RDP welcomes new Associate Vice President, Academic

Mar 12, 2024

Chad smiles with arms folded wearing a grey sweater over a burgundy collared shirt.

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) is pleased to announce Chad Flinn is the institution’s new Associate Vice President, Academic (AVPA). Bringing a wealth of experience in education, research and administration, Mr. Flinn is an excellent addition to the Polytechnic’s leadership team.

In this role, Mr. Flinn will play a key part in promoting teaching excellence and academic integrity across RDP. He will lead efforts in program expansion, quality assurance and the enhancement of learning and teaching standards. His responsibilities include guiding the Career Education and Experience Development (CEED) department and the Centre for Teaching, Learning and Scholarship (CTLS).

“Mr. Flinn’s extensive experience and innovative approach to education make him the ideal candidate to help us continue to evolve and meet the needs of our students and the community,” says Lindsay Engel, Vice President, Academic and Student Experience. “His proven leadership and commitment to Indigenization, as well as equity, diversity and inclusion, align well with our strategic goals and the type of institution we strive to be.”

“I am deeply honoured and excited to join the Red Deer Polytechnic team. Education is not just about imparting knowledge; it's about creating an environment where every student can thrive, innovate, and contribute to our community's growth,” comments Chad Flinn, RDP’s new Associate Vice President, Academic.

“I am committed to fostering an academic culture at RDP that is inclusive, forward-thinking, and aligned with the evolving needs of our students and industry. Together, we will build pathways that not only lead to academic excellence but also instill a lifelong passion for learning, discovery, and making a meaningful impact.”

Having previously served as Dean of Trades and Technology at Medicine Hat College, Mr. Flinn led the development of the Centre for Innovation and a comprehensive Work-integrated Learning framework. His efforts have not only transformed educational environments but also significantly contributed to the practical and industry-aligned educational offerings, with sustainability at the forefront.

Mr. Flinn has been recognized nationally and internationally for his contributions to improving apprenticeship education and integrating EDI principles into educational programs. His leadership within the National Council of Deans of Apprenticeship, Trades, and Technology, and his contributions to the Commonwealth of Learning, have notably expanded his global outlook and engagement strategies.

Mr. Flinn will begin his new role at RDP on April 1, 2024.

Related News

RDP Welcomes New Chief Human Resources Officer

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) is pleased to welcome Cristal Glass-Painchaud to the role of Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) and Executive Director of People & Culture. An experienced and thoughtful human resources leader, Ms. Glass-Painchaud brings over 25 years of experience as an educator, post-secondary leader, and human resources (HR) professional. “We are very pleased to have Ms. Glass-Painchaud join the Red Deer Polytechnic team. Her experience as an HR executive within higher education and her emphasis on diversity and collaboration in the workplace will make her a valuable addition to RDP,” comments Stuart Cullum, President, RDP. “An advocate for the polytechnic model of experiential education, innovative learning methods and spaces, and a believer in the power of lifelong learning, Ms. Glass-Painchaud will play a key role leading our dedicated People & Culture team and advancing the implementation of our 2030 Strategic Plan – in particular, Strategic Driver #7: Employer of Choice.” Ms. Glass-Painchaud joins RDP from CGP HR Services where she was Principal Consultant. Prior to that she held the role of Associate Vice President, Human Resource at Royal Roads University, as well as senior administration and faculty positions at Saskatchewan Polytechnic. She holds a BEd from the University

RDP welcomes Blayne Meek to leadership team

RDP welcomes Blayne Meek to leadership team

Red Deer Polytechnic is pleased to announce the appointment of Blayne Meek as Associate Vice President of Marketing and Communications. “I am delighted to welcome Ms. Meek to the Red Deer Polytechnic leadership team,” comments Patrick Machacek, Vice President, Development and Partnerships. “Blayne brings extensive marketing and brand development experience to RDP and will provide exceptional leadership to her team and the Polytechnic as we strive to grow and enhance our profile at a provincial, national and international level.” Among her areas of expertise are brand development, traditional and digital marketing, strategic communications and change management in the post-secondary, public and private sectors. Most recently, she worked as Director of Marketing and Communications at Olds College of Agriculture & Technology where she played an integral role in evolving the brand of the institution into a national leader in agriculture technology education and applied research. “I am thrilled to join the Red Deer Polytechnic team,” comments Ms. Meek. "RDP is an institution with strong regional roots and global impact. I’m looking forward to working with the team to continue our brand evolution through compelling content creation that tells the story of our students, employees and partners.” Ms. Meek began her new

Doug Mackie

RDP welcomes new Director of Risk, Privacy and Legal Services

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) is pleased to welcome Doug Mackie as the institution’s new Director of Risk, Privacy and Legal Services. “We are thrilled to welcome Doug to our institution,” says Jim Brinkhurst, Vice President of Finance and Administration & CFO at RDP. “Doug's extensive experience in risk management, security, safety, and emergency management, paired with his educational background, makes him an ideal fit for this role. His expertise will contribute significantly to the development and implementation of comprehensive risk management strategies at our institution.” Mr. Mackie joins RDP from the University of Lethbridge, where he served as the Executive Director of Campus Safety. In his previous role at the Canadian Museum of Human Rights as a Security Analyst, Mr. Mackie conducted an enterprise-wide, harmonized Risk and Threat Assessment, leading to the creation of a risk/security management framework. His diverse and comprehensive background in risk management will be invaluable in his new role at Red Deer Polytechnic. Mr. Mackie’s career highlights include obtaining a Security Management Diploma from the University of Alberta, achieving Canadian Risk Management (CRM) and Certified Protection Professional (CPP) designations. He is currently pursuing a master's degree in executive leadership at Royal Roads University. Mr. Mackie began