NAIT names chief strategy officer to help achieve long-term vision
Lara McClelland has joined NAIT in the newly-created position of chief strategy officer, where she will help guide growth and achieve the institute’s long-term vision.
“We are thrilled to have Lara on our executive team,” said Dr. Glenn Feltham, NAIT president and CEO. “She joins NAIT at a pivotal time in our history, as we begin implementing our long-term vision - NAIT 2021 – to become the most relevant and responsive post-secondary institution in Canada and one of the world’s leading polytechnics.”
McClelland has an extensive background in strategic planning with the Government of Alberta. She was most recently employed as the director of a corporate services branch of Alberta Infrastructure, overseeing a $1.3-billion budget. Among many notable accomplishments, McClelland authored the Alberta Health and Wellness strategic policy document, Vision 2020: The Future of Health Care in Alberta.
“I am over-the-moon to be part of NAIT’s executive team,” McClelland said. “The positive spirit, can-do attitude and value-based culture are inspiring. This is a great time to be involved in strategic planning and its execution within NAIT.”
The chief strategy officer position was created to support the development of a new long-term strategy for NAIT. This includes a strategic agenda to achieve NAIT 2021, ensuring alignment between department strategies and NAIT 2021, and supporting priority-setting within a strategic plan. The position will also manage NAIT’s planning and reporting cycles, identify performance measures that align with NAIT 2021 and provide assistance in overall strategy development and planning at various levels across the institute.
“I describe strategy as an art and a craft,” said McClelland. “The art is generating enthusiasm and momentum towards a greater vision for an organization and the craft is the tools and tactics that support effective implementation and success.”
About NAIT
NAIT is one of Canada’s leading polytechnics, with almost 80,000 registrations worldwide in key areas including science, technology and the environment, business, health and trades. Known for real-world education and student success, NAIT also engages with business and industry in applied research and innovation and provides corporate training around the world. NAIT enrolled its first students - 29 communication electrician apprentices - in 1962 and this year celebrates its 50th anniversary.
For more information, please contact:
Frank Landry
NAIT Media Relations
P 780.471.8450 C 780.916.8307 E flandry@nait.ca