Associate Vice

After more than nine years of leadership at McMaster University, Gayleen Gray, Associate Vice-President and Chief Technology Officer, has announced her retirement, effective Dec. 31, 2026.

Since joining McMaster in 2017, Gray has played a central role in advancing the university’s digital future, providing leadership across University Technology Services (UTS), the broader IT community, and more recently Research and High-Performance Computing Support (RHPCS).

“Working at McMaster has been the highlight of my career,” said Gray. “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work alongside so many talented colleagues and to contribute to the university’s teaching, learning and research mission.

“The UTS team, our broader IT community and RHPCS are filled with exceptional people who are passionate about supporting our campus and advancing innovation. It has been a privilege to be part of their journey, and I know they will continue to make an extraordinary impact on McMaster’s future.”

Throughout her time at McMaster, Gray helped shape some of the university’s most significant technology and transformation initiatives. She led the development of McMaster’s first IT strategy, guided the university’s digital response during the COVID-19 pandemic, and championed modernization efforts that strengthened technology services.

Beyond her work at McMaster, Gray has been a respected leader within the Canadian higher education technology community. She served as chair of the Canadian University Council of Chief Information Officers (CUCCIO), a national organization that brings together technology leaders from post-secondary institutions across the country.

She also co-founded CUCCIO’s Leadership Development Program, helping to support and develop the next generation of higher education technology leaders.

“Gayleen has made important and lasting contributions to McMaster. She has led with a strong sense of service, bringing people together to solve complex challenges and ensuring that technology continues to support our students, faculty and staff, and our teaching, learning and research mission,” said Maureen MacDonald, Provost and Vice-President (Academic).

“We are grateful for the care she has shown for our community and I wish Gayleen all the very best as she begins this next chapter.”

“Gayleen’s commitment to collaboration, innovation and service has left a lasting impact on McMaster,” said Saher Fazilat, Vice-President (Operations and Finance). “On behalf of everyone at McMaster, I thank Gayleen for her unwavering commitment to the university and for the many contributions she has made to our community.”

Gray will continue in her role through Dec. 31, 2026.

Details regarding interim leadership and the search for her successor will be shared in the coming months.