Frank Cappadocia
Midhurst,Canada
Summary
Solution-focused senior leader with over 30 years of experience in organizational capacity building. Recognized as a coach and influencer, I have a proven track record in academic administration and faculty development. My strength lies in fostering a collaborative environment that drives institutional success. Expertise in strategic planning and student engagement, bringing a rich background in academic leadership. Successfully led curriculum development initiatives and fostered faculty excellence. Consistently enhanced institutional reputation and improved learner outcomes through collaborative leadership and effective policy implementation.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
DEAN (Continuous Professional Learning)
Humber Polytechnic
05.2021 - Current
- Provide overall leadership and support for developing and implementing Humber's Continuous Professional Learning activities (36,000 learners, $18.5M, 42 FT staff)
- Act as a creative strategic leader with strong management skills and experience leading and delivering continuous professional learning programming
- Bring together a diverse team in a highly collaborative, dynamic, engaged intellectual community to support flexible and innovative learning
- Facilitated data-driven decision-making by utilizing assessment tools to evaluate program effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
- Established collaborations with industry partners to provide students real-world experiences and networking opportunities.
- Advocate for departmental needs by effectively communicating with upper-level administration and securing resources necessary for continuous growth and improvement.
- Developed strong relationships with alumni networks to create ongoing opportunities for collaboration and career placement assistance for graduates.
ASSOCIATE VICE-PRESIDENT (Administration & Community Engagement)
Lakehead University Orillia
01.2014 - 05.2021
- Reporting to the Principal of the Orillia Campus and Vice-President, Administration and Finance, I ensured the success of all non-academic Administrative Staff and their associated units ($16.2M, 48 FT staff)
- Human Resources, Financial Services, Residence & Conference Services, Food Services, Risk Management, Judicial Affairs, Parking Safety & Security, Physical Plant, Custodial Services, Technology Support Services and Bookstore Operations
- Founded the Office of Community Engagement and Lifelong Learning (CELL), enabling the development of all non-degree courses and programs
- University’s liaison with all key community/business stakeholders, including The District Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Business Association, Manufacturers Association, Economic/Community Development Corporations, Municipal, County, Provincial and Federal levels of government
- Enabled alignments wherever possible between community partners and academic researchers, including grant writing, research prospecting and donor cultivation ($5M) – particularly in Green energy / Sustainable communities
- Delivered consistent revenue growth by identifying new business opportunities and expanding client relationships.
- Optimized team performance through effective leadership and staff development programs.
- Championed corporate social responsibility initiatives, resulting in increased community engagement and brand recognition.
- Cultivated a culture of continuous learning among employees through professional development opportunities, fostering an environment of collaboration and innovation.
- Established key industry partnerships, solidifying the company''s position as a market leader in its field.
SENIOR CIVILIAN INSTRUCTOR (PT)
Ontario Provincial Police Academy
09.2013 - 08.2019
- Created and taught both 'Leadership Communication' and 'Ethical Leadership' to recently appointed Staff Sergeants within the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Academy’s Leadership Coaching Program
- Worked closely with the Superintendent of the OPP Academy on the ongoing development of professional programs and services for members of the Service
- Created and helped to deliver a specialized three-day leadership program for the OPP’s E-Crime Unit
- Identified as one of the highest-rated civilian instructors within the Academy (average ranking of 9.2/10 scale)
PROJECT LEAD
Lakehead-Georgian Partnership
06.2016 - 08.2017
- Project Lead for the Lakehead-Georgian Partnership
- Chaired all working committees (9) and exploratory groups (4)
- Liaised with senior academic leaders – Deans, Chairs and Faculty members – at both institutions supporting, advising and guiding the development of the Partnership’s first four degree-diploma offerings
- Fully engaged in all domestic/internal recruitment efforts and collateral, including the development of all recruitment materials and training of Lakehead and Georgian recruitment officers
SESSIONAL INSTRUCTOR AND COURSE DESIGNER (PT)
Seneca College – School of Continuing Studies
05.2009 - 08.2013
- Created and was the lead instructor of SAS150 (Student Affairs Administration and Management) course
