Principal and Vice-Chancellor Patrick Deane announced today that Vice-Principal (Advancement) Karen Bertrand (Artsci’94) will be stepping down from her position at Queen’s, effective June 14, 2024, to take on the role of Vice-President (University Advancement) at Western University, starting Aug.1.

“It is fair to say our loss will be Western’s gain. Karen has been an exceptional colleague and invaluable member of the senior leadership team,” says Principal Deane. “While I am very sorry to see her leave our institution, I wish her every success in this next step in her career. She assures me she will always be a proud alum.”

Bertrand joined Queen’s in 2018 as V-P (Advancement) and during her time here has successfully cultivated numerous large gifts, doubling the university’s fundraising results since taking on her role. She has also strategically managed the university’s alumni relations and the broad range of advancement activities at Queen’s, including strengthening relationships with both internal and external stakeholders, streamlining advancement operations, and undertaking preparations to position Queen’s for future philanthropic success.

Prior to her time at Queen’s, Bertrand held progressive leadership positions in advancement at the University of Guelph from 2006 to 2018, including serving as Associate Vice-President, Major Gift Advancement (2014-2018). She previously served as Area Manager for the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario in Wellington/Dufferin.

The search for Bertrand’s replacement will begin immediately, and Principal Deane will announce plans for an interim arrangement in the near future.