All News
June 23, 2025
With deep gratitude and mixed emotions, we announce the departure of Jana Thorsteinson, Vice-President, External and Corporate Affairs, after nearly a decade of service.
From the beginning, Jana brought not only a bold vision but also a deeply human approach to her work. Tasked with building MITT’s External Relations division from the ground up, she shaped it into a dynamic, high-impact portfolio that brought together government relations, marketing, communications, events, sponsorships, donor and alumni engagement, policy development, and performance measurement.
Jana’s legacy is both far-reaching and profoundly personal. She was the architect behind our first major advertising campaigns and the driving force behind the creation of an endowment fund supported by generous donors and partners, initiatives that will sustain MITT well into the future. Her tireless advocacy helped secure a significant increase in provincial funding, and her calm, collaborative leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic helped guide our organization through one of its most challenging chapters.
“What truly sets Jana apart is her care—for people, for community, and MITT,” said Neil Cooke, President and CEO. “A leader with exceptional emotional intelligence and empathy, Jana fostered genuine relationships with staff, faculty, students, alumni, and external partners alike. She listened deeply, connected meaningfully, and led with her values: integrity, collaboration, compassion, and a steadfast belief in the life-changing power of education.”
The Board of Governors would also like to acknowledge and thank Jana for her dedicated service as Corporate Secretary. Her professionalism, organizational expertise, and steadfast support have been instrumental in ensuring the effective governance of the institution.
Please join us in celebrating Jana’s remarkable contributions and wishing her continued success.
