Former School District 57 superintendent Cindy Heitman is the new president of the College of New Caledonia.
The college announced Wednesday Heitman will be the successor to Dennis Johnson when he steps down at the end of December as CNC president and CEO.
“CNC’s board of governors looks forward to working with Ms. Heitman. We are confident she has the leadership capacity to address CNC’s immediate future needs, while seeking innovative opportunities for students,” said Shobha Sharma, chair of CNC’s board of governors.
Since graduating from Simon Fraser University with a masters degree in educational leadership and administration, Heitman’s 28-year career includes eight years as a school-based educator, 15 years as a school and district leader and five years as a senior administrator at SD 57.
“Ms. Heitman is a proven, high-quality leader,” said Johnson. “Her expertise and skills will lead the CNC community into the future of post-secondary education."
Heitman’s term begins Nov. 17.
“I am both humbled and honoured to have been selected as the incoming president of CNC,” said Heitman, in a news release.
“I look forward to working collaboratively with CNC’s board of governors, First Nations, the faculty, the staff, the CNC communities, and most importantly the students as we support learning across the region."
Heitman was named acting superintendent of SD 57 in January 2021 when Anita Richardson went on leave after just one year as superintendent, and was named superintendent by the board of trustees on Jan. 28, 2022. In a widely criticized decision, she was removed as superintendent in March of this year by the school and newly elected trustee Gillian Burnett resigned from the board at the same time.
