Last week, Don O’Leary, the University’s vice-president (finance, administration and risk) announced his plans to retire and step down from his position in August 2020.

“Don has been an invaluable member of the University’s senior leadership team,” says Franco Vaccarino, president and vice-chancellor. “His dedication and commitment to excellence and service have been exceptional, have helped to shape this institution and enabled the University of Guelph to grow and thrive.”

Having joined the University in 2011, O’Leary has led numerous institutional initiatives. Most notable include O’Leary’s involvement in helping advance the new University Pension Plan that will include employees at the University of Guelph, University of Toronto and Queen’s University.

During his time at U of G, O’Leary also spearheaded human resources initiatives to support a thriving workforce organization and community. Wellness@Work, the University’s workplace health promotion strategy overseen by O’Leary, has a three-year strategic plan and includes regular workplace wellness programming. O’Leary was also instrumental in the University’s decision to become a smoke-free campus, which it achieved in spring 2019.

Throughout his time at U of G, O’Leary has overseen major capital investments to support the University’s core mission and create a powerful sense of place at U of G.