- Served as a founding member of the Ad-Hoc Student Affairs Certificate Advisory Committee
ASSOCIATE VICE-PROVOST (Administrative Services & Student Affairs)
Lakehead University Orillia
10.2009 - 08.2012
- Senior Administrative and Student Affairs Officer of Lakehead University’s Orillia Campus with Integrated budget planning responsibilities ($10.25 Million)
- Overall responsibility for all non-academic campus and student services, including Indigenous Initiatives, Academic Advising, Accessibility Services, Admissions and Recruitment, Athletics and Recreation, Career Support Services, Financial Aid and Awards, Judicial Affairs, Orientation and First-Year Programs, Registrarial Services, The Wellness Centre, Leadership training and development, and Lakehead International
- Primary liaison on all campus services, including Advancement and Alumni, Marketing Communications, Research and Economic Development
- Achievements:
- Project Lead – 500 University Avenue Ancillary Services roll-out
- Prepared and operationally commissioned the new Orillia Campus’s Residence (221 beds), Food Service and Bookstore Operations ($42M collectively)
- Working with the University’s students, staff, faculty, and community users to ensure all spaces and equipment were operational
- Coordinator of move into LUO’s academic building at 500 University Avenue ($28M)
- Architect of the YMCA/Lakehead Athletics and Recreation Partnership – Winner of CACUSS Innovation Award 2012
- Promoter and successful advocate for Lakehead University’s entry into the Ontario College Athletics Association (OCAA), 2017
- Served on the University’s Strategic Enrollment Management Team with primary responsibility for the Orillia Campus’s Student Success Action Plan (year-over-year growth average of 62% until 2012)
- Jointly responsible for the excellent financial and operational health of the Orillia Campus, including direct oversight of all non-tuition related ancillary funds (provided a $4.2M net return by 8th year of operation)
- Acted as primary liaison with the Thunder Bay campus on all student issues, ensuring integration between strategic enrolment management targets and student life goals – incredibly dynamic growth in both International and English Second Language (ESL) offerings
DIRECTOR (Student Community & Leadership Development SCLD)
York University
01.2005 - 09.2009
- Reporting to York University’s Vice-Provost (Students), I was the inaugural Director of the Centre for Student Community and Leadership Development, responsible for the strategic, operational, and developmental plans of York’s Central student affairs operation
- An annual budget of over $2.5M, 24 full-time unionized staff, 92 student-employees and 350 volunteers
- Worked with all Faculty and College level student affairs units to ensure alignment with the University’s Academic and Strategic plans
- Ensured close ties with Alumni Relations, International Services and the York University English Language Institute
- Achievements:
- Directed the centralization of all Undergraduate Residence Life Operations and the creation of an entirely new Residence Life team within SCLD (8 FT unionized, $1.2M)
- Led the successful relocation of SCLD into Central Square ($4.5M renovation and redeployment)
- Brought the LeaderShape Institute to Canada
- Created York’s first university-wide Orientation program (York Day Information Fair)
- Launched three academic partnership projects resulting in year-over-year student retention gains of 1.5% and 2.5%, respectively ($350K retention regain)
- Co-designed and launched – with the Office of Alumni Affairs - York’s Co-Curricular Record
- Chaired the University’s Interfaith Council (40+ different faith-based organizations)
- Acted as Senior Judicial Officer, primary mediator and negotiator between York and its central student unions
GENERAL MANAGER AND CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER (CAO)
The College Student Alliance (CSA)
09.2003 - 01.2005
- Company Overview: CSA was Ontario’s largest college-based student organization, with 109,000 FT students at 23-member councils within 16 colleges
- Established organizational core objectives, which remain the promotion of Ontario College Students through advocacy, membership services and the development of its member councils
- In addition to serving as the Organization’s primary contact with key partners – MCU, ONCAT, Colleges Ontario and ACCC – I developed and integrated the delivery of CSA’s college-wide student support programs including Extended Health/Dental Plans, International Student Exchange Cards, Youth Challenge International and Off-campus Housing services
- CSA was Ontario’s largest college-based student organization, with 109,000 FT students at 23-member councils within 16 colleges
- Achievements:
- Responsible for the most significant year-over-year growth in CSA history (3 new colleges – 13,000 new members)
- Developed five (5) new vendor partnerships without financial outlay to CSA while receiving residual revenues from each partner
