Leading the Way: David Benoit, RMC 1994, Named Next Nova Scotia Community College President

The RMC Alumni Association congratulates David Benoit, RMC 1994, on his appointment as the next President of Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC). He will assume the role on January 1, 2027, succeeding former President Don Bureaux.

Selected following a national search led by NSCC’s Board of Governors, David brings extensive leadership experience spanning military service, government and provincial infrastructure development. His appointment marks an exciting new chapter for both David and NSCC, a pan-provincial institution that plays an important role in preparing Nova Scotia’s workforce and strengthening its communities and economy.

For the past four years, David has served as President and CEO of Build Nova Scotia. In that role, he led the creation of the Crown corporation and oversaw major initiatives involving high-speed internet access, environmental remediation and healthcare infrastructure redevelopment.

Earlier, as Senior Executive Director of Strategic Investment and Infrastructure Planning with Nova Scotia’s Department of Health and Wellness, David co-led the province’s COVID-19 Vaccine and Immunization Program and supported major healthcare infrastructure projects.

David’s leadership foundation was built during three decades in the Royal Canadian Navy. His senior appointments included Commandant of the Canadian Forces Naval Engineering School and Commanding Officer of Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Scott. These roles involved technical education, workforce development, organizational transformation, multidisciplinary team leadership and partnerships with post-secondary institutions in Canada and abroad.

A Professional Engineer, David earned a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering from the Royal Military College of Canada, followed by a Diploma in Management and an MBA from Athabasca University and a Master of Defence Studies from RMC. A past president of the RMC Club, he has remained committed to service through volunteer board roles with Skills Canada–Nova Scotia, the Nova Scotia Mental Health Association and the Canadian Naval Memorial Trust.

David’s journey from RMC cadet to naval leader, public servant, Crown corporation executive and post-secondary president exemplifies a lifetime of service and leadership.

Congratulations to David on this outstanding appointment.