Verna’s Vlog is a series in which Verna Yiu, provost and vice-president (Academic), sits down with some of the incredible people who are a part of the University of Alberta community to share their stories and learn more about what they do.
In this episode, Verna talks with Chris Brunelle, associate vice-president and chief transformation officer for the U of A, and faculty members and senior advisors Jacqueline MacKay and Dr. Vicente Gonzalez-Moret.
Chris Brunelle leads the Office of Strategic Transformation and Delivery (OSTAD) teams as they work on transformative projects spanning the entire university. OSTAD, established in Nov. 2025, brings together transformation expertise and support, helping the university execute complex projects and supporting continuous improvement. Some of the projects currently underway through the office include the Digital Content and Web Transformation and enabling the university community to highlight opportunities for positive change through Initiative Intake and Better By U.
Jacqueline MacKay has an extensive background in industry with significant experience in transformational projects and lean methodology, and is an associate lecturer in the School of Business in addition to her role as senior advisor (Process Improvement & Optimization) in OSTAD. Her perspective brings together industry-tested expertise and the front-line experience of faculty, supporting transformation work and a passion for building capacity by removing complexity and waste.
Vicente Gonzalez-Moret is the inaugural Hal Kvisle Professor and Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Digital Lean Construction in the Faculty of Engineering, and senior advisor (Process Improvement & Optimization) in OSTAD. In addition to his faculty perspective, he has considerable industry experience in Lean and digital transformation and management which he brings to this work.
In this discussion with Verna, the members of the OSTAD team highlight some of the transformative projects taking place across the university — as well as the broader work of nurturing a culture of transformation and continuous improvement at the U of A with respect for people at its core.
Watch previous episodes of Verna’s Vlog.