News

We’re happy to welcome Joanne Tortola, the new director of Finance and Administration, to the Schulich School of Law. Previously, Joanne was administrative manager with Dalhousie’s School of Physiotherapy for seven years, where she was responsible for financial and human resources administration. She was also an administrator within Dal’s Office of Research Services and spent several years as an operations manager in the private sector.

Under Joanne’s administrative leadership, the School of Physiotherapy secured a successful accreditation review, developed and implemented a new strategic plan, undertook several renovation projects, and opened a physiotherapy clinic, among other initiatives. She served as chair of the Faculty of Health’s Administrative Managers Team, co-chair of Health’s Dal 200 Scholarship Committee, and as a member of the DPMG Personal and Professional Development Committee.

I appreciate knowing that I’m contributing, in my own way, to the university’s mission in teaching, research, and service.

Not only has Joanne been a Dalhousie employee for over 16 years but she’s also a proud Dal grad, holding Bachelor of Commerce and Master of Public Administration degrees. “I like the energy of working on campus,” she says. “I also appreciate knowing that I’m contributing, in my own way, to the university’s mission in teaching, research, and service.”

At the Faculty of Health, Joanne’s nickname was “Detective Tortola” because of her problem-solving skills. “I am curious. I like to figure things out and understand the big picture,” she says. “If you know where you fit in the larger scheme of things, you can make better decisions.”

In the coming days and weeks, Joanne will be taking time to learn the law school’s processes and systems. She’s looking forward to working in a larger school, with knowledgeable and experienced staff in roles across a range of administrative functions. “It’ll be nice to be more focused in my role,” she says.