Andrea Thyret-Kidd, a highly-regarded campus administrative leader with more than 25 years experience at McMaster, is the new university secretary. Her appointment was approved by Senate and the Board of Governors this week.

“McMaster is fortunate to be able to call upon such a highly skilled colleague who is well-respected and experienced,” says Provost David Farrar. “This is an important leadership role in the governance of the university and Andrea will be an effective leader of the Secretariat.”

Thyret-Kidd came to McMaster in 1991 and has held a variety of roles across campus. She served as academic integrity officer, senior manager of projects and reviews and associate registrar.

The University Secretariat is responsible for coordinating and facilitating the work of the Board of Governors, the Senate and their standing and ad hoc committees. The secretary and the team provide advice and guidance to these bodies regarding governance, policy and process.

At McMaster the University Secretariat also serves as the university’s Privacy Office. It is responsible for ensuring organizational compliance with relevant legislation providing advice and guidance regarding complying with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation and other policies and relevant laws.

“The search committee was impressed by Andrea’s unique combination of experience, skills and university acumen,” says Bradley Merkel, chair of the Board of Governors and a member of the search committee. “She and the team are committed to upholding McMaster’s tradition and practice of collegial decision-making and ensuring a high level of service to the community.”

Thyret-Kidd begins her new role on July 15.