Gary Brewer reappointed to third term as VP finance & administration

President & Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri has reappointed Gary Brewer for a third term as York’s vice-president finance & administration. The appointment, which was made after extensive consultation, was approved by the Board of Governors on Friday, May 27, and will take effect July 1, 2011.

“I am pleased to confirm the reappointment of Gary Brewer,” said Shoukri. “His ongoing leadership and collaborative approach has helped our University achieve its goals and objeGary Brewerctives. I commend Gary for his commitment to the success of this University and the broader York community we serve, and look forward to working with him in the future.”

Right: Gary Brewer

Among his many achievements, Brewer has been instrumental in helping to develop and grow the University’s infrastructure. Of particular note are the many buildings that have been recently renovated or constructed, including the Accolade buildings, the Sherman Health Science Research Centre, Osgoode Hall Law School’s renovation and expansion, the Life Sciences Building and the combined Archives of Ontario/York Research Tower project.

In 2007, Brewer was also responsible for completing a comprehensive review of York’s budget processes, which led to the implementation of the Integrated Resource Planning (IRP) framework. The IRP framework is intended to help York advance its academic goals and support decision making through the effective integration of institutional planning activities and the alignment of University resources with strategic academic priorities.

He has also implemented an Enterprise Risk Management framework, and has consistently provided sound financial leadership in the difficult fiscal environment and uncertain planning context faced by the University. Most recently, he has been working closely with Vice-President Academic & Provost Patrick Monahan on the Process Re-engineering & Service Enhancement (PRASE) initiative and the Better Workplace strategy to help ensure the University is well-positioned to meet the challenges ahead by investing in its people and optimizing its services and operations.

Brewer began his career at IBM Canada before moving to Ontario Hydro, where he served more than 10 years in various roles. He joined the University in 1995, and has been in his current position since 2002. He has an MBA and a bachelor of applied science from the University of Toronto, and since 1982, has been registered as a professional engineer.

In addition to his roles at York, he is also a member of the boards of the Canadian Association of University Business Officers and the Ontario Education Cooperative Marketplace.