[PDADC-L] Announcement of Senior Appointment - University Relations

MEMORANDUM

DATE: May 11, 2011

TO: Principals, Deans, Academic Directors, and Chairs
Professionals, Managers and Confidential Staff
Governing Council
Academic Board
Business Board
University Affairs Board

FROM: Judith Wolfson, Vice President, University Relations

RE: Announcement of Senior Appointment:
Mr. Michael Kurts, Assistant Vice President,
Strategic Communications and Marketing


I am very pleased to advise you that the Senior Appointments and Compensation Committee of the Governing Council has approved the appointment of Mr. Michael Kurts as Assistant Vice-President, Strategic Communications and Marketing effective June 6, 2011.

Michael brings over 30 years of experience in communications and public service. He is currently the Assistant Deputy Minister, Tourism Policy and Development in the Ministry of Tourism at the Government of Ontario, where he has been working closely with executives in the public and private sectors to address challenges facing the Ontario tourism industry. Prior to his current appointment, Michael held senior communications roles in several ministries in the Ontario Government, including a post as ADM, Corporate Communications in the Cabinet Office and ADM, Canadian Intergovernmental Relations in the Ministry of Intergovernmental Affairs. He also held the position of Director, Public Relations at the Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care, where he worked extensively with volunteers and donors to further the goals of that institution. He began his career in radio and television broadcasting, culminating in a position as Queen’s Park bureau chief for Newsradio Limited.

Michael's leadership skills, combined with his record of achievement, are impressive. Over the course of his career, he has effectively managed large and small teams through complex and challenging initiatives, providing inspiring guidance to staff and colleagues and achieving excellent results.

Michael's breadth of experience will be a major asset in continuing the University’s strategic objectives in its communication and marketing efforts.

Please join me in welcoming Michael to the University of Toronto.