After an accomplished career and seven successful years as vice-president Finance and Administration at Trent University, Steven Pillar will retire on June 30, 2019. 

Mr. Pillar served in his role as vice-president of Finance and Administration for seven years, beginning in February 2012. During his tenure he has played a key role strengthening the University’s financial position, overseeing a number of important initiatives. His leadership and expertise were pivotal in the development of a new hydro-electric dam on the Otonabee; phase two of the Water Street residences; new Trent sports fields; the construction of the Student Centre in partnership with Trent students; an Ameresco contract which has allowed the University to cut costs by reducing our energy consumption and our carbon footprint; Trent’s bond issue, reducing the University’s debt payments and leading the way for the development of smaller universities; the arena project; the renovation of the Bata Library; Cleantech Commons; the installation of the new turf on Justin Chiu stadium; and ongoing work on the Trent (and the UPP) pension plan. Following his retirement date, Mr. Pillar will maintain a role with the University working on special projects.

“It has been a pleasure to work with Steven Pillar, who in many ways, has made Trent a fiscal leader of smaller universities in Canada,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. “During his time at Trent I think he has established himself as a preeminent vice-president of Finance within the post-secondary system.  We are lucky to have had someone with his background and ability in charge of our finances.”

Julie Davis, vice-president External Relations and Advancement added: “Throughout his time at Trent, Steven has found creative ways to advance challenging projects. The strong relationships he built with partners, such as the City of Peterborough, have been instrumental to overcoming obstacles and making Trent a leader in the sector.

Mr. Pillar came to Trent University in 2012 from Brock University, where he had served as the VP Finance & Administration from 2002 to 2012. Prior to his appointment at Brock, Mr. Pillar had been Saskatchewan’s deputy minister of Labour, after a number years in the Saskatchewan provincial government including senior roles in finance, social services, education, and health. Mr. Pillar came to Saskatchewan after ten years as the chief financial officer in a large urban school district in Delta, British Columbia.