Welcoming new leadership in the Office of Communications and Public Affairs

Dear colleagues, 

 

This summer, UTM’s Office of Communications will transition to new leadership, bidding farewell to a long-time staff member and welcoming a new executive director.  

 

Jane Stirling, who led UTM communications for 20 years, and now serves as Senior Advisor in the Office of the Vice-President and Principal, will retire on August 31, 2026. 

 

Amanda Pautler, who has led UTM communications and government and community relations for the last two-plus years, has been appointed to the continuing position as UTM’s executive director, public affairs, effective today. Given its expanded mandate, including external relations, this office will now be called UTM Communications and Public Affairs.  

 

Jane has served as a senior member of U of T communications for more than three decades. Initially hired as a writer at the St. George campus, she moved to UTM in 2004 joining the communications unit in the Office of Advancement. In 2017, Jane led the development of UTM’s new, award-winning Office of Communications, with a partnership-focused mandate and integrated team. As the office's inaugural Executive Director, she re-imagined a collaborative “1 University, 3 Campuses" framework; instituted new communications during COVID-19, including for the UTM vaccine clinic; and fostered a culture of staff empowerment, collaboration, and health and wellness through mentorship and advocacy.

 

Amanda joined UTM in 2022 following a long career serving U of T’s tri-campus Government Relations Office. At UTM, she has deepened relationships beyond campus, including with the City of Mississauga, and raised UTM’s profile in Peel with government, industry and community organizations. She’ll continue this community-building work in her new role while delivering integrated communications and marketing to strengthen UTM’s reputation and advance strategic priorities. 

 

Please join us in congratulating Jane and Amanda. Plans to celebrate Jane’s exceptional service to U of T will be shared later in the summer. 

 

Yours truly, 

Alex and Christine