MRFA Executive Board Elections – Asynchronous All Candidates’ Forum

The following Members have been nominated to fill the 2024 – 2025/26 Executive Board positions. Members are encouraged to review the nominees’ campaign statements (available in written and/or recorded format). All members will receive a ballot to vote online following the 2024 AGM.

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Brenda Lang, Fixed Term Lecturer in General Management and HR – Candidate for MRFA President

• Recorded Campaign Statement

Janet Miller, Professor in Counselling – Candidate for Communications Officer

• Recorded Campaign Statement
• Written Campaign Statement
  • Hello! My name is Dr. Janet Miller, and I’m a Professor from the Department of Student Counselling. In addition to being a counselling psychologist and researcher, I’m a former-chair, a long-time editor of a national newsletter in my field, and for the past five years I’ve served as the university’s Chair Support Coordinator.  As a long-time employee (more than 25 years here) I’m delighted to say that I still love my job, this place, and our Association. If elected as your Communications Officer, I’ll strive to represent the many perspectives and intersecting identities that make up our vibrant community. I’m interested in promoting connection and I will endeavor to be respectful of our diversity and our depth in all the ways that I can.  As a good listener, proud faculty member, and grateful guest on Treaty 7 land, I’ll do my best to be a strong advocate and representative. I look forward to learning from, and serving in, this role.  

Colin Martin, Sessional Lecturer in English, Languages, and Cultures – Candidate for Contract Member Officer

• Recorded Campaign Statement

Pearl Herscovitch, Associate Professor in the Library – Candidate for Academic Policy and Governance Officer

• Recorded Campaign Statement
• Written Campaign Statement
  • I’m Pearl Herscovitch, Associate Professor in the Library, campaigning for the role of Academic Policy and Governance Officer. I’ve served on General Faculties Council and its predecessor Academic Council for many terms. My membership on GFC subcommittees such as Academic Programs and Curriculum Committee, Bylaws Committee, Teaching and Learning Committee give me the background necessary to work with the MRFA executive on matters related to academic policy and governance. My contributions as a member of the Negotiations Committee provide me with a detailed understanding of the Collective Agreement and members’ rights. These experiences and contributions combined with 2 terms as Library Chair will inform my work as Chair of the Academic Liaison Committee. I am currently serving on the Joint Salary Anomaly Committee, a role that provides valuable insight into EDI issues on campus.

Liza Choi, Associate Professor in Nursing and Midwifery – Candidate for Member Engagement and Services Officer

• Recorded Campaign Statement
• Written Campaign Statement:

Fellow colleagues,

As we prepare for a new academic year, I, Liza Choi, humbly step forward seeking your support for re-election as the Member Engagement Services Officer (MESO) of our association. Over the past four months, I’ve had the privilege to serve in this capacity, and it has been an honor to work alongside such dedicated individuals within the MRFA.

Our mission, as outlined in the MRFA overview, is clear: to champion collective excellence in teaching, scholarship, and community engagement. Rooted in values of connection, advocacy, and celebration, our vision for Mount Royal University is one of unity and progress. We are bound together by our commitment to uphold the highest standards of education while advocating for the rights and values of our faculty and students.

In my brief tenure so far, I’ve had the opportunity to chair multiple committees, including the Member Engagement Services and Department Liaison Committees. These experiences have granted me invaluable insights into the inner workings of our association and have solidified my dedication to our collective cause.

I believe that a strong association is built upon the foundation of its members. That’s why,

if re-elected, my primary goal will be to continue fostering a culture of inclusivity, collaboration, and innovation. Together, we will work to build a cohesive team, one that values diversity of thought and celebrates the unique contributions of each member.

Furthermore, I am committed to refreshing our organizational structure in partnership with the executive team. By streamlining our processes and enhancing our efficiency, we can better serve the needs of all MRFA members and provide impactful leadership for years to come.

My background in people engagement, organizational change, and leadership, coupled with my experience in academia, equips me with the skills necessary to lead us forward. But most importantly, it is my unwavering dedication to our shared vision that drives me to seek re-election.

As you consider your choice on voting day, I ask for your trust and your support. Together, let us continue to champion collective excellence and advocate for a better future for all members of the Mount Royal Faculty Association.

Thank you for your consideration, and remember: Liza Choi on voting day!

Recorded Campaign Statement

Vacant Position / No Candidate – Finance Officer

• There will be a by-election in September 2024 to fill this position