Announcing the new vice-president (External Relations)

Following a global search, I am pleased to announce that the Board of Governors has approved the appointment of Jason Krips as the vice-president (External Relations) for a five-year term, effective Jan. 1, 2027.

Jason joins the University of Alberta from the Alberta Forest Products Association (AFPA), where he has served as president and CEO since April 2020. In that role, he has worked closely with industry and policymakers to grow Alberta's $14 billion sustainable forest sector. Before joining the AFPA, Jason spent nearly 20 years with the Government of Alberta in senior leadership roles, including six and a half years as Deputy Minister of two ministries: Economic Development, Trade and Tourism, and Agriculture and Forestry. Jason is a two-time U of A graduate (BCom and LLB) and, as a lawyer by training, brings deep experience in industry policy, issues management, team building, and stakeholder engagement.

As a member of the President’s Executive Committee, Jason will lead strategies and initiatives that strengthen the University of Alberta’s reputation and deepen its relationships with the public, government, key partners, and communities, while advancing the university’s fundraising and development priorities. The Office of the Vice-President (External Relations) will work closely with the provost, the vice-presidents, and college and faculty deans to advance the university's reputation, build lasting partnerships, and secure the support that drives our academic mission.

I’d like to thank the members of the search committee and Leaders International Executive Search, who assisted with the recruitment process. I look forward to working closely with Jason when he joins the university in the new year.

Bill Flanagan
President and vice-chancellor