OUR EXECUTIVE TEAM
Simba Chiunda (he/him)
President & CEO
Hey there! I’m Simbarashe Chiunda (Simba), just another Saint Mary's University student in my third year of a Bachelor of Commerce program, and also your SMUSA president. My main goal? To make sure we all get the most out of our time here at SMU—packed with fun, learning, and all-around great experiences.
As president, I get to speak up for us in meetings and ensure our campus is more than just classrooms—it's a community where everyone feels heard and supported. While I'm not the one organizing events, I rely on an amazing team that does a fantastic job bringing our best events to life.
But don't let the title fool you—I'm here to enjoy this journey just as much as you are. Whether it's trying out new activities, exploring different ideas, or just chilling on the lawn, I’m all about making the most of our university days. And when I'm not busy with presidential duties, I love whipping up mean meals—cooking is my way to unwind and connect with friends over great food.
Feel free to stop me anytime for a chat, whether it’s about how we can improve something on campus or just to share a funny story. I’m here to help make our environment one where everyone can thrive and create those unforgettable college memories.
Let’s team up to make our time at SMU legendary, filled with friendships, discoveries, and plenty of moments that'll make us smile long after we’ve graduated. Here’s to living our best university life together!
Cheers, Simba.
Prajwal Shetty (he/him)
Vice President - Advocacy
Hello folks! I'm Prajwal, a fourth-year student majoring in Computing Science and Business Administration, and I am privileged to be serving as your Vice President Advocacy. Originally from Bengaluru, India, my journey into the realm of student advocacy began with a deep-rooted passion for community service.
In my role, along with being just another student; I champion for student rights within the SMU Board of Governors, collaborating with advocacy groups like Students Nova Scotia and the Canadian Alliance of Students Association to address student concerns. My mission? To ensure better student housing, improved mental health support, and a stronger sense of community and most importantly making sure the voice of students is heard.
Outside of student advocacy, you'll find me delving into the worlds of movies and sports, always ready for lively conversations about the game from last night, our favourite teams and films. Just like a protagonist in a thrilling saga, my tenure as VP Advocacy promises twists, turns, and a narrative that upholds student empowerment. Feel free to reach out to me anytime, because the epic tale of student advocacy is incomplete without its protagonists, students! Together, let's write the next chapter in our journey towards a better university experience:)
Francesca Southwell (she/her)
Vice President - Academic
Are you having problems with your academics? Then you have come to the right place! My name is Francesca, and I am delighted to introduce myself as your Vice President of Academic.
For university students, I understand it can be challenging to balance their academics, extracurricular, social life, and even work life all at the same time. As someone who has experienced it all for the past three years, I understand the reality of these student issues at every level.
In my position as the VP Academic, I am committed to providing excellent support and leadership for students experiencing academic grievances, managing academic integrity cases, and providing academic resources where needed.
However, if you are not having problems with your academics but have ideas on how to improve the overall academic environment at our university, then you have also come to the right place! Within my role, I sit on various academic committees and represent student academic interests.
With my enthusiasm and commitment, I am happy to work alongside my SMUSA team to provide you and other students with the support needed to succeed.
Khuloud Saqib (she/her/elle)
Vice President - Societies
Hey everyone! My name is Khuloud Saqib and I am the Vice President Societies 2024-2025! I am a third-year Criminology student here at Saint Mary’s University. You might have seen me on the SMUSA Instagram page: that one purple-haired girl. I have always been someone who likes to uplift those around me by creating a safe space where everyone's differences are cherished and welcomed.
As an International student, I have always been looking for ways to get involved and give back to the community that believes in me for who I am. Our university is an incredible place, bursting with diversity and voices that need to be heard! Each of us students are unique and I aim to make your next year as memorable as possible! Trust is the foundation of building a safe space, and as I always say: you can TOTALLY trust me with the aux!
Have any questions about societies or ways to get involved? Come see me on the 5th floor of the Student Center OR email me <3
Liv Brennan (she/her)
Vice President - Events & Engagement
I’m Liv, a 4th year student in the bachelor of arts program, double majoring in Anthropology and Public Humanities and Heritage as well as minoring in Ancient Studies. When I am not at school I enjoy walking around the city, thrifting, and spending time with my friends. Over the past three years, I've immersed myself in campus life, and I'm thrilled to extend this commitment in my role. Student leadership resonates deeply with me, which is what incites my enthusiasm for fostering a vibrant campus community!
As the Vice President of Events and Engagement, my goal is to plan and facilitate engaging, equitable, and fun events for the entire SMU community! My belief is that the student life experience is just as important as the academic experience to being a successful student. I am dedicated to ensuring that every student feels valued and engaged. We want every student to know that the events we create are designed for their needs and interests where they can have an enjoyable time, creating a sense of belonging and fun from Welcome Weeks and onward throughout the academic year.
I am always happy to chat about ideas that you have for events or other ways to build engagement on campus either through email or in person!
Amaan Ahmed (he/him)
Vice President - Marketing & Communications
I am a 4th year student majoring in Computing Science. In my spare time, I like to go hiking, make content for social media, and go on road trips with my friends.
As the VP Marketing and Communications, it is my responsibility to manage the website and other social media channels so that news, updates, and events are shared. I will collaborate with the SMUSA team and many other individuals on campus on communication issues as well as on external affairs to get sponsors for significant events like Welcome Weeks.
With a creative and strategic mindset, I'm committed to making a lasting impact during my term. My passion for elevating the voice of the student body and ensuring that each student feels heard and represented is unwavering.
I'm eager to collaborate with the students of Saint Mary's University and make this year a successful one!
If you have any questions or ideas you'd like to share, please don't hesitate to reach out to me.
OUR FULL-TIME STAFF
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CATHIE ROSS
GENERAL MANAGER
As the General Manager, Cathie is the senior full-time employee of the Association. She acts as the policy and financial advisor, administrator of daily operations and planner of long range objectives. She provides aid to the Association treasurer in preparing the annual budget and oversees adherence to operational timelines. The General Manager reports directly to the President & CEO.
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GRAEME MACKENZIE
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
OUR STUDENT MANAGERS
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SAMI SIKDER
THE GORSEBROOK LOUNGE BAR MANAGER
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FERGUS PORTER
DOOR STAFF CO-MANAGER
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NII MARKWEI
DOOR STAFF CO-MANAGER
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VALERIE RAKOTONDRAFARA
INFORMATION DESK MANAGER
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MARTHA NAKIDUULI
HUSKY PATROL MANAGER
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HAJAR DEBBACH
LIQUOR SERVICES CO-MANAGER
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MEGAN SCOTT
LIQUOR SERVICES CO-MANAGER
SMUSA PRESIDENT HISTORY
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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2020-2021 Bryn de Chastelain
2021-2022 Franklyn Southwell
2022-2023 Isobel Tyler
2023-2024 Shiray Tan
2024-2025 Simbarashe Chiunda