New VP External Relations is a Dynamic Advocate
Lakehead University is pleased to introduce Deb Comuzzi as its new
Vice-President, External Relations.
In her new role, Comuzzi will focus on five areas: alumni relations, community relations and government relations, as well as Advancement and communications.
"As VP External Relations, Comuzzi will use her impressive competencies in strategic management, philanthropy, volunteer growth and development, and staff performance management to strengthen Lakehead and to reach out to our alumni," says Dr. Brian Stevenson,
President of Lakehead University. "She has a rare ability to navigate complex issues and be responsive to stakeholder groups."
A master strategist and passionate advocate for young people, Comuzzi is currently President and CEO of the Children’s Health Foundation in London, Ontario. She begins her new role in August, and will be responsible for philanthropic and outreach initiatives to the University’s many donors and partners
Comuzzi was raised in Thunder Bay and returns to her hometown with more than 30 years of senior management experience at major Canadian not-for-profit organizations. She started her career at 16, teaching swimming to children at the YMCA.
Since then, she has held such high-level positions as National Executive Director of The Sunshine Foundation of Canada, and Director – Planning, Development and Field Operations with the Canadian Cancer Society.
While at London’s Children’s Health Foundation, Comuzzi and her team of volunteers and staff raised more than $48 million for the London Children’s Hospital and Children’s Health Research Institute. Other career highlights include negotiating the merger of the Children’s Health Research Institute with the Lawson Health Research Institute, and dramatically enlarging the Sunshine Foundation’s volunteer chapter base.
Deb Comuzzi
“ This position is a new position for Lakehead University. It will not only be about philanthropy but we are going to raise the brand of Lakehead University and make sure that not just the community understand the uniqueness of this university but the world will understand.”
“We want to raise the profile of Lakehead University and talk about the good things that are happening. This is a new role and era and fundraising is different today. We have to find new ways to raise money. There is going to be a new way we go about our business and to raise money for the students. Coming home is surreal after saying I would never come back. This is my home. The job is amazing and a once in a lifetime opportunity. I’ve worked all my life for this
job. Secondly I want to be close to my family as roots are very important.”
“ We are going to create a strategy that will outline why students want to come to Lakehead University and will meet a lot with the alumni to find out those answers.We will then ask the alumni to be ambassadors to start to spread the word. A small alumni staff and the president can’t do it themselves. We need the masses.”
“ Every university has to rethink their brand from time to time.”
“ It is not easy to raise money out there and secure government funds. To refresh and go forward with a new approach is important .We are going to create cases for support on why you would give money to Lakehead University."
