Meet the Leadership Team - Division of Finance and Administration

Division of Finance and Administration

Narin Kishinchandani
Vice-President Finance and Administration

Narin is responsible for York University’s largest non-academic division. He provides the university with prudent financial and operational stewardship in support of York’s reputation as a leading international teaching and research university and a driving force for positive change.

Narin Kishinchandani is the Vice-President Finance and Administration. Reporting directly to the President and working with the Provost and Vice-President Academic, the Vice-President Equity, People and Culture, the Vice-President Research and Innovation and the Vice-President of Advancement, the VPFA plays an integral role in the achievement of York University’s vision by overseeing the provision of responsive and accessible institutional services while ensuring that all York’s financial, capital, operational and physical resources are optimally deployed and effectively utilized.

Working with a team of assistant vice presidents, directors, and managers, the VPFA provides executive managerial leadership in financial planning and services, budgeting, capital project management, facilities operations, risk management services, community safety, procurement and contract management.

Narin is responsible for a portfolio of 11 departments, Finance, Budget and Asset Management, Internal Audit, Ancillary Services, University Information Technology, Community Safety, Sustainability, Facilities Services, University Services Centre, Service Transformation, and the Office of the Vice-President Finance and Administration. Each department is guided by its individual objectives in support of the division’s mission to advance the University’s goals and strategic priorities.

Narin Kishinchandani is a seasoned finance executive with more than 25 years of experience in finance leadership, strategic planning and administration, having held pivotal roles across various sectors, including education, energy and public administration. His comprehensive expertise spans corporate finance, process transformation and governance. Narin holds multiple professional certifications, including accounting designations in Canada (CPA), the United States (CPA) and in India (CA). He earned his MBA from Syracuse University in the U.S. and holds a bachelor of commerce from Mumbai University.

Ancillary Services

Kim McLean
Assistant Vice-President, Ancillary Services

With over 25 years of senior administrative experience in post-secondary education, Kim McLean leverages her expertise to identify and harness opportunities that improve the delivery and quality of ancillary services at York and enhance the student experience.

As AVP of Ancillary Services at York University, Kim oversees operations across Keele, Glendon, and Markham campuses, including Student Housing Services, YU-card, Parking and Transportation, Food and Vending, the Bookstore, and Printing and Mailing Services.

Kim’s extensive background includes various senior administrative roles at the University of Toronto. In 2012, she was appointed the inaugural Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for the Faculty of Arts & Science – the largest faculty at the University of Toronto – with more than 31,000 students and over 400 graduate and undergraduate programs. As CAO, she oversaw more than 270 professional managers and unionized staff with responsibilities spanning budgets, finance, business development, capital infrastructure planning, experiential learning, health and safety, and more. Prior to this role, Kim served as CAO of the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) for 12 years.

Kim’s expertise is demonstrated by many successful initiatives, such as optimizing the campus bookstore at UTSC for improved revenue generation, organizing a farmer’s market to enhance food diversity and pioneering an innovative admissions initiative for incoming international students. Kim’s strong track record demonstrates her skill in generating revenue, fostering campus expansion, and improving the overall student experience. In addition to this work, Kim’s experience reflects many of York’s values, including decolonization, equity, diversity and inclusion and sustainability.

Kim holds Master’s degree in Business Administration from the Rotman School of Management. Her educational background is complemented by recent accolades, including the University of Toronto President’s Excellence Award for Distinguished Excellence, an Excellence Through Innovation Award, and a Special COVID Recognition award.

Community Safety

Orville Wallace
Executive Director, Community Safety Department

Orville Wallace is the Executive Director, Community Safety Department. With over twenty years of experience, Orville Wallace has dedicated himself to promoting equity for racialized communities through programming, philanthropy, training, and community safety across the province. He is recognized as a leader in the social services sector and has been instrumental in leading large-scale initiatives that support young people across Canada.

Orville began his career in front-line youth work and has since provided leadership for a variety of youth programs across the country. He is particularly passionate about helping youth facing multiple barriers to success, with a focus on helping those in conflict with the law gain employment and access to pro-social life skills. Orville holds a B.A. from the University of Toronto and has completed the Public Sector Executive Leadership Program at Queen’s University.

