The University of Manitoba campuses and research spaces are located on original lands of Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak, Anisininewuk, Dakota Oyate, Dene and Inuit, and on the National Homeland of the Red River Métis. More
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada, R3T 2N2
Get to know the leaders who guide and inspire the work of the James W. Burns Leadership Institute.
Chief Executive Officer, Treaty One Development Corporation
Kathleen Bluesky is CEO of Treaty One Development Corporation, where she leads the major redevelopment of Naawi Oodena in Winnipeg. With over two decades of executive leadership and an MBA from the Asper School of Business, she founded Seven Feathers Consulting and serves as Vice-Chair of the First Nation Market Housing Fund, contributing to Indigenous economic development and community growth.
Indigenous Business Relations Executive-in-Residence, Asper School of Business, Founder of SHEanalytics
Mary Jane is the founder and CEO of SHEanalytics and a longstanding leader in advancing women’s and Indigenous inclusion. A CPA and University of Manitoba BComm graduate with an MA in Native Studies, she previously held executive roles at RRC Polytech, the University of Manitoba, IBM Canada, and Women’s Enterprise Centre. She co-founded SHEday and serves on several boards supporting inclusion and economic growth.
Senior Vice-President, Treasurer and Finance Transformation - IGM Financial
Andrea leads IGM Financial’s corporate sustainability program, overseeing ESG strategy, disclosures, stakeholder engagement, and financial risk oversight. A Chartered Financial Analyst with over 25 years of experience in finance and agriculture, she’s passionate about linking finance and sustainability. She holds a BComm (Hons.) from the University of Manitoba.
Associate Dean Professional Graduate Programs, Canada Life Chair in Leadership Education, and Director, James W. Burns Leadership Institute
Dr. Gagnon is a leadership scholar whose work focuses on identity, inclusion, and leadership development in organizations. She directs the James W. Burns Leadership Institute and advances graduate research programs at the Asper School. Her research is published in leading management journals. She holds a PhD from Lancaster University and a master's degree from Oxford University.
Provost and Vice-President (Academic), University of Manitoba
Dr. Hiebert-Murphy has served as Provost and Vice-President (Academic) since 2021, bringing extensive experience as a researcher, clinician, and academic leader. A Professor of Clinical Psychology, she holds a BSW, MA, and PhD from the University of Manitoba. Her nationally funded research focuses on supporting families of young children with disabilities and those impacted by violence.
Senior Writer and Editor, Global Women's Coverage, Voice of America
Lisa leads a special project at Voice of America on how the network’s 45-language service covers women worldwide. She was previously editor-at-large at Bloomberg News in New York, leading global women’s coverage and a ‘Managing Diversity’ team. She has won a Front Page Award from the Newswomen’s Club of New York and a YWCA of New York ‘Salute’ Award. She holds an MS in Journalism from Northwestern University and an undergraduate degree in Business from the University of Manitoba.
Board Member, Engineers Canada, Director of Cyber Security and Enterprise Architecture - Manitoba Hydro
Dawn is a senior engineering and cybersecurity leader at Manitoba Hydro, where she oversees corporate cybersecurity, risk management, and enterprise architecture. A Computer Engineering graduate from the University of Manitoba, she is a Fellow of Engineers Canada, a Senior Member of IEEE, and a Past President of Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba.
Associate Professor, Asper School of Business, University of Manitoba and PSLP Co-Instructor
Dr. Neville is an associate professor of organizational behaviour at the Asper School of Business whose research examines trust, conflict recovery, and forgiveness in workplaces. His SSHRC-funded work appears in leading management and psychology journals. He teaches in the BComm, MBA, and Executive Education programs and has received multiple awards for excellence in teaching and research.
Co-Founder, CEO - SEVA Capital Canada
Shreeraj is an experienced financial leader with over 20 years of experience in commercial and corporate banking, including senior roles at BMO and as Vice President of Commercial Financial Services at RBC. He co-founded SEVA Capital Canada in 2025 and serves on several boards, including CentrePort Canada and the University of Manitoba. He holds a BComm (Hons.) from the University of Manitoba and an MBA from the University of Phoenix.
Senior Portfolio Manager & Senior Wealth Advisor, Wellington-Altus Private Wealth Inc. (Chair)
Colin is a CFA charterholder and nationally recognized wealth advisor with decades of experience serving high-net-worth and institutional clients. A former executive leader for the Prairie Region, he has been honoured by Wealth Professional and The Globe and Mail. He holds a BComm (Hons.) from the University of Manitoba and completed executive programs at Wharton and Rotman.
Chief Executive Officer, Actionmarguerite
Micheline is CEO of Actionmarguerite, where she leads care and support services for more than 600 residents alongside 900 staff. She brings extensive leadership experience from Manitoba’s health network and is known for championing the Compassion Project. She holds degrees in gerontology and business and serves on the board of the Manitoba Association for Safety in Healthcare. She is a recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal.
Burns Leadership Institute Leader-In-Residence, and Agile Change Advisor
Keren is an Agile Change Advisor and former CEO of Harvest Manitoba, bringing deep experience in leading transformation across non-profits, public organizations, and industry. She has guided major change initiatives across Canada and the US, drawing on a background in child welfare, healthcare, manufacturing, and community leadership. She has served on numerous boards and contributed to national media.
Senior Vice-President Finance and Operations, Global Investments, Canada Life
Doug is a senior executive with over 30 years of experience in the financial and insurance industries. He is Senior Vice-President of Finance and Operations for Great-West Lifeco’s Global Investments business and has held key leadership roles across the company, including oversight of rebranding and amalgamation efforts. He holds a BComm (Hons.) from the University of Manitoba and is a Fellow CPA, FCA, and CFA charterholder.
President & CEO, Vehicle Technology Centre Inc.
Ron has over 40 years of experience in heavy equipment and vehicle design and manufacturing. Since 2003, he has been part of the Vehicle Technology Centre, where he now serves as President and CEO. He leads initiatives that strengthen collaboration and drive innovation across Manitoba’s manufacturing sector and is recognized for his leadership.
JWBLI Leader-In-Residence
Connie is the former President and CEO of United Way Winnipeg, where she led major social innovation initiatives and supported a network of more than 125 community agencies. She previously held senior roles with the City of Winnipeg in strategic planning and public service. Connie holds a Bachelor of Nursing and an MBA from the University of Manitoba and has received the Order of Manitoba, the province’s highest honour.
Vice-President Academic, Red River College Polytechnic
Dr. Watson has served as Vice-President Academic at Red River College Polytechnic since 2016, leading academic strategy, program innovation, and educational transformation across the College. A scholar of English literature, she holds a BA from UBC, an MA from Queen’s University, and a PhD from the University of Queensland, and is committed to strengthening education’s impact in Manitoba.
Professor, Entrepreneurship and Finance, IG Wealth Management Chair in Leadership Research
Dr. Wu is a Professor of Entrepreneurship and Finance whose research focuses on entrepreneurial finance, corporate governance, and family business. He joined the Asper School of Business in 2011 and holds a PhD, MBA, and MA from the University of Calgary. His work appears widely in leading journals, including several on the Financial Times 50 list, and he serves as Canada Research Chair (Tier II) in Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
James W. Burns Leadership Institute
Room 359 Drake Centre
181 Freedman Cres.
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry Campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 5V4