OUR TALENTED STAFF

What are some of your responsibilities at the university?

For the year 2018-19, as manager of the Project Management Office (PMO) I was responsible for implementing Project Portfolio Management at Facilities Management. It was the first time we ever had a clear overview of all of our projects and initiatives.

We structured the portfolios by theme, prioritized all projects and attached capacity management to each so we could plan the work we will deliver over the coming years. And since a clear governance framework goes hand in hand with robust portfolio management, I also helped implement the governance framework proposed by our associate vice-president (AVP) for our portfolio of construction projects; this framework allows senior administration to select projects that are best aligned with the university’s strategic directions.

What has been your biggest challenge during your time here?

Motivated by strategic planning and best practices in project management, I took up the challenge in 2018-19 of creating Facilities Management’s very first PMO.

This strategic-level PMO aims at helping Facilities Management achieve its vision and mission statement. In addition to implementing Project Portfolio Management, the AVP and I developed, with the help of talented master’s in project management​interns, other organizational project management tools that will be used for the foreseeable future by our department, such as operational program management that aims at maintaining our real estate in good condition.

We also developed a three-year action plan so our strategic PMO becomes a guide for Facilities Management employees, a source of advice for senior administration and clients and, possibly, a model for upcoming PMOs at the university.

What is the most rewarding part of the job?

The most satisfying part of my job is seeing projects, programs and portfolios come together at the service of our community. It is so rewarding to see clients and students happy with the spaces that we design and build for them.

Has your job changed you?

The PMO manager role gave me the chance to see Facilities Management as a whole and to better understand the entire department’s challenges and successes. I still have so much to learn at Facilities Management, and the various roles I have played so far have allowed me to look at our department from various angles and broaden my understanding.

What is one of your favourite memories from Concordia?

One of my favourite memories has been seeing the reactions of our staff, management and collaborators when the PMO presented new tools that aim at improving customer service and structuring the work we do as a team and seeing them realize how much it will help.  

What are some of your responsibilities at the university?

At Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), I develop, implement and oversee the following safety programs: working at heights, roof access, confined space entry, control of hazardous energy, construction safety and electrical safety.

What has been your biggest challenge during your time here?

I make sure that EHS is included in the process of project planning and management.

What is the most rewarding part of the job?

The most rewarding part of my job is when I see positive changes in employees who were reluctant to embrace safety.

Has your job changed you?

My job is essentially to identify unsafe situations and behaviours for employees and the community. It is very common that the longer an individual works in a specific field, the less likely they are to see the risks involved. Working with high achievers in a supportive and self-confident environment is a positive challenge and requires me to continually improve my approaches.

What is one of your favourite memories from Concordia?

One of my favourite memories was when the operations team received a nomination at the Safety Awards in 2018. It was recognition of the importance of teamwork in improving health and security in our daily operations.

What are some of your responsibilities at the university?

My work as investigator depends on the incident, situation and course of actions to be taken for each case reported to security. I collect evidence and document everything inherent to the case in a structured way that will allow us to take steps later or make recommendations. Investigation results may lead to filing a code complaint or initiating a student-of-concern report.

I am also part of the response team for the Sexual Assault Resource Centre and Office of Rights and Responsibilities for situations involving threatening or violent behaviour on campus. I liaise and interact with all departments at the university and, if need be, with the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal. I also am the sole instructor for Nonviolent Crisis Intervention training.

What has been your biggest challenge during your time here?

I always remind myself to turn challenges into opportunities. In the real world, it is not possible to transform every difficult situation into a great success. However, the many takeaways I get help me grow and stay focused.

What is the most rewarding part of the job?

What I like the most is knowing that my colleagues and I are all in this together in the line of duty, and that what we strive to accomplish and achieve is a celebration of our collective work. It is not a “one-person” achievement, it is the whole team’s achievement — and, hey, I am part of that team!

The feedback the whole department receives for a mission accomplished in solving a stressful incident is very rewarding.

Has your job changed you?

I cannot deny it, yes, the work I do and my commitment to it has changed me. I am engaged in my work and encouraged by the close collaboration built over the years with departments and services. I also have a great team that is devoted day in day and day out to make sure the campuses remain safe spaces 24/7.

What is one of your favourite memories from Concordia?

I have many fond memories, all of them have been created thanks to the people I met during all these years.