In 2007, Orville facilitated Neighborhood Insight Sessions for the Review on the Roots of Youth Violence in the Jane and Finch community and contributed to the final report for the Premier. He also established the Youth Justice Network of Toronto that same year, a network made up of social service workers from across the province who are invested in working with youth facing barriers to success, specifically those in conflict with the law. Orville believes that this was one of his greatest accomplishments. In 2008, he received the YMCA Peace Medallion in recognition of his work as the Founder and Chair of the Youth Justice Network. In addition, in 2012 Orville obtained the Bhayana Family Foundation Partnership Builder from United Way Toronto for his outstanding commitment and significant contributions to partnership development.

Orville leads the Youth Justice Network of Toronto as its founder and Chair managing a network of 1300+ community members working with hard to serve youth. He shares information on local programs and events and organizes professional development meetings and conferences for social service workers in the Greater Toronto Area.

Orville has a diverse professional background that includes positions such as Head of Programs and Impact at Prince’s Trust Canada, where he was responsible for overseeing a wide range of programs serving youth and Veterans across the country, and also led the program evaluations. He also has Senior leadership experience in Philanthropy, having held a position as Director of Programs and Strategic Initiatives at the Laidlaw Foundation, where he was in charge of overseeing the grant-making process and strategic framework development. Orville is deeply committed to youth advocacy and has made it a central focus throughout his career. He has actively participated in various community coalitions, Boards and youth groups, such as the Ontario Children’s Advocacy Coalition (OCAC), The National Alliance for Children and Youth (NACY), The National Youth Justice Network, the York Youth Coalition, Lawrence Heights Inter-organizational Network, Frontline Partners with Youth Network, Youth Impact Groups, and the 31 Division Community Policing Liaison Committee.

Orville continues to actively participate in the planning and moderation of various community events across the province. He is referred to as a “Community Architect” as he excels in fostering relationships between individuals, projects, and places to foster social ecosystems for systemic change. Orville believes in community capacity building and is committed to increasing youth engagement in communities by utilizing anti-oppressive, anti-racist and a Positive Youth Development approach.

Facilities Services

Brad Parkes
Assistant Vice-President, Facilities Services Department

Brad Parkes is a seasoned facilities leader with over 30 years of experience in facilities management, construction, planning, design, operations, space management and sustainability from the education sector.

Brad joined York University in December 2020. He leads the planning, development, maintenance, and stewardship of York’s campuses to advance teaching, learning and research. He spearheads York’s continued efforts and commitment to sustainability in design, construction, and operation of our campuses and to creating positive change at the University. He collaborates with University leaders on capital funding plans and projects and oversees the execution of new construction and renovation projects.
Prior to joining York, he led Laurentian’s facility services department, overseeing space planning, design, capital projects, maintenance, operations, shipping and receiving, energy and sustainability. Managing budgets in excess of $100 million and initiatives of over $50 million, Brad’s visionary leadership and transparent management style resulted in strong and cohesive multi-functional matrix teams to advance Laurentian’s strategic vision. Prior to assuming the position of associate vice president facility services at Laurentian, Brad was responsible for capital projects. Before he joined Laurentian, he spent almost 25 years with the Simcoe County District School Board as manager of design and construction, where he directed over 80 projects and managed budgets up to $120 million annually.

Brad is a sports enthusiast and an active member of his community. He is driven by a passion for paying it forward and has been recognized by organizations such as Kin Canada and the Ontario Paralympic Winter games for volunteerism, dedication, and commitment. He has used his extensive knowledge and experience in facilities management to assist institutions like Maison McCulloch Hospice, Sudbury and the Northern Watersport Centre with facilities planning, as a volunteer member of the building committee.

Financial Services

Darus Suharto
Assistant Vice-President Finance and Chief Financial Officer

Darus has 25+ years of experience in the finance and audit field in both public and private sectors. His portfolio includes Risk Management Services, Pension Investments, Controllership, Treasury, and Strategic Procurement Services. He is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) with a master’s degree in business administration (MBA). Before joining York University, Darus was an Audit Manager at Deloitte & Touché accounting firm.

