Maggie Gorman Velez appointed as IDRC vice-president of Strategy, Regions and Policy

Maggie has over 20 years of leadership experience in international research and development, and a proven track record of strategic leadership as a member of executive management. Recently, Maggie played a significant role in the development and implementation of IDRC’s Strategy 2030, in leading the Centre’s corporate risk, planning and strategy reporting efforts, and in effectively positioning the Centre amongst Canadian and international research and funding actors.

Since coming to the Centre in 2004 as a Research Awardee, she has served in progressively senior roles across a diversity of portfolios, including in Donor Partnerships as Programs Advisor to the Vice-President, Programs and Partnerships, as Chief of Staff to the President, as Director, Policy and Evaluation, and, most recently, as Acting Vice President of Strategy, Regions and Policy Branch since May 2024.

Maggie excels in leading change and motivating teams to achieve objectives under complex and uncertain conditions. She holds a master's degree from Carleton University’s Norman Paterson School of International Affairs in Ottawa and a bachelor's degree in Economics with Honours from St. Thomas University in New Brunswick.

“Maggie’s depth of experience in international research and development, and proven track record of strategic leadership make her uniquely qualified for this role,” said IDRC President Julie Delahanty. “With her dedication to the Centre and her ability to motivate teams to achieve, she will be instrumental in shaping IDRC’s strategic directions.”

“The research and innovation that IDRC supports is an important way in which Canada drives solutions to global problems and contributes to a more stable and prosperous world,” said Maggie Gorman Velez. “I am excited to take on this new role and advance IDRC’s strategic leadership in research for development.”