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On the Street: Nelson Chan appointed new chancellor at Royal Roads

Nelson Chan has been elected Royal Roads University chancellor and chair of the board of governors. He has served on the board since 2018 and succeeds Kathleen Birney, who completed her term as chair and chancellor in December.
Nelson Chan
Nelson Chan will be installed as chancellor at the university’s convocation ceremonies in June 2020. PHOTO PROVIDED BY ROYAL ROADS UNIVERSITY

Nelson Chan has been elected Royal Roads University chancellor and chair of the board of governors. He has served on the board since 2018 and succeeds Kathleen Birney, who completed her term as chair and chancellor in December.

Chan is the chief financial officer for the Capital Regional District, Capital Regional Hospital District and Capital Region Housing Corporation. He has extensive experience in strategic investment, business transformation and tactical implementation in the public and private sectors. His board experience includes Community Living B.C., the Government Finance Officers Associations of B.C. and the Natural Capital Lab.

“As we embark on an exciting time at Royal Roads, Nelson Chan’s wide-ranging experience and commitment to innovation will benefit the university,” says Royal Roads University president and vice-chancellor Philip Steenkamp. “I look forward to working closely with him during 2020, the university’s 25th anniversary and a pivotal year.”

Chan will be installed as chancellor at the university’s convocation ceremonies in June.

Corporate services for Nanaimo

The City of Nanaimo has appointed Shelley Legin as general manager of corporate services.

Legin was most recently chief financial officer and vice-president of administration at Vancouver Island University. She brings a strong background of more than 30 years in finance, risk and emergency management, public relations, strategy development and governance.

As general manager, Legin will oversee finance, information technology, police support services and emergency management.

Conservatory adds board members

Michael McEvoy and Shelley Williams have been elected to the board of the Victoria Conservatory of Music.

McEvoy was appointed information and privacy commissioner for B.C. in 2018. Williams is a retired lawyer and advancement professional.

Shannon von Kaldenberg has been elected as new board chair, succeeding Roy Cullen. Von Kaldenberg has experience in fundraising, strategic planning and people management.

Founded in 1964, the Victoria Conservatory of Music is one of Canada’s most innovative and progressive music schools.

Tech consortium funds UVic research

Using big data to improve the health of major water systems and advancing women entrepreneurs in B.C. are two University of Victoria research projects to benefit from funding by the Digital Technology Supercluster.

The Supercluster is an industry-led consortium that aims to position Canada as a global leader in digital technologies.

Funding is earmarked for the Fresh Water Data Commons project, involving biochemist Caren Helbing, and the Women’s Entrepreneurship Program overseen by Jerome Etwaroo of UVic’s Coast Capital Savings Innovation Centre.