- Created a 'Services' branch within the Organization dedicated to member services, student leader development, education, and retention
- Ensured the CSA’s primacy as Ontario’s 'officially recognized' partner in College student issues through strategic alignments with both Colleges Ontario and the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC)
- Engaged in the organization’s most significant research program and formal submission to the Rae Review on Postsecondary advancement
GENERAL MANAGER AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER (COO)
The Continuing Education Students’ Association of Ryerson University (CESAR)
06.2001 - 07.2003
- Company Overview: Served as GM and COO of Canada's largest part-time student organization, proudly representing over 61,000 part-time, continuing education and distance learning registrants
- Acted as CESAR’s primary representative on several University Committees, including Student Centre Operations, Budget and Governance Boards, Ombudsperson Review Committee and Campus Risk Management Committee
- Lead advocate for student grievances, appeals and complaints
- Widely recognized as a highly competent, solutions-focused problem solver
- Acting daily as a senior advisor to the President, Board and Executive Management Team
- Aided in the tremendous growth of CESAR’s operating, programming and endowment funds (50% growth in just 2 years)
- Served as GM and COO of Canada's largest part-time student organization, proudly representing over 61,000 part-time, continuing education and distance learning registrants
- Achievements:
- Successfully led 4.5 million dollar 'Power of 5' campaign, delivering new monies to student bursaries, the creation of a CESAR Student Life Centre, and the Chang School of Continuing Education ($1M capital)
- Provided outstanding investment, control and disbursement of CESAR’s reserve, endowment and bursary funds (over $220K annually)
- Completely re-branded the organization with a new website and online services for distance education members
- Worked closely with key internal/external stakeholders to aid in the achievement of outstanding year-over-year enrolment growth (roughly 19%) in part-time and continuing education students from Sept
- 2001 to Sept
- 2003
STUDENT PROGRAMS AND APPEALS COORDINATOR
Office of Student Programs and Appeals (Toronto Metropolitan University)
10.1998 - 06.2001
- Founded TMU’s Office of Student Programs and Academic Appeals
- Oversaw the creation and operational management of the University’s Student Success Centre, Continuing Education Student Success Programme, Learning Café, Academic Peer Support Program, First-year, Mature Student and Parent’s Orientation Programmes (125 Volunteers, 2 full-time unionized staff, and 8 part-time students)
- Assisted over 1,000 students in resolving their academic petitions and non-academic complaints
- Worked closely with the University’s Registrar, academic Chairs, Deans and Faculty members to effectively resolve 86% of cases without formal hearings with an overall student satisfaction rating of 89% (300+ Adjudications)
- Served as the Director’s appointee on the Student Campus Centre Committee, Student Affairs Special Project Fund Allocation Committee and Academic Appeals Committee
- Achievements:
- Inaugural Chair of the University’s Orientation Steering Committee, liaising with academic and non-academic support services while managing departmental special initiatives by the Director of Student Services
- Acted as first official Liaison to the University’s student governments: Full-time, Continuing Education and Engineering Students’ Society enabling the formation of the University’s student-organized Risk Management Committee
- Conducted annual student needs assessments and recommended institutional responses to student issues as a member of the Presidential Task Force on Student Success
Education
Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Educational Administration
University of Cumbria
12.2024
Master of Arts (MA) - Community Leadership
Regis University
08.2002
Bachelor of Arts (BA) - Sociology
York University
04.1996
Diploma - Law and Security Administration
Humber College
04.1992
Skills
- Academic administration knowledge
- Organizational Development
- Academic goal advisement
- Student retention
Affiliations
- University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA), 05/01/21, Present
- Canadian Association for University Continuing Education (CAUCE), 05/01/21, Present
- Development and Peace (Caritas Canada), 07/01/16, Present
- Association of Leadership Educators, 01/01/12, Present
- The International Leadership Association (ILA), 04/01/01, 04/01/21
- Canadian Association of University Business Officers (CAUBO), 01/01/15, 09/01/21
- Ontario Council on Student Affairs (OCSA), 09/01/05, 09/01/19
Awards
- Big Brothers Big Sisters Canada – Scholastic Partner, 2015, Recognized for outstanding commitment to building stronger communities.
- Canadian Association of University Student Services (CACUSS) – National Award, 2012, Innovation Award for Outstanding New Campus Service – Simcoe Muskoka YMCA/Lakehead Athletics.
