From Royal Roads to National Leadership: Major-General Krista Brodie, RRMC Class of 1993
Major-General Krista Brodie, a graduate of Royal Roads Military College and a distinguished leader in the Canadian Armed Forces, continues to exemplify service, professionalism, and leadership on the national and international stage. As Chief of Staff of Canadian Joint Operations Command, she brings decades of operational experience to one of Canada’s most senior military appointments.
Navigating Leadership: From Aerospace Command to Ocean Adventure — Max Shaw, RMC ’93
A Mechanical Engineering graduate of the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC ’93), Max’s academic journey continued through the prestigious Athlone Fellowship, leading him to complete a Master’s degree in Flight Dynamics at Cranfield University in the United Kingdom. His time abroad was marked not only by academic excellence but also by a pursuit of challenge—whether in whitewater kayaking or climbing—reflecting the resilience and determination instilled during his formative years at RMC.
BGen (Ret’d) William Fletcher: Leading with Courage, Humility, and Honour
His defining moment came during his deployment to Afghanistan in 2006, where, as a Major commanding C Company, he led from the front in some of the most dangerous combat conditions faced by Canadian forces in recent history. Repeatedly exposing himself to heavy enemy fire, Fletcher personally rendered first aid to wounded soldiers before continuing to lead the assault, actions that earned him the Star of Military Valour, making him only the second recipient in Canadian history. His courage, tactical acumen, and unwavering commitment to his soldiers embodied the highest standards of military leadership.
Advancing Defence Capability Through Logistics Excellence: Elizabeth Eldridge, RMC 2010
Throughout her naval career, LCdr Eldridge has led diverse, multidisciplinary teams across domestic and international operations. As a logistics officer, she has supported the Canadian Armed Forces in tactical, operational, and strategic sustainment roles—ensuring that people, equipment, and resources are aligned to deliver mission success. Her contributions have been recognized through multiple awards and scholarships, reflecting both professional excellence and academic impact.
Strengthening Public Trust Through Leadership: Matthew Hartney (RMC 2008) Named Partner at BDO Canada
In his new role, Matthew will support BDO’s national Government and Public Sector (GPS) platform and lead a Western Canada team focused on British Columbia’s public sector and First Nations governments. Through this work, he will help strengthen financial management practices and support public‑serving organizations in delivering meaningful outcomes for the communities they serve.
Against the Tide: Major Stephanie Bigelow RMC 2008 Makes History in the English Channel
Her preparation was as remarkable as the swim itself. Planning a Channel crossing often takes years and requires securing a support vessel, assembling a trained crew, and meticulous physical preparation. While posted in Kingston, Maj Bigelow completed much of her training in Lake Ontario and was supported throughout by fellow members of the Canadian Armed Forces who served as part of her boat crew during the crossing.
Alumni Spotlight: Rob Francis (RMC 2000)—Service, Leadership, Impact
Over 20 years in the CAF, Rob served in several Canadian warships and held leadership roles at sea and ashore, developing teams that could execute under pressure while maintaining accountability and cohesion. He later led the Office of Personnel Selection at Canadian Forces Base Halifax, where he helped guide talent decisions and reinforced the importance of selecting, developing, and supporting people as a core leadership responsibility.
Shaping Canada’s Food Policy: CMC Alumnus Sylvain Charlebois (Class of 1992)
Known to many Canadians as “The Food Professor,” Sylvain is a trusted and influential voice in the media, regularly weighing in on issues such as grocery pricing, food affordability, sustainability, and public policy. He is the lead author of Canada’s Food Price Report, an annual, multi-institutional study that has become a key reference for policymakers, industry leaders, and the public alike.
Alumni Spotlight: Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Al Meinzinger, RMC Graduate, Air Force Leader, and Industry Champion
In this role, Meinzinger also provides leadership for Boeing Canada’s community sponsorships and contributions programs, with ongoing priorities that include defence procurement, supplier development, sustainable aviation, and innovation partnerships with Canadian industry and academia. His transition from military leadership to industry leadership reflects a consistent theme throughout his career: stewardship, responsibility, and service to the nation.
International Women’s Day: Celebrating Women Who Break Barriers in the Canadian Armed Forces
In the decades that followed, women continued to push doors open, moving from separate corps into fully integrated service, expanding into a growing number of trades, and rising into positions of influence and command. Today, women serve across the CAF as operational leaders, fighter pilots, engineers, strategists, technicians, and mentors, helping the institution evolve while upholding its highest standards.
Lieutenant Colonel Eleanor Taylor RMC 1998: Leadership Forged Through Service and Challenge
Lieutenant Colonel Eleanor Taylor (RMC 1998) is widely respected for a distinguished 25‑year career in the Canadian Armed Forces and for the influence she continues to have well beyond her time in uniform. Her professional journey is marked by courage, humility, and a deep commitment to developing others, qualities that define her as a true…
Leading with Integrity: RMC Alumna LCol Cindy Legarie RMC 2002 Recognized by WiDS as a Remarkable Leader
The Royal Military Colleges Alumni Association is proud to celebrate the recognition of LCol Cindy Legarie as a recipient of the Women in Defence and Security (WiDS) Remarkable Leader Award. It was an honour for the Alumni Association to nominate Cindy for this award, which recognizes leaders whose impact, integrity, and commitment to inclusion strengthen Canada’s defence and security community.
