Heather Takahashi (BA '04) has been appointed the Associate Vice-President (Human Resources) at the University of Lethbridge effective January 1, 2024.

She has been with the University since September 2018, serving as a Senior HR Consultant and later as the Director of HR Services and Strategic Initiatives. She has also served as the Interim Associate Vice-President (HR) since February 2023. Prior to her appointments at the University, she worked at Alberta Health Services in Medicine Hat from 2011-2018 as an Advisor, HR Business Partnerships and from 2005-2011 with the Workers’ Safety & Compensation Commission in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. 

In addition to her BA from ULethbridge, her professional credentials include the Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation.

The 19 years of human resources experience that she brings to the role are significant. Her well-rounded HR experience includes recruitment and on-boarding, employee and labour relations, classification and compensation, complaints and investigations processes, training programs, employee wellbeing, payroll, pension and benefits and HR information systems.  She has great strength in human resources strategy and this will be of great benefit to the University as we update our strategic plan and people plan. She will also ensure that equity, diversity, inclusion, and indigenization are integrated into our human resources services and programs.

“I am very pleased that Heather has joined the senior leadership team at the University," says Nancy Walker (BMgt '82), Vice-President (Finance & Administration). She has already contributed to improving our human resources systems and I look forward to her further input.

"She possesses a strong work ethic and the ability to see the larger picture. She has already built effective working relationships with many members of our community, by establishing trust, credibility and demonstrating care and sensitivity. Please join me in welcoming Heather to this new role at the University.”