President appoints ombudsperson and director of human rights

Lorna R. Marsden, president and vice-chancellor of York University, has announced that Fiona Crean has been appointed ombudsperson and director of human rights for York University. Crean brings to her new role an extensive background in public and private sector organizations.



Right: Fiona Crean


Prior to her appointment at York, Crean operated an independent consulting practice, focused on governance, human rights and equity, conflict resolution and capacity building at both the institutional and community level in the public and not-for-profit sectors. She has been involved in significant international development work in Central and South America, Eastern Europe and southern Africa and has worked extensively in First Nations and Inuit communities in Canada.


As a career public servant for more than 20 years, Crean developed strong expertise in leading complex change. She was the executive director of the Ontario Ombudsman’s office and served as the temporary ombudsman. In the late 1980s, she was responsible for developing and implementing the municipal Employment Equity program for the City of Toronto. Prior to her role with the Ontario Ombudsman’s office, Crean was responsible for investigating and mediating human rights complaints with the Ontario Human Rights Commission. 


Gill Teiman to document the history of human rights and equity at York


Gill Teiman will move from her current role in the Centre for Human Rights & Equity to a new position as special assistant to the president. Teiman will be responsible for documenting the history of human rights and equity at York University in a special project which is part of York University’s 50th anniversary in 2009.



Right: Gill Teiman


Teiman will be combing York’s archives and tapping the memories of members of the York community. She will be located in 308 Founders and can be reached by e-mail at gteiman@yorku.ca. Teiman welcomes any and all contributions to the history project.