Cheryl Schmitz has been dedicated to the success of Saskatchewan Polytechnic for over two decades
February 7, 2019 – Saskatchewan Polytechnic is pleased to announce that Cheryl Schmitz has taken on the role of chief financial officer (CFO) and vice president, Administrative Services. Schmitz started with Sask Polytech (then SIAST) in 1995 as the payroll manager, taking on progressively senior roles within the Financial Services Division. For the past 12 years, she has served as the associate vice president, Financial Services.
“The appointment of Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s chief financial officer and vice president, Administrative Services follows a highly competitive four-month search across North America, which was facilitated by an executive search firm,” says Dr. Larry Rosia, Sask Polytech president and CEO. “Cheryl brings a wealth of experience to this role and is an established and collaborative executive leader with extensive financial and administrative experience.”
“I am proud to have built my career at Saskatchewan Polytechnic. I am passionate about Sask Polytech’s mission of educating students and providing skilled and successful graduates,” says Schmitz. “Our graduates play an extremely important role in Saskatchewan’s economy. I’m excited for the opportunity to continue to make a difference at Sask Polytech and lead the Administrative Services’ team.”
Schmitz’s practical and thoughtful approach to planning, problem-solving, operations and team-building are among many reasons she is respected and valued as a senior administrator, project leader and strategic advisor to organizational leaders, policy makers and boards of directors. Executive-level professional development, in a range of relevant disciplines, complements her Chartered Professional Accountant/Certified Management Accountant (CPA/CMA) designation and business degree (with distinction) from the University of Saskatchewan. Schmitz is currently working towards a Masters in Educational Administration from the University of Saskatchewan focusing on post-secondary educational leadership.
Prior to joining Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Schmitz served as the first director of finance for a large rural health district in Saskatchewan; a position that was created in response to the province's health care reform in the early 1990s.
Saskatchewan Polytechnic serves students through applied learning opportunities at campuses in Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, Regina and Saskatoon, and through extensive distance education opportunities. Programs serve every economic and public service sector. As a polytechnic, the organization provides the depth of learning appropriate to employer and student need, including certificate, diploma and degree programs, and apprenticeship training. Saskatchewan Polytechnic engages in applied research, drawing on faculty expertise to support innovation by employers, and providing students the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills.