Catherine J. Woodman, BPR, APR, ICD.D

Catherine is an accomplished leader, skilled facilitator and insightful consultant, adept in helping individuals and organizations elevate their potential and realize their goals.  

Catherine began her career coordinating the first of the IWK Health Centre’s famed telethons. Before age 30 she had progressed to the IWK’s senior management table, ultimately serving as vice president of allied health and public relations.

After being seconded by the provincial government to be chief of protocol for a Royal Visit, Catherine moved to the financial sector. She was director of corporate and public affairs and, later, vice president of human resources at Maritime Life and Manulife Financial. 

For ten years, Catherine was President and CEO of the Halifax United Way before assuming the role of deputy minister of the Department of Business for the Province of Nova Scotia. 

As a KBRS Partner and Governance Practice Lead, Catherine now leads executive searches in the impact sector and advises a range of organizations on board governance practice and strategy. She is an Honorary Captain in the Royal Canadian Navy where she advises senior leaders and forges connections between the Navy and business community. 

Catherine has rich governance experience, having served as a director on 17 boards, and chaired the boards of IWK Health Centre, Mount Saint Vincent University, Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS), and 2b theatre. Current board appointments include the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, the Nova Scotia Art Gallery and Symphony Nova Scotia. 

Her leadership has been widely recognized including the Queen Elizabeth Diamond and Platinum Jubilee Medals, Leger Marketing Woman of the Year, Progress Club Women of Excellence Atlantic Business Magazine’s Top 50 CEO’s in Atlantic Canada.  

Catherine and daughter, Maura, are founders of Joan’s Table – an award-winning volunteer initiative to feed the formerly homeless in partnership with Shelter Nova Scotia.  

Education, Certifications and Awards:  

• Graduate of ICD-Rotman, Directors Education Program 
• ICD Designation, Institute of Corporate Directors 
• One of the Top 50 CEOs in Atlantic Canada - Atlantic Business Magazine 
• Woman of Excellence - Halifax Progress Club 
• Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal Recipient 
• Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal Recipient 
• Women of the Year - Leger Marketing Halifax 
• Mount Saint Vincent University Exceptional Volunteer Service Award Recipient 
• Graduate of Mount Saint Vincent University 

Passions, Community Involvement and Personal Interests: 

• Honorary Captain, Royal Canadian Navy, affiliated with Canadian Forces Base Halifax
• Board Member, Pier 21 Canadian National Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
• Board Member, Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
• Board Member, Symphony Nova Scotia
• Catherine and daughter, Maura, co-founded Joan’s Table – an initiative to feed the formerly homeless in partnership with Shelter Nova Scotia 
• Previously served as Board Chair of IWK Health Centre, Mount Saint Vincent University, Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS), 2b Theatre Company, and the Lieutenant Governor’s Community Spirit Award. Additional board service includes 211 Nova Scotia, United Way Halifax, YMCA, Ronald McDonald House, Arthritis Society, Halifax Partnership, and Canadian Centre for Ethics in Public Affairs.