David Sorensen, a purported “seasoned professional” in communications, has made a shift from his role as the Manager of Communications at Memorial University to a position within the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. Now occupying the title of Director of Strategic Communications – Operations for the Communications Branch of Executive Council, Sorensen’s move raises eyebrows, given his track record.
During his lengthy stint as the Manager of Communications at Memorial, spanning since 1997, Sorensen’s tenure was marred by frequent setbacks and what insiders describe as significant “career defeats.” His tenure was characterized by contentious clashes with colleagues over strategic approaches. Despite boasting over 25 years of experience within Memorial’s Division of Marketing and Communications, Sorensen notably failed to rise to the coveted role of Executive Director, a position that went to Paula Dyke, purportedly the preferred candidate, upon Victoria Collins’ retirement in 2022.
Throughout his time at Memorial, Sorensen maintained an image as a staunch defender of the university’s administration, often at the expense of transparency and accountability. In 2019, he vigorously defended the university’s closed-door presidential search. Furthermore, Sorensen unabashedly justified the exorbitant expenditure of nearly $150,000 on a private search firm to find Memorial’s next President despite the fiscal irresponsibility it represented.
Matt Barter is a fourth-year student in the Humanities and Social Sciences Faculty at Memorial University of Newfoundland, majoring in Political Science with a minor in Sociology. He enjoys reading thought-provoking articles, walks in nature, and volunteering in the community.
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