- Canadian Life Blood Award (to SCLD) – National Award, 2008, Recognized as an honoured community partner.
- Appointed as Fellow of Calumet College – York University, Recognized for outstanding support to the Calumet College Community.
- Continuing Education Students’ Association of Ryerson (CESAR), 2003, Recognized as a Champion to Ryerson’s continuing education students.
- Ryerson Students’ Union – President’s Team Member Award, 1997, Awarded for outstanding service to students.
- Humber College – Campus Dean’s Award, 1992, Student Life Award for significant contribution to student life.
- Meritorious Service Award – Ryerson University (now TMU), 2003, Recognized for outstanding institutional & organizational contributions.
- CACUSS – Student Affairs & Services Association Divisional Awards of Accomplishment
- 1998
- 1999
- 2000
- For outstanding new support programs.
Volunteer Experience
- Director, Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH), 08/01/23, Present
- Chairperson, Heads of Continuing Education (Ontario), 09/01/22, Present
- Director, Quality Assurance Framework (Council of Ministers of Education CAN.), 11/01/22, Present
- Director, Orillia and District Chamber of Commerce, 02/01/10, 09/01/21
- Chairperson, North Simcoe Victim Services (Orillia), 09/01/13, 10/01/16
- Co-Founder, Network of Ontario Student Affairs Directors (NOSAD), 06/01/11, 01/01/16
- Co-Founder/ Chair, Town and Gown Committee (Orillia), 09/01/12, 05/01/14
- President, Heart and Stroke Foundation (Orillia Chapter), 09/01/11, 05/01/13
- Secretary, Ontario Council on Student Affairs, 05/01/08, 09/01/10
- Director, York University Development Corporation (YUDC), 09/01/06, 09/01/10
- Chairperson, Ombudsperson Review Committee (Ryerson), 06/01/01, 09/01/02
- Chairperson, Oakham House (Student Centre) Management Board (Ryerson), 06/01/97, 01/01/01
Advancedcertificates
- Executive Leadership Development for Deans and Principals, (CiCan), 2022
- Advanced Development for Deans and Academic Leaders, (CASE), 2018
- Senior University Administrators Course (SUAC), University of Manitoba, 2014
- Workplace Health and Safety Act (Levels 1 & 2), Lakehead University, 2012
- Mental Health First Aid, Queens University, 2009
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Meditation for Health, 2009
- Level I Emergency Institutional Preparedness, York University, 2008
- Media Relations Interview Techniques and Training, Fleishman Hillard, 2007
- Senior Leadership Analysis, Schulich School of Business – York University, 2007
- Strategic Management, Schulich School of Business – York University, 2005
Work Preference
Work Type
Contract WorkFull TimeWork Location
RemoteImportant To Me
Stock Options / Equity / Profit SharingHealthcare benefitsWork from home optionFlexible work hoursTimeline
DEAN (Continuous Professional Learning)
Humber Polytechnic
05.2021 - Current
PROJECT LEAD
Lakehead-Georgian Partnership
06.2016 - 08.2017
ASSOCIATE VICE-PRESIDENT (Administration & Community Engagement)
Lakehead University Orillia
01.2014 - 05.2021
SENIOR CIVILIAN INSTRUCTOR (PT)
Ontario Provincial Police Academy
09.2013 - 08.2019
ASSOCIATE VICE-PROVOST (Administrative Services & Student Affairs)
Lakehead University Orillia
10.2009 - 08.2012
SESSIONAL INSTRUCTOR AND COURSE DESIGNER (PT)
Seneca College – School of Continuing Studies
05.2009 - 08.2013
DIRECTOR (Student Community & Leadership Development SCLD)
York University
01.2005 - 09.2009
GENERAL MANAGER AND CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER (CAO)
The College Student Alliance (CSA)
09.2003 - 01.2005
GENERAL MANAGER AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER (COO)
The Continuing Education Students’ Association of Ryerson University (CESAR)
06.2001 - 07.2003
STUDENT PROGRAMS AND APPEALS COORDINATOR
Office of Student Programs and Appeals (Toronto Metropolitan University)
10.1998 - 06.2001
Master of Arts (MA) - Community Leadership
Regis University
Bachelor of Arts (BA) - Sociology
York University
Diploma - Law and Security Administration
Humber College
Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Educational Administration
University of Cumbria
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