Saeed Zolfaghari appointed university’s vice-president, administration and operations

I am pleased to announce that Saeed Zolfaghari has been appointed vice-president, administration and operations (VPAO); he will begin the new role on January 10, 2022.

The Administration and Operations portfolio at Ryerson consists of seven units that work collaboratively with colleagues across the university. The portfolio focuses on people, infrastructure, and operations ensuring that students, faculty and staff can call Ryerson a vibrant place to learn and work.

Saeed brings years of experience in administration and leadership to his new role at the university. Most recently, from 2020-21, he was interim provost and vice-president, academic, serving as the university’s chief academic officer and chief operating officer at a time marked by the challenges of the pandemic. In that position he also co-chaired both the Truth and Reconciliation Strategic Working Group and the Presidential Implementation Committee to Confront Anti-Black Racism.

Prior to his time as interim provost, Saeed served as vice-provost, faculty affairs for six years,  where his responsibilities included setting strategic direction for appointments of faculty and contract lecturers and overseeing programs that foster faculty development and renewal. From 2010-2014 he was senior advisor, academic space planning.

As an administrator and leader, Saeed is a positive, inclusive, compassionate and supportive  colleague, noted for being well-organized, detail-oriented and approachable, with excellent problem-solving and interpersonal skills. He has a strong and demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and a profound dedication to the well-being of Ryerson and its community.

Saeed earned his bachelor and master’s degrees in Industrial Engineering in Iran, obtaining a PhD in mechanical engineering from the University of Ottawa in 1997, and joining Ryerson in 1999 as a tenure-track assistant professor with the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering. 

He was program director for industrial engineering from 2004 to 2012, and is a recognized expert in his research field of operations management, simulation modelling and analysis, and loyalty reward programs. He has been active in many volunteer opportunities in the community and professional societies, and was inducted as a Fellow into the Engineering Institute of Canada, recognizing his excellence and service to the profession and to society.

Please join me in welcoming Saeed to his new role.

I would also like to thank Deborah Brown, the outgoing vice-president, for her contributions to our university over the past four years. Deborah’s leadership has been integral to the university’s ability to navigate the impact that the pandemic has had on our campus and our community. Thank you Deborah, for your commitment to Ryerson and for your guidance in preparing our community for a return to campus. 

Finally, I would also like to thank members of the search committee. They are listed below.

Mohamed Lachemi
President and Vice-Chancellor

Members of the search committee for Vice-President, Administration and Operations:

Tony Conte
Executive Program Director, Future of Work Project

Marwan El Chafei
Director, Hospitality Services, University Business Services

Charles Falzon
Dean, The Creative School

Jennifer Grass
Assistant Vice-President, University Relations

Janet Hercz
Executive Director, Business Operations and Space Planning, Facilities Management and Development

Roberta Iannacito-Provenzano
Vice-Provost, Faculty Affairs

Brian Lesser
Chief Information Officer

Joanne McKee
Chief Financial Officer

Jenny O’Donnell
Chief Human Resources Officer

Denise O’Neil Green
Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion