Polytechnics CEO to step down

Leadership change is coming to Polytechnics Canada as its CEO, Nobina Robinson, has announced that she will step down by May 2018. The association, which represents research-intensive, degree-granting colleges and institutes of technology, has tapped the services of Boyden Canada to facilitate the selection of a new CEO for a smooth turnover. Robinson was appointed CEO in May 2009 and has worked to represent the group in Ottawa, calling for differentiation and inclusion around federal support for higher education research and talent. Her efforts helped pave the way for the polytechnic viewpoint to be included in federal policy discussions and in the Government of Canada’s commitment to Innovation and Skills. Dr Chris Whitaker, chair of the Board of Directors of Polytechnics Canada, and president and CEO of Humber College in Toronto, said that with Robinson at the helm, the role of polytechnics in research and innovation has been recognized by the federal government and employers. Robinson said she wants to devote more time with family but will continue to work on the association’s annual policy conference in May in Brampton, Ontario.