Catherine J. Woodman, 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.  

She has a track record of achieving results by building teams, creating and communicating vision, forging strategic partnerships, and meeting critical challenges through transformational change. As a Partner and governance practice lead at KBRS, Catherine facilitates executive searches and advances quality board performance in the impact sector.

Catherine is a respected C-Suite advisor with deep leadership experience across private, public, and non-profit sectors. Catherine began her career at the IWK Health Centre holding progressive roles culminating as Vice President, Allied Health/Public Relations. She became Director, Corporate and Public Affairs for Maritime Life Assurance Company and later appointed Vice President of Human Resources for Maritime Life/Manulife Financial. Catherine was President and CEO, Halifax United Way for ten years before accepting the role of Deputy Minister, Department of Business for the Province of Nova Scotia. 

Beyond Catherine’s deep executive experience, she brings to the table a remarkable volunteer service record and a passion for directing her talents to help organizations in the non-profit, health, and community sectors find future leaders and make a positive impact. Her governance savvy has enriched our board advisory capabilities. 

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: 

• Board Member, IWK Health Centre
• Board Member, Pier 21 Canadian National Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
• Board Member, Art Gallery of 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 chair of the board, IWK Health Centre, Mount Saint Vincent University, Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS), 2b Theatre Company, Lieutenant Governor’s Community Spirit Award. Previous board member of 211 Nova Scotia, United Way Halifax, YMCA, Ronald MacDonald House, Arthritis Society, Halifax Partnership, Canadian Centre Ethics in Public Affairs