16.12.2020

Heidi Backman new Director of University Services at ÅAU

M.Pol.Sc. Heidi Backman has been elected new Director of University Services at ÅAU. She will begin her new appointment on 1 February 2021. Backman will take charge after Head of Administration Ulla Achrén, who is now retiring.

Backman is Director of Education and Culture at the city of Kauniainen since 2013. She has extensive experience in leadership, educational development and educational management. She has previously been employed as Acting Director, Counsellor of Education, and Senior Adviser by the National Board of Education. She has also worked for the Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities and for the Sydkustens landskapsförbund association.

Backman has an extensive network in Finland, the Nordic countries and internationally through various assignments and co-operation with organizations such as Arcada’s Supervisory Board, University of Southern California, the Board and Education Committee of Svenska folkskolans vänner, the Axxell Vocational School, the Center for Lifelong Learning at Åbo Akademi University and the think tank Magma.

“We are happy that Heidi Backman wants to join Åbo Akademi University. Her experience and qualifications are important and valuable additions to our organization”, says Rector Moira von Wright.

“It is with great humility that I accept the appointment at Åbo Akademi University. It is with knowledge and education that we can create prosperity in Swedish Finland, and it is a privilege to work with such crucial and important issues”, says Heidi Backman.