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.

Darlene Smith was appointed Associate Vice-President (Human Resources) at the University of Manitoba effective July 2019. She joined the University of Manitoba in 2014 as the Director of Client Services. Prior to joining the university community, Darlene held leadership HR roles in a broad cross section of industries including financial services, insurance, consulting, and transportation. She has also been an instructor for many years, teaching a variety of HR-related training courses as part of formal certification programs.

In her current role, Darlene Smith oversees all aspects of human resources including labour relations for 6 bargaining units, human resource consulting, employee wellness, compensation and benefits, learning and organizational development, and change management and project services. She has also been actively involved in multiple university level committees and initiatives including the AMA Steering Committee, the RWLE/SV Steering Committee, the next Generation Web Experience Project Board, the Data Warehouse, and the HRIS Project Board.

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.