Krishan Mehta appointed Vice-President, University Advancement and Alumni Relations at TMU

I am pleased to announce that Krishan Mehta has been appointed Toronto Metropolitan University’s next vice-president, university advancement and alumni relations, beginning January 29th, 2024.

An experienced and respected leader in fundraising, stewardship and alumni engagement, Krishan has been a valued member of the TMU community since 2013. He has most recently served as assistant vice-president, engagement, where he provided strategic counsel and guidance on the university’s philanthropic activities and alumni relations as a member of the senior advancement team. He also served as a practice lead and solicitor for several key academic priorities and signature projects.

Proven leadership in philanthropy, engagement and stewardship 

With over 25 years of experience in higher education advancement, Krishan is a collaborative and strategic leader with expertise in campaigns, diaspora philanthropy, principal and major gifts, alumni engagement and donor relationships. He also has extensive experience in forging innovative collaborations between academic leaders, senior staff and university executives, particularly on initiatives that have an interdisciplinary focus, involve seed funding, or address pan-university interests. He has built many transformational partnerships at TMU and other post-secondary institutions, led campaign volunteer groups, modernized alumni governance and successfully expanded loyalty-building opportunities globally.

Prior to his arrival at TMU, Krishan held a number of senior fundraising roles at the University of Toronto and served as the executive director of marketing and advancement at Seneca Polytechnic. He also leads the fundraising management certificate program at The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education and teaches in Carleton University’s graduate program in philanthropy and nonprofit leadership. Krishan has a PhD from the University of Toronto and his research explores the philanthropy of newcomer and diaspora communities in Canada.

Krishan is an active volunteer in the charitable sector and currently serves on the board of the Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education. He has received a number of regional and international accolades for his leadership in philanthropy, education and equity, and is a frequent speaker, writer and commentator on a variety of topics across the giving landscape.

The role of vice-president, university advancement and alumni relations

The vice-president, university advancement reports to the president and is a key member of the university’s executive team. In this role, Krishan will be responsible for providing guidance and strategic counsel for the design, implementation and assessment of the university's advancement, fundraising and alumni relations activities, with an eye on enhancing the university's image and reputation as both an international academic leader and a responsible steward of our diverse community.  

As vice-president, Krishan will lead a team in generating support for the university’s academic priorities with the ultimate goal of building and maintaining positive and strong relationships with alumni, donors, stakeholders and partners. He will also oversee the planning and growth of programs and projects that meaningfully engage alumni and friends of the university.

I look forward to working with Krishan as we continue to build TMU’s reputation as Canada’s leading comprehensive innovation university.

I would like to thank Rivi Frankle for the exceptional support and guidance she has provided in the role of interim vice-president, university advancement and alumni relations over the last year. Her leadership has enabled the university to move our advancement and alumni relations agenda forward during this time of transition.

Selection Committee

I also wish to thank all members of the search committee for their time and contributions to this important search:

• Teresa Chan, Dean, School of Medicine and Vice-President, Medical Affairs
• Rivi Frankle, Interim Vice-President, University Advancement and Alumni Relations 
• Suzanne Heft, Senior Director, Development, Principal Gifts Strategy
• Roberta Iannacito-Provenzano. Provost and Vice-President, Academic 
• John MacRitchie, Assistant Vice-President, Zone Learning & Strategic Initiatives
• Joanne McKee, Chief Financial Officer
• Jenny O'Donnell, Chief Human Resources Officer
• Paul Roth, Director, The Image Centre
• Bala Venkatesh, Academic Director & Head, Centre for Urban Energy
• Donna E. Young, Dean, Lincoln Alexander School of Law

Please join me in welcoming Krishan as our new vice-president, university advancement and alumni relations.

Mohamed Lachemi, President and Vice-Chancellor