The Board of Governors of the College of New Caledonia (CNC) welcomed Shobha K. Sharma as its new chair during the board’s annual general meeting on May 13.   

Sharma currently serves as the Executive Director of an integrated health centre, Central Interior Native Health Society, as well as Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Our Satya, a foundation committed to local and global social responsibility.   

Sharma was first appointed to the CNC Board in July 2018 and has since served on the Board Executive as Chair of its Human Resources Committee. As a Community Development Specialist, Shobha honors diverse worldviews and experiences and is committed to advancing Truth and Reconciliation; Equity, Diversity and Inclusion; and the Sustainable Development goals of CNC.  

“I’m excited to work collaboratively with an inspired group of governors on CNC’s Board as well as the dynamic leadership of CNC as we achieve our vision of learning together, changing lives, and creating futures,” Sharma said. “On behalf of the CNC community, I want to thank outgoing chair Gil Malfair for his exceptional service to CNC, the board, and our community at large, over the past four years.”   

Malfair was first appointed to the CNC Board in December 2016 with his final term ending in July 2022. During his time, he stepped into many leadership roles including chair of the Governance Committee since 2017. 

His term as Board chair commenced in April 2018 where he presided over the President Search Committee in 2018/2019.  The CNC Board of Governors has celebrated many milestones throughout these years including a full Board bylaw review and restatement, the development of a CNC Board Governance Manual, a number of Board planning sessions with a governance and risk management focus and the development of CNC’s 2021-2026 strategic plan, lhulh whuts’odutel’eh – Learning Together. 

“I’ve enjoyed the years I’ve spent as part of the CNC community serving as a member and chair of the Board of Governors,” Malfair said. “We accomplished much and that has everything to do with the dedicated board members I’ve had the honour to serve alongside with. I am pleased that Shobha is taking on this important role and I know she will do an excellent job.” 

“I am delighted that Shobha Sharma has assumed the position of CNC Board Chair,” said CNC President and CEO Dr. Dennis Johnson. “Shobha is a strong and passionate advocate for CNC students and the community. I would also like to thank Gil Malfair, outgoing Board Chair, for his steadfast leadership, and contribution of service to CNC. The support I have received since joining CNC is greatly appreciated.” 

Photo Credit: Prince George Chamber of Commerce