April 1, 2015

Medicine Hat College (MHC) is pleased to announce the appointment of David Petis as Vice President, Advancement and Community Relations.

Petis comes to Medicine Hat College most recently from Brock University where he served as Vice President, University Advancement.

“I’m delighted to bring David to the college and to the community,” said Medicine Hat College president Denise Henning.

“The timing is excellent as the recent provincial budget announcement focused on the need for colleges and universities to be less dependent on government funding by building partnerships and innovative revenue streams. That’s the focus for this revised portfolio,” Henning added.

As MHC's VP Advancement and Community Relations, Petis will oversee an increasingly integrated program of communications and marketing, services to alumni and friends of the college, government and public relations, events and conference planning, grants, development and donor relations, and other areas that are under review. He will also oversee regional stewardship which includes responsibility for the Brooks Campus.

The Vice President will also act on the president’s behalf in all matters pertaining to private sector fund raising and advancement efforts. Next to the President, the Vice President is the college’s chief external affairs presence.

Petis said he comes to Medicine Hat College knowing the institution is ready for growth. “That’s what makes this opportunity exciting. MHC has been emboldened and is expanding its approach to serving the community and the entire region.”

Moving to Medicine Hat has been a smooth transition, Petis said. “I’m really struck by the openness and friendliness of everybody, on campus and off. I truly look forward to conversations about the hopes and dreams of the community, and learning how MHC can play its part.”

Prior to Brock, Petis held increasingly senior positions throughout his career having served as Assistant Dean of Engineering, External Relations at the University of Alberta, as well having held positions at UBC, and York University. He has led teams and campaigns that have raised hundreds of millions of dollars in private support spurring on equally significant government partnership funds from all government levels. He has also led award winning major institutional rebranding and marketing campaigns.

David Petis assumed his post on April 1, 2015.