Patrick Machacek

Vice President, Development & Partnerships

Leadership Team Member

Biography

Patrick Machacek’s career has focused on building capacity for the post-secondary sector and elevating organizational brands by defining innovative value propositions and fostering engagement with key stakeholders.

Patrick joined Red Deer Polytechnic in January 2023 with more than twenty years experience leading post-secondary external relations and applied research programs. His roles have included Vice President, Development & Strategy, at Olds College of Agriculture & Technology; Vice President, Transformation, at NorQuest College; and Associate Vice President, Advancement, Communications & Corporate Training at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT).

During the past two decades, Patrick has led teams and implemented new business models that resulted in increased enrolments, market and brand growth, enhanced industry and stakeholder engagement, as well as more than $475 million in donation, research, corporate training, capital grants, and other earned revenues. 

Patrick’s experience is centered on the business and innovation side of post-secondary education. He continuously challenges his teams to rethink their relationship and approach to customers (students), investors (donors and industry partners) and owners (government). He successfully led the rebranding of Olds College of Agriculture & Technology, NorQuest College and NAIT, which redefined and elevated the value proposition at each institution. 

Patrick's passion for education has shaped the whole of his career. This includes his decision to join Red Deer Polytechnic, driven by a belief in the power of post-secondary education, and Patrick's belief in the immense impact polytechnic education has on the lives of each and every one of us.

Education

M.B.A. (Master of Business Administration), Queen’s University
B.A. (Bachelor of Arts), University of Lethbridge