Photo Credit: CNC

By Sam Bennison/Adam Berls

College of New Caledonia

Cindy Heitman becomes first female President of CNC

Nov 17, 2023 | 2:29 PM

PRINCE GEORGE— CNC alumni, Cindy Heitman has officially become the President and CEO at the latest public meeting of the College of New Caledonia’s board of governors.

Heitman brings to the college her experiences as CNC university studies students, to her position an educational leader with a career spanning three decades, and a dedicated community member on the traditional and unceded territory of the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation.

“CNC has been part of my life and the lives of my family members for decades. I’ve watched the College grow while maintaining its commitments to student success and achievement,” says Cindy Heitman, President and CEO of CNC. “I hope to work closely with the College community and many partners to inspire success in every student who chooses CNC, and support the diverse learning needs of the region we serve.”

CNC began searching for a president earlier this year after Dr. Dennis Johnson announced his intention to retire.

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The priorities of the search included a president who would advanced CNC’s priorities in the lhulh whuts’odutel’eh | Learning Together strategic plan, someone who will expand upon CNC’s commitment to truth and reconciliation with a focus on indigenizing the college and inspiring the next generation of Indigenous leaders, and build partnership and potential across all the regions served by CNC.

Through the search process, Heitman established herself as the candidate best suited to the profile in the College’s president search.

“Cindy brings such a special combination of experiences, education, community support, and passion to CNC and particularly the students we serve,” said Shobha Sharma, chair of CNC’s board. “We look forward to her leading wonderful opportunities in support of CNC’s vision of learning together, changing lives, and creating futures.”

Cindy Heitman is a resident of Prince George and holds a Master’s degree in educational leadership and administration from Simon Fraser University, as well as a bachelor of general studies in education with a minor in learning disabilities.

Heitman’s career experience includes, eight years as a school based educator, 15 years as a school and district leader, and five years as a senior leader. She was most recently SD 57’s superintendent. Heitman says she is committed to the North and has a passion for education.

“The past four years have been exciting as CNC embarked on new initiatives to improve student achievement and bring new approaches and practices to the College,” said Dr. Johnson, former President and CEO of CNC. “I’m grateful for this opportunity to have led the College and confident that Cindy, CNC’s leadership team, and the entire College community will make great things happen for students in the years to come.”