HALIFAX – Business and community leader Rob Batherson will become the interim President and Chief Executive Officer of EduNova Co-operative Limited.
He is taking over from Wendy Luther, who was announced earlier this month as the new President and Chief Executive Officer of the Halifax Partnership.
“There’s a lot on the go at EduNova in championing Nova Scotia as a leader in international student experience,” said Dianne Taylor-Gearing, Chair of the Board of Directors of EduNova. “Our board felt it was important to take the necessary steps to ensure we maintain the strong momentum that’s in place. We are delighted that Rob accepted our invitation to assume the role of President and CEO on an interim basis.”
Batherson is a former managing partner and co-owner of Colour, a creative digital agency with offices in Atlantic Canada, Toronto and New York. He has more than 20 years of experience in different leadership roles in the private, public and voluntary sectors. A member of EduNova’s Board of Directors since 2015, Batherson also served as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce in 2015-2016, where he was an advocate for increased immigration to Nova Scotia. He brings perspectives on international education from his time as a member of the Board of Governors of Mount Saint Vincent University from 2007 to 2013 and his current service as a member of the Board of Governors at Sacred Heart School of Halifax.
“It’s a tremendous honour to be asked to lead EduNova at the beginning of its new 2019-2024 strategic plan, focused on a clear vision of a Nova Scotia where students of all walks life and backgrounds can study, stay and thrive,” said Batherson. “EduNova has a great team, with committed members and partners, and I look forward to working with them to advance social and economic growth in our province through international education.”
Batherson’s first day on the job is Monday, June 3. EduNova’s annual general meeting will take place June 24, where a new chair and board will be chosen. Outgoing board Chair Taylor-Gearing is completing her term as President of NSCAD University to return home to the United Kingdom this summer, while board member Kent MacDonald did not seek a new term as President of Saint Francis Xavier University and is becoming the new President and CEO of Northwood University in Michigan.
About EduNova Co-operative Limited
EduNova is a co-operative association of public and private-sector education providers in Nova Scotia, committed to promoting Nova Scotia’s knowledge economy internationally, with a focus on attracting and retaining international students.
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Jane Gaffney
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