Christina Sass-Kortsak set to retire

Dear Ryerson community,

After almost seven years as assistant vice-president of Human Resources, Christina Sass-Kortsak will be retiring from Ryerson University in spring 2020.  

In her time on our campus, Christina has demonstrated her commitment to Ryerson’s values and to providing HR services that support the Academic Plan. Her leadership has been instrumental in creating a Workplace Wellbeing Services unit, mental health initiatives, a robust recognition program, career development programming and Aboriginal hiring and inclusion initiatives, to name just a few. It’s clear her focus has been on improving our work climate and providing integral supports to employees that allow them to bring their whole selves to work.

A much respected coach to her HR team members, Christina has brought positivity, empathy and inclusivity to her department’s culture that will have a lasting legacy. She’s strengthened relationships and increased collaboration, both within HR and across the university. Christina is a trusted advisor to her academic and administrative colleagues at all levels of the university.

Christina has had a long and accomplished career in human resources at SickKids, University of Toronto and then Ryerson, after moving on from education and careers in nursing and law. “When I came to Ryerson, the People First and equity, diversity and inclusion values really spoke to me. I was excited about the opportunity to integrate these values into the way we deliver HR services and to do so in such a dynamic and innovative university. I have been fortunate to work in some great institutions but I can honestly say that the last seven years have been absolutely the best!”  

Christina is looking forward to spending more time with family and friends, longer visits to her cottage near Ompah and doing some travelling. She’s also looking forward to finding opportunities to give back to her community through volunteer work. “I’m excited about retirement but at the same time it won’t be easy to say good-bye to friends and colleagues at Ryerson. My plan has always been to retire while I still love the work I do, and I’m happy to say I can do that.”  

We will be starting the recruitment process in September with a goal to have a successor in place by a March retirement date. Until then it’s full steam ahead for Christina and the HR team. I’m grateful for the extensive notice period she has provided me, and her willingness to orient her successor. This continues to demonstrate Christina’s commitment to our community, her team and the operations of Human Resources.

Please join me in congratulating Christina! A celebration will be scheduled in the spring closer to her retirement date.

Deborah Brown
Vice-President, Administration and Operations