Chris Callbeck to Receive Prestigious Award from Canadian Research Knowledge Network

The Canadian Research Knowledge Network (CRKN) is pleased to announce Christopher Callbeck as the recipient of the 2019 Ron MacDonald Distinguished Service Award. The award will be presented on October 16, 2019 in Ottawa, Ontario as part of the CRKN Access to Knowledge Conference.

For over 30 years, Mr. Callbeck has brought his dedication and forward-thinking leadership in financial and business matters to Canadian universities. Mr. Callbeck was previously Assistant Vice President, Financial and Administrative Services at the University of New Brunswick, an institution he served in progressively senior roles since 1985. During his tenure at UNB, Mr. Callbeck took a leading role in the financial planning of initiatives such as the opening of Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick in Saint John, the expansion of the UNB Saint John campus from 800 to 3,000 students, as well as planning for new construction and refurbishment projects including the MacKay Residence and the Canada Games Stadium.

Since 2016, he has been Vice-President, Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer at Acadia University, where he originally completed his Bachelor of Business Administration degree.

Mr. Callbeck’s service and guidance has been instrumental to the success of CRKN. In 2005, he was recruited by the late Ron MacDonald to serve on the inaugural CRKN Finance and Audit Committee (FAC), of which he was a member until 2010, and Chair from 2012 to 2017. From the beginning, Mr. Callbeck demonstrated expertise and sensitivity as he guided the management of CRKN’s finances. As CRKN Treasurer and Chair of the FAC, he played a key role in the transition to banded membership fees, advising on the merger between CRKN and Canadiana.org, and the recruitment of CRKN’s current Treasurer, Ian Nason.

In addition to his work with CRKN, Mr. Callbeck has continued to demonstrate his commitment to providing financial leadership to the academic community by serving on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Association of University Business Officers (CAUBO) and on the Council of Atlantic University Libraries (CAUL) Audit Committee. After joining Acadia University, he also became a member of the Interuniversity Services (ISI) Board of Directors.

A thoughtful, insightful, and engaging colleague, Mr. Callbeck has consistently brought a depth of knowledge and strategic foresight to all his endeavours. Particularly at CRKN, he has been a foundational member who has strengthened the organization from its earliest days and provided invaluable expertise, feedback, and support.

On behalf of the CRKN Board of Directors, we congratulate Christopher Callbeck on his career and achievements and thank him for his service to the academic community in Canada.

About the Award

The Ron MacDonald Distinguished Service Award was introduced by CRKN in September 2008 to honour the late Ron MacDonald who was a member of CRKN’s Negotiations Resource Team from February 2000 to July 2007 and who played a key role in establishing CRKN’s collaborative programs and services.

For more information, please contact:

Rebecca Ross
Director, Strategy and Engagement
613-907-7027
rross@crkn.ca

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