Meet the Board: Barbara Goit’s legacy of leadership and service
Passing the torch
After seven years on the NSCC Foundation Board of Directors, with two of those as sitting Chair, Barbara Goit is preparing to pass the torch and move into the role of Past Chair. Barbara joined the board in 2018 and brought with her decades of experience and leadership as a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) in Nova Scotia’s philanthropic sector. She made her mark as a senior leader with organizations such as the QEII Foundation, Colchester Regional Hospital Foundation, Rotary Club of Truro and as Philanthropic Counsel within various other charitable organizations.
Barbara jokes that her career in fundraising was a “fluke.” She spent a decade focused on raising her family while volunteering locally, nationally and internationally. Anxious to return to the workforce, she accepted an opportunity to enroll in a Women in Management Program. Having to seek out her work placement, she found an opportunity at the Colchester Regional Hospital’s Finance Office. Soon after, the hospital started a foundation, where she was recommended for a position that launched her career in fund development, saying she was “learning as I went.”
Her connection to NSCC
Barbara's commitment to NSCC Foundation stems from a deeply personal experience. When her brother, who had always struggled with learning and life challenges, enrolled as a mature student at NSCC, she witnessed firsthand the College's dedication to student success. "The staff treated him so well that it left a lasting impression on me," Barbara reflects. "They made sure that he had everything that he needed to succeed at school and at home."
This experience became the driving force behind Barbara's involvement with the Foundation. When friend and fellow Rotarian Lech Krzywonos, also the Principal at Truro Campus, invited her to join the strategy group for the Make Way campaign in the Colchester region, she thought, “This was my chance to use my skills to repay that kindness.” This later led to an opportunity to join the Foundation’s Board of Directors.
Leadership through change
As Board Chair, Barbara has navigated the Foundation and Alumni Relations through unprecedented changes, including leadership transitions, economic shifting, pandemic-related disruptions and increased competition in the charitable sector. Throughout these obstacles, she has remained impressed by the skills, enthusiasm and commitment of both the board and staff.
"The flexibility, adaptability and willingness to pivot exhibited by the team are so appreciated by the Board," Barbara notes, crediting the team's resilience for their continued success. “Leadership, to me, is knowing how to inspire and work with others to achieve a common goal. Ensuring that the team has the support, training and resources to be successful is key and often requires creativity,” says Barbara.
Barbara also offers advice to aspiring leaders, telling them to “Take calculated risks and don’t be afraid of failure, to a point. We want to see you succeed. Be resilient. Remember that a career in fund development is not just a job - in some ways, it is a calling. Answer that call to the best of your ability.”
A vision for the future
Looking ahead, Barbara hopes the Foundation and the College will continue to lead the way for Nova Scotia; working effectively on realistic goals to continue creating competent, learned and skilled workers to drive the positive future of the Province.
As Barbara transitions into her role as Past Chair and looks forward to travel and family time, Barbara leaves this advice to incoming Board Chair, John Lindsay, “John, you have the experience to lead this talented group. Don’t overthink. Our staff are amazing and will keep you well-briefed and in the loop. And remember to keep the meetings on time!”
To students, alumni and the greater community, Barbara says: "Students and alumni, learn well and never stop learning, be a proud representative of the College in all that you do, volunteer for causes close to your heart to grow personally and to help members of your communities. To the greater community, embrace these students and grads, learn more about the College and how it benefits your province, community and workplace. Support the College where and when you can.”
From the Foundation and Alumni Relations to Barbara
"The NSCC Foundation and Alumni Relations team are forever grateful for the support, guidance and steadiness Barb has brought to the Chair role over these past two years, and as a Director before that. She is highly regarded in the Philanthropic sector in Nova Scotia, and helped move us along from a developing Foundation and Board to the mature and established organization we are today. I personally feel a depth of gratitude for her leadership and encouragement during my first year as Executive Director." - Ashley Power, Executive Director, NSCC Foundation and Alumni Relations
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