OCAD University is pleased to announce that Chervahun Emilien, CPA, CA, is joining the University as vice-president, Finance and Administration on July 27. Her appointment was approved by the University’s Board of Governors on July 16.
An executive leader with more than 20 years of experience in finance, corporate services, strategic planning, governance and systems modernization, Emilien brings a proven track record of strengthening organizations through sound financial stewardship, operational excellence, and innovative and collaborative leadership.
“We are delighted to welcome Chervahun to our senior leadership team. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a commitment to collaborative leadership, sound financial and institutional stewardship, strong governance and public accountability. Her experience and expertise will greatly support OCAD U as we advance our strategic priorities and build on OCAD U’s 150 years of rich legacy of creativity, innovation and impact,” says OCAD U President and Vice-Chancellor Ana Serrano.
Prior to joining OCAD U, Emilien was Chief Financial Officer at Kwantlen Polytechnic University where she led a broad portfolio, which included financial operations, budgeting, procurement, policy, internal audit, reporting, capital planning, and executive decision-support in a multi-campus, unionized university environment.
In that role, she modernized the budget process, introduced a more structured multi-year planning approach, created greater discipline in capital planning and prioritization, and supported major institutional initiatives, including a student housing development and an Indigenous partnership day-care centre, through executive sponsorship, financial leadership, financial modelling and governance coordination. Her work also contributed to revenue diversification, policy development and the modernization of core administrative systems.
“As OCAD U prepares to mark 150 years as a cornerstone of art and design education in Canada, I am honoured to join the University at this milestone moment,” says Emilien. “I look forward to working with President Serrano, the senior leadership team, the Finance and Administration portfolio and the broader university community to support OCAD U’s creative and academic mission. As the University looks ahead to its next chapter, I am committed to bringing thoughtful stewardship, collaborative leadership and institutional strength to the work to come.”
Emilien’s career includes serving for many years in broader corporate and shared-services leadership positions in the Government of the Northwest Territories, including director, Shared Corporate Services; executive director, Finance and Employee Shared Services; and assistant comptroller general and superintendent of Insurance.
Across these roles, Emilien developed expertise in governance, stewardship, regulatory oversight, public accountability, and executive decision-support in highly accountable public sector environments with breadth across finance, risk, shared services, planning, policy and administrative operations. Additionally, she has experience working closely with Indigenous communities to support equitable access, career development and culturally informed practices.
Emilien is a chartered professional accountant and chartered accountant (CPA, CA). She holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Finance from Saint Mary’s University and is in the process of completing a Master of Public Administration Management from Dalhousie University.
Thank you to Alan Simms
President Serrano extends her appreciation to Alan Simms as he retires from the position of vice-president, Finance and Administration, having been in the position for the past 13 years.
“During his time at OCAD U, which included our multi-year navigation through the COVID pandemic, Alan brought strategic leadership to the Finance and Administration portfolio and as a member of the Executive Team. Among his many contributions, he strengthened the University’s financial and operational foundation to better align resources with strategic priorities and support long-term financial sustainability. He also oversaw major capital projects that have enhanced our campus and championed initiatives to integrate sustainable practices into campus planning and our infrastructure. We wish him well as he begins life-after-OCAD U, effective July 31, 2026,” says President Serrano.
Thank you to search committee members
President Serrano chaired the search committee, with the assistance of executive search firm, Boyden. She extends her sincere appreciation to the committee members for their work in selecting the new vice-president, Finance and Administration: Glenda Crisp, Board of Governors member and chair, Audit, Finance and Risk Committee; Dr. Sandra Gabriele, vice-president, Academic and Provost; Dr. Ashok Mathur, vice-president, Research and Dean, School of Graduate Studies; Faculty members Jana Macalik, Neal Prabhu, and Charles Reeve; Annie Qui, controller; Nick Hooper, director, Facilities and Studio Services; student representative Ashton Reed; and Connie Arezes-Reis, executive director, People and Culture (non-voting).