Darus’ portfolio includes Risk Management Services, Pension Investments, Controllership, Treasury, and Strategic Procurement Services. In his 17-year service with York University, Darus has assumed various roles, including the University Comptroller, Director of Finance & Academic Planning in the Office of the Provost and Vice-President Academic, Senior Financial Officer in the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, and Associate Director of the Internal Audit Department.

An adventurous explorer, Darus has traveled all over the five continents and has lived in North America, Asia, and Australia. He is a sports enthusiast who enjoys cross-country skiing, volleyball, and softball. An active volunteer, Darus donated his time and knowledge, serving as a mentor at the Triec mentoring partnership program assisting new professional immigrants to secure quality jobs in their fields. His previous volunteer experience included the Chair of Academic Relations and Treasurer at the Institute of Internal Auditors – Toronto Chapter.

Internal Audit

Weiling Li
Director, Internal Audit

Weiling Li joined York University in 2006 as a Senior Internal Auditor and in 2022 she was appointed to the position of Director, Internal Audit.

Weiling joined York’s Internal Audit department in 2006 as senior internal auditor. Over the past 16 years she has held progressively senior roles, most recently as the Interim Director — a role she accepted in August 2021. Weiling has worked closely with the community to deliver on the Internal Audit mandate.

Prior to joining York, Weiling held multiple roles across the Public Accounting, Banking and Insurance industries. Weiling’s academic and professional accomplishments include a master’s degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Birmingham, Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA-CGA), Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA-UK) and Certified Internal auditor (CIA) designations. Internal Audit at York University is an independent, objective assurance function. Internal Audit reports directly to the President and to the Board of Governors through the Finance & Audit Committee and the Vice-President, Finance and Administration. Internal Audit’s overarching mission is to act as a catalyst for continuous improvement by assessing University processes and operations, while protecting and safeguarding assets, in line with key priorities expressed in the 2020-2025 University Academic Plan.

Office of the Vice-President Finance and Administration

Richard Silva
Senior Executive Officer

Richard joined the University in July 2018 after more than 23 years of progressive experience with the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). He provides executive level support to the Vice-President Finance and Administration in the day-to-day management of the division in support of the divisional and institutional goals.

Richard Silva, Senior Executive Officer in the Office of the Vice-President Finance and

Administration reports to and supports the Vice President Finance and Administration.

He works collaboratively with the division’s senior leadership team to accomplish Divisional priorities as well as support University objectives. Richard and his small and agile team in the OVPFA supports the VPFA along with the eleven departments and programs that make up the division to:

Provide consistent divisional experiences
Enhance the division’s reputation for delivering professional and quality services
Create, grow, and sustain a positive divisional culture through communication.

Prior to joining York, Richard served 23 years as an Aerospace Engineer Officer in the Royal Canadian Air Force branch of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). During his time with the CAF, Richard served in a wide breadth of leadership roles, including operational tours in support of the CC130 Hercules fleet both at home and abroad, engineering management, and recruiting, concluding his career as the Deputy Chief of Staff at the Canadian Forces College.

Richard enjoys the outdoors, honing his fishing and golfing skills as well as taking on home improvement projects. He holds a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering degree and a Master of Business Administration from the Royal Military College of Canada.

Office of Sustainability

Mike Layton
Chief Sustainability Officer

Mike Layton is a proven champion of climate action and equality with almost two decades of experience leading change in public policy in senior roles both inside and outside government.

From 2010 to 2022, Layton served three terms as the Toronto City Councillor for Ward 11 University-Rosedale, where he championed many sustainability initiatives, including climate action, waste diversion, active transportation, water quality preservation and biodiversity conservation. He also advocated for a variety of social issues, including building affordable and supportive housing, childcare, affordable public transit, investment in reconciliation, negotiating investments in community cultural spaces for Indigenous and Black community groups, poverty reduction funding and establishing Toronto as a fair trade city.

