New NSCC President announcement

Oct. 19, 2026 – Statement

Image of David Benoit, NSCC's new President. He is standing in front of a body of water, wearing a navy suit.

Halifax, NS – The NSCC Board of Governors is pleased to announce that David Benoit has been selected as Nova Scotia Community College’s next President.

Mr. Benoit is the successful candidate selected through a national search process led by the Board, with the support of executive search firm Royer Thompson, and appointed by the Province.

NSCC Board of Governors Chair, Jackie Poirier, says, “David brings to our vital pan-provincial post-secondary institution an impressive record of leadership, a strong alignment with NSCC’s mandate and values, and the experience and judgement to serve with distinction as the College’s next President. I know we are all looking forward to welcoming David and working with him as the College opens the door to a new chapter in its work.”

About David Benoit

For the past four years, David Benoit has served as President and CEO of Build Nova Scotia, where he has overseen major infrastructure initiatives across the province and led the creation of the Crown corporation. This included leading projects such as Nova Scotia’s high-speed internet initiative, environmental remediation work and healthcare infrastructure redevelopment.

When David first joined the Provincial government, he served as Senior Executive Director of Strategic Investment and Infrastructure Planning with the Department of Health and Wellness. There he co-led Nova Scotia's COVID-19 Vaccine and Immunization Program and helped oversee major healthcare infrastructure initiatives.

Prior to joining the Province, David served for 30 years in the Royal Canadian Navy, retiring with the rank of Captain (N). During his military career, he held several senior leadership roles, including Commandant, Canadian Forces Naval Engineering School in Halifax and Commanding Officer of Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Scott. In those roles, he oversaw technical education and training, workforce development, organizational transformation and large multidisciplinary teams, while developing partnerships with post-secondary institutions in Canada and abroad.

A graduate of the Royal Military College of Canada with a degree in Electrical Engineering, David also holds a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Defence Studies. He is a Professional Engineer in Nova Scotia and Ontario, and has extensive experience leading large organizations, supporting innovation and building partnerships.

David also finds time to volunteer in the community, including serving at the Board level of Skills Canada - Nova Scotia, the Nova Scotia Mental Health Association and the Canadian Naval Memorial Trust. In his spare time, he enjoys biking, fencing, badminton, golf and playing the bagpipes.

Hiring process

Royer Thompson began the search process in February by gathering input from members of the College community and external partners. The consultation informed an Ideal Candidate Profile and national recruitment strategy. The search firm confirmed a short list with the Presidential Search Committee which completed two rounds of interviews, virtually and in-person. Once complete, the Search Committee put forward its recommendation to the Board of Governors which was approved. This was shared with the Minister for Labour, Skills and Immigration who advanced the appointment for approval by Governor-in-Council.

I want to thank Anna Burke for her tremendous leadership as Acting President. Anna will continue to serve as Acting President pending David’s start date of January 1, 2027, when she’ll resume her role on NSCC’s Executive Team as Vice President, Colleges Services and Strategy.

David, who succeeds former President Don Bureaux, welcomes the opportunity to serve as NSCC’s new President.

“I am delighted to be chosen to serve as the next President of Nova Scotia Community College. My pan-provincial work through Build Nova Scotia and the Department of Health and Wellness provides me with knowledge and recognition of the needs of our province and the importance of our communities and NSCC’s role in strengthening our economic future through the preparation of our current and future workforce.” David adds, “My three decades with the military, including Command of the Canadian Forces Naval Engineering School, makes me prepared to immediately get to work with the tremendous NSCC team to deliver on the important mission of the College and meet the moment and the associated generational opportunities. I am excited to begin in the New Year, and to get to know the employees, students and partners who are key to growing Nova Scotia’s future through education.”

The Board Chair thanked Anna Burke for her tremendous service as Acting President during this transition. She will continue to serve in this leadership role pending David’s start date of January 1, 2027, when she’ll resume her role on NSCC’s Executive Team as Vice President, Colleges Services and Strategy.