Appointment notice: Polytechnics Canada CEO

The Board of Directors of Polytechnics Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of Nobina Robinson as Chief Executive Officer, based in Ottawa.  Mrs. Robinson will provide leadership and direction to the alliance of Canada’s largest colleges and institutes of technology, and will advance the cause of polytechnic education in Canada.

“The Presidents of Canada’s polytechnic institutions have found a strong leader and articulate advocate for our key national objectives which are to contribute to Canadian productivity and innovation through applied education, skills training and industry-focused research,” said Dr. Rob Turner, Chair of the Board of Directors. “We share the belief that with her considerable experience Nobina Robinson will expand and foster links with partners and decision makers in Ottawa.” 

Nobina Robinson has represented Seneca College and its federal interests in Ottawa for the past four years.  Her extensive career experience spans a range of public policy issues, both domestic and international.  She has previously worked for the Treasury Board Secretariat, External Affairs and International Trade, and was Executive Director of the Canadian Foundation for the Americas (FOCAL).  Mrs. Robinson holds Honours degrees from Amherst College and Oxford University.

Polytechnics Canada is an association of eight large internationally recognized Canadian post-secondary education institutions.  Collectively, the members - BCIT, SAIT Polytechnic, Conestoga College, George Brown College, Humber College, Sheridan Institute, Algonquin College and Seneca College – annually educate more than 500,000 highly-qualified people essential to Canada’s economy by offering an array of credentials including applied bachelor degrees, diplomas, apprenticeships, certificates, post-graduate offerings, continuing education and corporate training, across a wide range of fields. 

“As a result of my involvement with Seneca, I have developed a strong conviction that higher education in Canada is no longer merely a choice between university or community college credentials.  I see Polytechnics Canada as a voice for higher education that bridges the two traditional paths within the Canadian post-secondary education system and presents solutions for all levels of government and Canadians in terms of economic advancement and lifelong learning,” said Nobina Robinson.

The Board thanks Sharon Maloney for her work for Polytechnics Canada over the past three years, and for increasing the awareness of applied research and the contribution of polytechnics to the Canadian economy.  The Board wishes her well in her future endeavours. 

Nobina Robinson will become CEO of Polytechnics Canada effective May 1, 2009, and will be located in our new offices in Ottawa. She can be reached by email at nrobinson@polytechnicscanada.ca