Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) Pacific fleet former leader will join Royal Roads University’s board of governors.
Nigel Greenwood retired as rear admiral and commander of Maritime Forces Pacific in 2012 after 37 years in the RCN. He will begin his three-year term as a board-appointed member of the university’s board of governors on April 15.
“Royal Roads University is very pleased to add Nigel Greenwood to its board of governors,” said Peter Meekison, board chair and university chancellor. “His outstanding strategic planning skills will help the university stay on course as a highly-respected leader and innovator in BC post-secondary education.”
During his tenure as commander of Maritime Forces Pacific, Greenwood managed a budget of more than $700 million and a workforce of 6,000 people. In his career, he served in numerous roles such as base commander of CFB Halifax and deputy commander of the navy where he managed the 2010 centennial celebrations.
“We are proud of our heritage as the Royal Canadian Naval College and later as the Royal Roads Military College and will be celebrating this as part of our 75th anniversary in 2015,” said Allan Cahoon, president and vice-chancellor at the university. “Having the navy’s former Pacific leader join us at this time is very appropriate as he brings experience and insight to the board and its governance as both an ex-cadet and established leader.”
The new role is a kind of homecoming for Greenwood, who earned a bachelor of science degree at the military college. He later went on to receive a master’s degree in international relations at Royal College of Defence Studies in the UK.
“I am excited about joining the group to make a positive contribution to such a well-founded and self-sustaining institution,” said Greenwood. “I can appreciate the many fields of study offered by Royal Roads—from science to business to leadership—because I have studied these diverse subjects as well and believe in the concept of lifelong learning.”
Greenwood has previously served on other boards including Halifax Chamber of Commerce, Metro Halifax United Way and Greater Victoria Hospital Foundation.
