Staffing Update

Dear Colleagues, 

We are writing to share news of upcoming changes to two leadership positions at UTC St. George and the University of Toronto Mississauga.  

Jane Stirling, Executive Director of Communications, UTM, has kindly agreed to a secondment to the position of Executive Director, Internal Communications, UTC (St. George), to cover for Marit Mitchell, who will be on maternity leave.  The term of the secondment will run from Oct. 16, 2023, to Jan. 6, 2025. Jane will report to Catherine Riddell, AVP Communications, and lead a portfolio responsible for the creation of public relations campaigns, integrated marketing and communication plans, and engagement strategies for internal audiences. Jane will lead U of T’s newly formed internal communications and student communications tables. During her secondment at the St. George campus, Jane will also serve as Special Advisor, Communications, to UTM Vice-President & Principal, Alexandra Gillespie. She will be on campus at 167 College Street one to two days a week, and as needed for meetings.  

Nicolle Wahl, Director of Marketing and Communications, UTM, has accepted a new position at Sheridan College as its Chief Communications & Marketing Officer. Nicolle joined U of T Public Affairs (St. George) as a news services officer in 2002, a position she held for 3 years. In 2006, she was appointed manager of communications in the Office of Advancement at UTM. Over the past 17 years, she has held increasingly senior positions, overseeing publications, social media, videography, design, web content, and communications strategy. In addition, she has led high-visibility projects such as VIP events, a website overhaul, brand and campaign launches and the growth of the UTM communications team. Nicolle’s last day at UTM will be Wednesday, Oct. 25.   

While today’s news is a testament to the depth of talent across our tri-campus network of professional communicators, we’re very aware of the impact it creates. 

UTM will take this opportunity to review the deliverables associated with the Executive Director position to ensure they best support UTM's long-term needs.  Following this work, the position will be posted. During this transition, we have asked Patricia Lonergan to serve as UTM’s interim director of communications and marketing, effective Thursday, Oct. 26. We have full confidence in Patricia, as does every member of UTM’s leadership team. For those of you who don’t know Patricia, she is a thoughtful, collaborative and experienced leader. She is looking forward to working with you in this new capacity, and we are grateful to her for stepping forward during this period. 

U of T is committed to cultivating a resilient, innovative and flourishing workforce, and to empowering opportunities for professional growth and exceptional leadership. Please join us in extending our heartfelt congratulations to Jane, Nicolle, and Patricia.