Sandra Spina heads Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education
Photo by Chris Alleyne
The Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education (CCAE) has a new president, and Concordians know her well. Marketing Communications Director Sandra Spina was recently named to the position and will lead the professional organization for the next two years.
CCAE represents primarily university and college professionals in the areas of advancement, including alumni relations, communications, fundraising, government relations, public affairs, enrolment management and other advancement services in education. CCAE has more than 1,400 members from 170 Canadian colleges, universities, CEGEPs and independent schools.
“Six years ago I was recruited to help in the organization of the CCAE annual conference in Montreal,” Spina said. “Just a couple of months later I found myself the co-chair of the entire conference.
“I enjoy the dedication and professional spirit of these volunteers, and getting to know my colleagues from across Canada allows me some insight into the functioning of other institutions. What a wealth of knowledge I have to bring back home to Concordia.”
CCAE wants to be established as the main source of advancement information and expertise in Canada, and ensure that Canadian expertise is recognized. The organization also wants to establish closer relationships with other national and international organizations.
Spina is also active in the Council for the Support of Education (CASE), a U.S.-based Advancement organization that groups 3,200 colleges, universities, and independent elementary and secondary schools in 55 countries around the world.
Sandra’s leadership is being shared beyond the walls of Concordia
She is a policy-making commissioner in communications and marketing and also sits on the Board of District I (the east coast of Canada and the U.S.). She is the chair of the upcoming District I conference, to be held in Montreal in February 2006.
“CCAE and CASE provide opportunities for university professionals to keep up on the latest trends and developments,” she said. “We support each other and learn from each other. It’s a win-win situation. We invest a lot but get a lot, and our institutions are the biggest winners.”
Communications Advisor to the President John Parisella said, “The presidency of CCAE is recognition of Sandra’s perseverance, professionalism and competence.
“Sandra’s leadership is being shared beyond the walls of Concordia. We’re proud of her. Others will benefit from her abilities as we have over the years. Thanks to Sandra and others who have been active at CCAE, Concordia is known as one of the most innovative institutions in the advancement field.”