Ria Ames

AVP, Shared Services University of Alberta

Ria (Ames) is an accomplished leader with nearly three decades of experience driving transformational change and organizational effectiveness in complex environments. At the University of Alberta, she established the first Shared Services unit, building ten specialized teams, a Staff Service Centre, and an innovation team in under two years. A U of A alumna, Ria holds Prosci, CPHR, SHRM-SCP, and CPC certifications. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and is a proud parent to a performer in New York City.

Main Day Two: Thursday, September 17, 2026

2:00 PM Enabling Adaptive Talent Pipelines Through Strategic Shared Services Partnerships

As shared services organizations expand their scope and evolve their operating models, talent strategies must evolve in lockstep not only operationally, but strategically. The University of Alberta is bringing highly process-driven recruitment activities, including complex areas like immigration, into shared services to centralize hiring and reduce strain on HR partners. The real opportunity, however, lies in positioning shared services as a true strategic partner. This session explores how to build adaptive talent pipelines through partnerships that align policies, procedures, and stakeholders to create a balanced, accountable talent environment that improves hiring speed, quality, and consistency.

Key Takeaways:

Design shared services-led talent acquisition models that align policies, streamline complex processes, and deliver scalable, value-driven hiring support.

Build balanced and equitable partnerships between Shared Services, HR, and other Centers of Excellence that clarify accountability and enhance hiring effectiveness.

Build talent pipelines with associated processes and systems to ensure flexibility and agility regarding the changing regulatory and institutional environment.

Check out the incredible speaker line-up to see who will be joining Ria.

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