievements, Tanjit is an active volunteer, serving on boards for several charitable organizations, including the TELUS Future Friendly Foundation Manitoba and Saskatchewan Community Board and the Sexuality Education Resource Centre – MB.