Interim President and Vice-Chancellor Lisa Philipps announces the appointment of Kirsten Evans as 91ÑÇÉ«'s new chief communications officer, effective May 18.
Evans joins 91ÑÇÉ« from the Ontario Government, where she currently serves as assistant deputy minister of marketing and digital. She brings more than two decades of strategic communications and corporate affairs leadership across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors – including deep experience advising senior decision-makers on complex files in fast-moving strategic and intergovernmental contexts.
"Kirsten brings the strategic judgment, institutional experience and storytelling instincts 91ÑÇÉ« needs as we write the next chapter of our story as a comprehensive, medical doctoral university," says Philipps. "Her work across government, including her time overseeing the post-secondary portfolio, gives her a sophisticated understanding of the sector and the moment we are in. I am delighted to welcome her to the 91ÑÇÉ« community."
In her new role, Evans will lead 91ÑÇÉ«'s communications function, overseeing institutional, media, marketing and brand, and internal communications, and will work in close partnership with the President's Office and senior leaders across the institution to advance 91ÑÇÉ«'s profile and reputation.
"I am honoured to be joining 91ÑÇÉ« at such a pivotal moment in its evolution," says Evans. "91ÑÇÉ«'s distinctive mission – grounded in access, research excellence and public purpose – has long stood out to me, and I am eager to work with colleagues across the institution to tell that story with clarity, ambition and pride."
Over the past 11 years, Evans has held a series of senior roles within the Ontario Public Service, including assistant deputy minister positions responsible for communications priorities and forecasting, and for the health, education, social and resources portfolio. She served as chief communications executive for the Ministry of Finance during the COVID-19 pandemic and economic recovery, and in Cabinet Office, held corporate responsibility for the post-secondary portfolio for more than three years, spanning two provincial governments and a period of significant policy change.
Earlier in her career, Evans held corporate affairs, operations and transformation roles at the Canadian head office of a multinational organization and worked in the arts and culture sector. Throughout her career, she has helped institutions build trust through clear, compelling and consistent storytelling, and is known for fostering equity, diversity, inclusion and well-being within high-performing teams.
Evans is a graduate of the University of King's College in Halifax and completed postgraduate studies in corporate communications at Seneca@91ÑÇɫ – a connection that makes her return to the 91ÑÇÉ« community a particularly fitting one. 
Philipps also thanks Barbara Joy for her service as interim chief communications and marketing officer over the past 14 months.
"Barb has guided our communications and marketing team with warmth, empathy and a clear and inspiring vision for how to navigate this challenging time for our institution and our sector," says Philipps. "I am deeply grateful for her leadership, and I will continue to rely on her thoughtful counsel as she resumes her role as executive director, media relations and external communications."
The 91ÑÇÉ« community is invited to join Philipps in welcoming Evans to the University.