Canadian Forces College Executive and Leadership Team

Sara Grichen, the Chief of Staff at Canadian Forces College, directs the strategic alignment of departmental operations and administrative functions. Grichen ensures seamless execution of college directives, managing internal communications and resource allocation to support educational objectives. This leadership position involves coordinating inter-departmental initiatives, fostering collaboration among faculty and staff to uphold the college's mission of developing senior military leaders. By optimizing workflow processes and implementing best practices, Sara Grichen drives operational efficiency, directly contributing to the college's capacity to deliver high-caliber graduate-level military education. The role demands a comprehensive understanding of military organizational structures and a proactive approach to problem-solving, ensuring the college operates at peak performance.

Samuel Perreault, the Deputy Chief of Staff & Director, General Information Management Project Delivery (Dgimpd ) at Canadian Forces College, spearheads the strategic direction and execution of critical information management projects. Perreault oversees the entire lifecycle of these initiatives, from conceptualization and planning through to implementation and post-delivery evaluation, ensuring alignment with the college's broader educational and operational goals. This involves managing project teams, allocating technological resources, and mitigating risks to ensure successful delivery of information systems that support advanced military education. Samuel Perreault's leadership ensures that the college leverages cutting-edge information management capabilities to enhance learning environments and streamline administrative processes, thereby strengthening the institution's overall effectiveness and its ability to prepare officers for complex leadership roles.

Tim Marcella, the Chief of Staff Readiness at Canadian Forces College, focuses on ensuring the operational preparedness and sustained readiness of the college's resources and personnel. Marcella develops and implements strategies that enhance the college's capacity to respond effectively to evolving defense needs and educational demands. This involves overseeing training programs, resource management, and logistical support systems critical for maintaining a high level of operational effectiveness. By meticulously planning and executing readiness initiatives, Tim Marcella directly supports the college's mandate to equip senior officers with the skills necessary for leadership in dynamic national security environments. The role requires a deep understanding of military operational frameworks and a commitment to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and preparedness.

Naomi White, the Junior Procurement Officer & Chief of Staff ( Drdc ) at Canadian Forces College, manages critical procurement processes and supports strategic initiatives within the Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) context. White ensures that all acquisition activities adhere to stringent regulatory requirements and budgetary constraints, facilitating the acquisition of essential resources and technologies that support the college's advanced educational programs. In the capacity of Chief of Staff (DRDC), Naomi White coordinates efforts to align research and development objectives with the college's leadership training mission. This dual role demands meticulous attention to detail in both financial oversight and strategic coordination, ensuring the efficient allocation of funds and the effective integration of research outcomes into leadership development curricula.

Hooman Shirazi, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Canadian Forces College, provides critical support to the Chief of Staff in overseeing the college's comprehensive operational and administrative functions. Shirazi plays a pivotal role in coordinating daily activities, managing inter-departmental communications, and ensuring the efficient implementation of strategic directives. This leadership position involves facilitating collaboration across various college divisions, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of educational delivery and institutional management. Hooman Shirazi's contributions are essential in maintaining the college's high standards of academic excellence and operational readiness, directly supporting its mission to develop senior military leaders capable of navigating complex national security challenges within a whole-of-government framework.

Jay MacKeen, the Division Canadian & Joint Task Force Chief of Staff (West) at Canadian Forces College, directs operational planning and strategic coordination for Canadian and Joint Task Force operations in the western region. MacKeen oversees the integration of diverse military units and assets, ensuring cohesive command and control structures are in place to meet mission objectives. This leadership role involves extensive collaboration with allied forces and inter-agency partners to enhance joint operational effectiveness and interoperability. Jay MacKeen's expertise is crucial in developing robust operational frameworks that support complex military engagements and contribute to national security objectives, demonstrating a profound impact on strategic readiness and mission success.

Maj Nelson, the Chief of Staff Canadian Forces Base Shilo at Canadian Forces College, manages the operational readiness and administrative oversight for CFB Shilo. Nelson ensures that all base functions, including logistics, training, and personnel support, operate efficiently and in alignment with Canadian Armed Forces directives. This leadership position involves coordinating with various units and departments to maintain a high state of preparedness for deployed operations and domestic responsibilities. Maj Nelson's strategic direction contributes significantly to the effective functioning of CFB Shilo, supporting its role in national defense and military readiness. The focus remains on optimizing resource utilization and enhancing operational capabilities across the base.

Annette L'Heureux, the Manager- Chief Information Officer at Canadian Forces College, directs the strategic implementation and management of the institution's information technology infrastructure and digital services. L'Heureux oversees the development and maintenance of secure, reliable IT systems that support the college's advanced educational programs and administrative operations. This role involves ensuring technological advancements align with the college's mission to foster leadership within the Canadian Forces, providing robust digital tools for learning and research. Annette L'Heureux's leadership ensures the college remains at the forefront of technological integration, enhancing operational efficiency and supporting the delivery of graduate-level military education in a secure and advanced digital environment.

Rossano Bernardi, the Chief of Staff To the Honorary Julian Fantino, Associate Minister of National Defence at Canadian Forces College, provides critical strategic and operational support to the Associate Minister. Bernardi manages the Minister's office, coordinates policy initiatives, and facilitates communication between the Ministry, the Canadian Armed Forces, and other government departments. This pivotal role involves ensuring that the Minister's agenda is effectively advanced, overseeing the development of strategic briefings, and managing stakeholder relations to support national defense objectives. Rossano Bernardi's leadership ensures seamless coordination and strategic alignment, directly contributing to the effective governance and operational direction of national defense matters.

Michael Babin, the Chief of Staff of the Canadian Defence Academy, directs the strategic operations and administrative functions supporting the academy's mission to provide comprehensive military education. Babin oversees the integration of various educational programs and ensures operational readiness across all academy components, fostering a collaborative environment for faculty and students. This leadership role is crucial in aligning the academy's activities with the broader objectives of the Canadian Armed Forces, enhancing leadership development and strategic thinking among military personnel. Michael Babin's contributions are vital to maintaining the academy's reputation for excellence and its capacity to prepare officers for advanced leadership roles within national defense structures.