Before politics, Layton was the deputy outreach director at Environmental Defence, a national environmental not-for-profit where he worked on advancing policies to protect farmland and greenspace, protecting sources of drinking water, improving the energy efficiency of buildings, and the growth of renewable energy generation.

Layton has served on a variety of local boards and agencies, including the Atmospheric Fund, the Toronto Parking Authority, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, Exhibition Place, the Canadian National Exhibition Association, Artscape, the Indigenous Affairs Advisory Committee, the Infrastructure and Environment Committee, and the Budget Committee. He has also served on several national and international bodies including the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, the National Zero Waste Council, Great Lakes United, and the Climate Caucus.

A York alum, Layton graduated with a master’s of environmental studies from York University in 2006 with a focus on urban planning and community engagement in environmental decision-making. He also received a bachelor of arts from the University of Toronto in public policy and environmental management. Layton served as an adjunct professor and instructor in the former Faculty of Environmental Studies at York from 2016 to 2018.

Layton is a cyclist, a runner, an avid gardener and adventurous cook who loves pickling and canning. He enjoys playing the ukulele and singing. He lives in Toronto with his wife Brett and their daughters Phoebe and Chloe in a home they renovated to be near net zero.

University Information Technology

Brad Strom
Chief Information Officer (CIO)

Brad Strom has more than 25 years of executive management experience and more than 16 years of digital strategy and information technology expertise. He has led organizational transformation through the strategic adoption and management of IT solutions, as well as navigated and managed enterprise-level governance.

Brad joined York University in February 2022 as Chief Information Officer. He joins us from SaskPower after serving as the Vice-President and Chief Information Officer, Technology and Security.

A strategic and pragmatic visionary with a track record for successfully building organizational capability, Brad has led and implemented complex information technology transformational projects to increase impact, extend technical distinction, and improve operational efficiency. He is passionate about delivering meaningful change through effective partnerships and is committed to York’s transformational journey. Responsible for deploying technology in support of teaching, learning, and research and incorporating future innovations to create positive change, Brad provides leadership for the University’s information technology systems and services in support of York’s academic mission.

Brad is dedicated to an inclusive environment, one where collaboration and teamwork are underpinned by equity, diversity and inclusion. He believes that to foster a culture where everyone feels wanted and valued, it is important to continuously seek the perspective of others.

Brad holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Systems from Carleton University, and has completed many professional development training programs, particularly in leadership and information technology.

With a steadfast belief in giving back to his community, Brad held board positions with The Caring Place, provincial Junior Achievement and his local church.

While a true sports enthusiast, Brad has become more of a spectator than a participant in recent years. When not perfecting his barbequing skills, Brad leads the charge as head of the cheer squad for the Strom kids — of which there are four.

University Services Centre

Anthony Barbisan
Assistant Vice-President, University Services Centre

Anthony Barbisan leads the University Services Centre at York University – a shared services entity serving more than 60,000 students, faculty and staff, that brings together services from across the University into a single, integrated department that is focused on service excellence, digital transformation and efficiency.

Anthony is a highly effective, collaborative, and service-oriented leader and team builder. His strong business acumen and strategic vision have led to the implementation of transformative initiatives to drive positive change, enhance the campus experience for the entire York community, and improve operational and financial performance.

With a 24-year tenure at York across finance, facilities and ancillary services, Anthony has a deep understanding of the institution, strategic and operational leadership, stakeholder engagement and the client experience. Prior to his role as Assistant Vice-President, University Services Centre, Anthony served as the inaugural Assistant Vice-President, Ancillary Services and led the formation of the department in 2018.

A graduate of York, Anthony holds a Bachelor of Arts (Specialized Honours) degree in economics and business, and an MBA from the Schulich School of Business. He has also completed professional development programs in the areas of leadership, service excellence, and emergency management.

Outside of York, Anthony is equally engaged in the active lives of his two children. When he is not being a basketball-dad, he is doing drop-offs for vocal classes— often leading an aria in the car. When leisure time permits, he is an avid home cook and a video game enthusiast.