OUR EXECUTIVE TEAM
Liza Zahid (She/Her)
President & CEO
I’m honoured to serve as your President & CEO of our beloved Students’ Association. This is only my second year in Canada, and like many of you, my journey here started at Saint Mary’s. A part of who I am today was built within SMU and SMUSA.
Over the past two years, I’ve intentionally pushed myself into every opportunity possible to prepare for leading an organization of this scale. I’ve gained experience across entrepreneurship, startups, music festivals, advocacy, and student leadership both within and beyond campus. Every experience has shaped the vision I now bring into this role: to make an already great association even better. Bigger, better, and more representative of the incredible students and stories that make up our campus community.
When I’m not working or checking my emails (which is honestly most of the time), you’ll find me somewhere around campus talking to people, working on my startup, or spending way too much time on LinkedIn. At the end of the day, I wouldn’t be here without students, and we won’t move forward without your ideas, voices, and involvement either.
So please, stop by the office, say hi in the hallway, or send me an email anytime. My door is always open. Let’s take SMUSA to another level together; bigger and better, always.
Malik Muhammad (He/Him)
Director - External Affairs and Partnerships
Malik Muhammad is a fourth-year Finance and Computer Science student currently serving as Director of External Affairs and Partnerships. He also serves as Policy Chair with StudentsNS, where he works on student advocacy and policy development at the provincial level.
His work is centered on ensuring students feel heard, supported, and effectively represented throughout their university experience. Malik is passionate about creating an approachable and trustworthy environment where students feel comfortable bringing forward concerns, ideas, and challenges related to academics, student life, accessibility, wellbeing, affordability, and broader campus issues.
Malik believes meaningful advocacy begins with active listening, relationship-building, and genuine engagement with students. He is committed to turning student feedback into tangible action and long-term improvements that positively impact the student community. Through his leadership, he strives to foster a student experience that is inclusive, responsive, and centered on student needs.
Alongside advocacy, Malik focuses on strengthening external partnerships and community relationships that create opportunities and value for students. His background in finance supports his strategic and growth-oriented approach to leadership, while his studies in computer science have strengthened his analytical thinking, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities in fast paced environments. Together, these experiences shape how he approaches leadership with both structure and creativity.
Above all, Malik is motivated by creating meaningful change, empowering students, and building a stronger and more connected student community through effective advocacy, collaboration, and leadership.
Noku Gumbie (She/Her)
Vice President - Academic
Hi! I’m Nokutenda (Noku) Gumbie, a fourth-year computer science student originally from Zimbabwe, and I’m excited to serve as your 2026-2027 SMUSA Vice President Academic.
As VP Academic, I'm here to advocate for you. Whether you're navigating a grade appeal, an academic integrity case, or have concerns about a course, my door is always open. I'm also passionate about making sure students know what resources are available to them; the right support at the right time can make all the difference, and I want every student to experience that.
Outside the office, you'll find me rewatching The Hunger Games, solving brain teasers, watching F1, or exploring Halifax's matcha spots (send me your recommendations!).
Come by to grab a snack, talk academics, ask questions, or just chat about literally anything! I can’t wait to connect with you and make this a great year.
Hamza Abdelkhaleq (He/Him)
Vice President - Societies
Hi! I'm Hamza, your VP of Societies for 2026-2027. I'm originally from Egypt, grew up in Saudi Arabia, and came to Canada not knowing a single person or how anything worked here.
My first weeks at SMU were genuinely scary. I felt lost, out of place, and had no idea how I'd find my footing. Then I stumbled into societies, and things started to click. I found my people, my confidence, and a real sense of belonging. That experience is the whole reason I ran for this role.
I want every student, especially the ones who feel exactly how I felt, to find that same thing. Whether you're looking to start a new society, grow an existing one, or just figure out where you fit in on campus, I'm here to help make that happen.
When I'm not in the office, you'll find me cooking or baking something, or out trying every restaurant Halifax has to offer. Food is one of my favourite things and I will talk about it at any opportunity.
My door is always open, so if you ever have a question or just want to chat, reach out!
Jonathan Mouchantaf (He/Him)
Vice President - Events & Engagement
Hello everyone! (Marhaba!)
My name is Jonatan Mouchantaf, and I’m excited to step into the role of Vice President of Events & Engagement at SMUSA for the 2026–2027 academic year. I’m from Lebanon, but I’ve lived in the U.A.E. my entire life, and I’m currently in my 4th year studying Finance and Marketing.
I’ve always loved creativity and planning, and that’s played a major part in all of my roles on campus. Over the past three years at Saint Mary’s, I’ve grown, learned, and helped run a wide variety of events across campus. Seeing firsthand how thoughtful, inclusive programming can shape a student’s experience is a big part of what inspired me to take on this role and bring my creative experience to the next level.
I’m glad to be on the SMUSA team and excited to bring forward engaging and inclusive events that will really stick with students. I’d love to hear what students think of our events and any new ideas they’d like to see on campus. Whether you have feedback, an idea for an event, or just want to chat, I’m always happy to listen. My door and email inbox are always open, and I’m really looking forward to having a fun year alongside everyone!
OUR FULL-TIME STAFF
-
GRAEME MACKENZIE
INTERIM GENERAL MANAGER & OPERATIONS MANAGER
As the Operations Manager, Graeme oversees the operations of the Students’ Association including the Gorsebrook, Liquor Services, the Information Desk, Husky Patrol and the UPASS distribution. Graeme manages a staff of close to 70 students; including student managers, ranging from being in their first year to grad students. Hiring is generally done in March for the following year but opportunities do come up so keep an eye out for openings as they do arise at any time.
-
TERRI TIMMONS
ACCOUNTING & PAYROLL MANAGER
The Accounting & Payroll Manager is responsible for everything from bi-weekly payroll for 80-100 employees, accounts payable and receivable, and budgeting, to preparing T4’s, confirmation of earnings/employment letters, preparing cash deposits, and preparing the annual audit.
-
KARLA HODGE
ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER
The Administrative Manager coordinates the schedules for the Executive Leadership Team & General Manager, with a focus on ensuring that all positions feel supported.
The position also coordinates vendors for the Student Centre, the 5th Floor Student Common Space and the Ozmon Boardroom, while assisting in coordinating daily activity with the U-pass and general inquiries.
-
SARAH BRAY
HEALTH PLAN MANAGER
The Health Plan Manager coordinates the daily activity of the Student Health Plan Office and supports the Student Health Plan Committee.
This involves providing managing the enrollment process each academic term, as well as coordinating the opt-out process and the opting in of dependants during the appropriate periods. This position also provides daily support and guidance to students, promoting the plan, providing benefit information and assisting with the claims process.
-
AMAAN AHMED
WEB DESIGNER & MARKETING MANAGER
The Web Designer and Marketing Manager oversees SMUSA’s digital presence and branding, ensuring consistency across all platforms, campaigns, and communications.
This includes managing the website, leading the Street Team, creating marketing materials and multimedia content, and coordinating social media strategies. The role also supports sponsorship development, promotional initiatives, and student engagement efforts across campus.
OUR STUDENT MANAGERS
-
FERGUS PORTER
THE GORSEBROOK LOUNGE BAR CO-MANAGER
-
MACKENZIE BEGGS
THE GORSEBROOK LOUNGE BAR CO-MANAGER
-
NII MARKWEI
DOOR STAFF CO-MANAGER
-
JACK GILLAN
DOOR STAFF CO-MANAGER
-
JEREMY CHITAKATIRA
INFORMATION DESK MANAGER
-
EMMANUEL ADEYEMI
HUSKY PATROL MANAGER
-
RIAN MURPHY
LIQUOR SERVICES CO-MANAGER
-
MEGAN SCOTT
LIQUOR SERVICES CO-MANAGER
SMUSA PRESIDENT HISTORY
-
1943 – 1944 Raymond V. Beck
1944 – 1945 Gerald MacKay
1945 – 1946 Edward Chisholm
1946 – 1947 Frank Wallis
1947 – 1948 Gerald Mader
1948 – 1949 John Delaney
1949 – 1950 F. Barton
-
1950 – 1951 Edward MacCormick
1951 – 1952 Bill MacNeil
1952 – 1953 Peter F. Heenan
1953 – 1954 Patrick Leo Napier
1954 – 1955 John J. Martin
1955 – 1956 John W. Buckley
1956 – 1957 Carl A. Dujay
1957 – 1958 Daniel MacDonald
1958 – 1959 Ronald Barnes
1959 – 1960 Gordon McLean
-
1960 – 1961 David Hope
1961 – 1962 Mike Driscoll
1962 – 1963 Thomas Tsoumas
1963 – 1964 Mike Cox
1964 – 1965 Patrick Curran
1965 – 1966 Dan Knight
1966 – 1967 Len Rambeau
1967 – 1968 Bob Shaw
1968 – 1969 Mike O’Sullivan
1969 – 1970 Mike DeVerteuil
-
1970 – 1971 Paul LeBlanc
1971 – 1972 John MacLauglin
1972 – 1973 Bob Grant
1973 – 1974 Malcolm Thompson
1974 – 1975 John Stuart
1975 – 1976 Greg McHugh
1976 – 1977 Kevin Whelly
1977 – 1978 Glen McInnis
1978 – 1979 Roy Landry
1979 – 1980 Angus Capstick
-
1980 – 1981 Mike McNeil
1981 – 1982 Mike McNeil
1982 – 1983 Tim Hill / Dave Hendsbee
1983 – 1984 Bruce Cooke / Dave Hendsbee
1984 – 1985 David Phillips / Dave Peters
1985 – 1986 Mark Bower
1986 – 1987 Mark Bower
1987 – 1988 Carrie Schurr
1988 – 1989 Brad Whalley
1989 – 1990 Sanjeev Chowdhury
-
1990 – 1991 Ian Morrison
1991 – 1992 Darren Finn
1992 – 1993 Craig Fearon
1993 – 1994 Kyle Langille
1994 – 1995 Jeff Young / Boris Mirtchev
1995 – 1996 Boris Mirtchev
1996 – 1997 Christopher Webb
1997 – 1998 John Francis
1998 – 1999 Trevor O’Brien
1999 – 2000 Liam Arbuckle
-
2000 – 2001 Liam Arbuckle
2001 – 2002 Samantha Anderson
2002 – 2003 Paul Deveau
2003 – 2004 Tyler MacLeod
2004 – 2005 Simon Partington
2005 – 2006 Zach Churchill
2006 – 2007 Zach Churchill
2007-2008 Mitch Gillingwater
2008-2009 Chris MacDougall
2009-2010 Matthew Anderson
-
2010-2011 Matthew Anderson
2011-2012 Alwyn Gomez
2012-2013 Jared Perry
2013-2014 Jared Perry/ Gorba Bhandari
2014-2015 James Patriquin
2015-2016 Amali Armony/ Bryan Rice
2016-2017 Kazi Rahman
2017-2018 Ossama Nasrallah
2018-2019 Ossama Nasrallah
2019-2020 Mary Navas
-
2020-2021 Bryn de Chastelain
2021-2022 Franklyn Southwell
2022-2023 Isobel Tyler
2023-2024 Shiray Tan
2024-2025 Simbarashe Chiunda