New members added to senior executive team
Administrators representing diversity and IT have been added to President Anne Blackhurst’s senior executive team. Daniel Heckaman, chief information officer, and Donna Brown, in her new capacity as chief diversity officer, now serve on the Senior Executive Council. In addition, Andrea Kubat, recently appointed to succeed Brown as interim chief human resources officer serves on the team.
“As the executive leadership team for the university, Senior Executive Council sets the direction and strategy for MSUM,” said President Blackhurst. “Collectively, we are responsible for ensuring the achievement of MSUM’s goals and objectives, so it’s critical that all of the key divisions in the university are represented.”
Heckaman has been MSUM’s chief information officer for six years. Prior to working at MSUM, Heckaman held various IT positions at MeritCare/Sanford for 13 years and served on their IT leadership team for eight years. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Valley City State University in computer information systems in 1995 and his MBA from MSUM in 2001.
“Having IT membership on the senior executive team is a requirement for us to fully realize the goals set in front of us,” Heckaman said. “I accept the challenge and am thankful for the opportunity.”
Kubat, interim chief human resources officer, began her interim duties July 1. She is the HRIS analyst at the MnSCU System Office and previously worked at MSUM as an HR officer from June 2012 to Nov. 2013. Kubat also worked in the human resources offices at St. Cloud State University and Lake Superior College. She earned her bachelor’s degree in management from St. Cloud State University in 2004.
“President Blackhurst’s enthusiasm and pride for MSUM is infectious,” Kubat said. “Under her leadership, I believe MSUM will achieve a new level of greatness, and I truly appreciate the opportunity to be a part of her team.”
Other members of the Senior Executive Council are President Anne Blackhurst; Michelle Malott, interim provost and vice president for academic affairs; Janet Mahoney, vice president of finance and administration; Laura Huth, vice president of the Alumni Foundation; David Wahlberg, executive director for marketing and communications; and Yvette Underdue Murph, vice president for enrollment management and student affairs.