The University of Lethbridge is excited to announce Richard Westlund as the Executive Director of Communications, Marketing and Government Relations. This leadership position is the amalgamation of a number of key roles based on recommendations from the Transformational Restructuring Task Forces.

“The integrated approach to this position is of strategic importance to the University’s future,” says University of Lethbridge President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Mike Mahon. “Richard has been steadfast in his service to the University over the last 14 years and his work ethic and professionalism are paramount. I am very pleased he was the successful applicant for this position and look forward to working with him in this new capacity.”

Formerly the Director of Public Affairs and Government Relations, Westlund has served as the Interim Lead for communications and marketing over the last 19 months. He has led the University’s communications efforts throughout the pandemic, from enacting the crisis communication plan when the pandemic hit in March 2020 to the Return to Campus communications efforts this fall.

“Communications, marketing and government relations have always been important functions, but the pandemic has underscored how critical this role is to our institution,” says Mahon. “Richard has effectively brought teams together during very difficult circumstances, creating solutions and new synergies.”

As the executive director, Westlund will lead a diverse team of communicators, marketers, digital communications specialists, designers and government relations officers to continue to advance the University’s reputation and brand across diverse stakeholders.

“One of my primary goals is to ensure communications and marketing efforts are consistent and of the highest quality across the institution,” says Westlund. “I am very excited to work with creative, strategic and impactful teams, and continuing to build strong and meaningful connections between the central communications and marketing teams and the academic and non-academic units on both campuses.”

Active in the southern Alberta community, Westlund has volunteered with the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce and currently serves as board chair. He has also enjoyed volunteering for youth sporting organizations in Lethbridge. Prior to his roles at the University, Westlund was an executive assistant to a cabinet minister in the Government of Alberta, a researcher officer at the Legislative Assembly of Alberta and the editor of the Didsbury Review.

Westlund will begin his role as Executive Director of Communications, Marketing and Government Relations on October 1, 2021.