Canadian Forces College Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Canadian Forces College has 10 executives leading key functions including strategic logistics, organizational leadership, digital modernization, and academic administration.

Committed to excellence in military education, Canadian Forces College prepares senior officers for complex whole-of-government leadership through rigorous graduate-level curriculum and advanced professional development.

Leadership Roles at Canadian Forces College

  • Chief Executive Officer, Commandant Strategic Logistics, Organizational Leadership, Digital Modernization ( Equivalent) - Scott McCarthy
  • Chief of Staff - Maj McCue
  • Chief of Staff To the Vice Chief of Defence Staff - Tim Arsenault
  • Chief of Staff Canadian Forces Base Shilo - Maj Nelson
  • Operations Canadian Army Chief of Staff - Paul Lockhart
  • Procurement Officer & Chief of Staff ( Drdc ) - Courtney Smart
  • Deputy Chief Of Staff RMC - Elizabeth Stachura
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Shawn Herron
  • Deputy Chief of Staff, Real Property Operations Central - Adam Beaver
  • Deputy Director - Misty Williams
  • Scott McCarthy - Chief Executive Officer, Commandant Strategic Logistics, Organizational Leadership, Digital Modernization ( Equivalent)

    Scott McCarthy, the Chief Executive Officer, Commandant Strategic Logistics, Organizational Leadership, Digital Modernization ( Equivalent) at Canadian Forces College, directs the overarching institutional strategy for senior officer development. Overseeing the integration of digital modernization across all graduate-level military education programs, the Chief Executive Officer ensures the curriculum remains relevant to modern whole-of-government frameworks. Scott McCarthy manages the complex logistics required to support general officers during intensive training cycles. By aligning organizational leadership initiatives with the broader mission of the Canadian Armed Forces, the Commandant drives operational efficiency across the campus. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine educational standards and maintain high academic rigor. Through the implementation of advanced technological tools, the Chief Executive Officer optimizes the learning environment for all students. Ultimately, the Commandant secures the long-term effectiveness of the institution by fostering a culture of continuous improvement and strategic foresight.

    Maj McCue - Chief of Staff

    Maj McCue, the Chief of Staff at Canadian Forces College, coordinates the internal functions and cross-departmental communication necessary for institutional success. Overseeing the synchronization of staff activities, the Chief of Staff ensures that all administrative and academic departments operate in harmony with the college mission. Maj McCue manages the flow of information to the senior leadership team, facilitating informed decision-making regarding graduate-level military education. This leadership role involves the oversight of internal policy development and the enforcement of institutional standards across the campus. By optimizing communication channels, the Chief of Staff improves the responsiveness of the college to the needs of senior and general officers. Interaction with other C-suite leaders remains constant to ensure that operational support aligns with the strategic goals of the Canadian Armed Forces. Through disciplined management of staff resources, the Chief of Staff drives organizational stability. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff ensures the effective delivery of professional military education.

    Tim Arsenault - Chief of Staff To the Vice Chief of Defence Staff

    Tim Arsenault, the Chief of Staff To the Vice Chief of Defence Staff at Canadian Forces College, bridges the gap between institutional education and high-level defense policy. Overseeing the alignment of academic curriculum with national defense priorities, the Chief of Staff ensures that senior officers receive training relevant to current whole-of-government challenges. Tim Arsenault manages the interface between the college and the Vice Chief of Defence Staff, facilitating the flow of strategic guidance. This leadership role involves the coordination of high-level briefings and the integration of defense-wide initiatives into the educational framework. By maintaining strong connections with the broader Canadian Armed Forces, the Chief of Staff ensures that the college remains a vital asset for leadership development. Interaction with the Board and other senior leaders supports the continuous evolution of the military school. Through the application of strategic oversight, the Chief of Staff drives the mission of preparing officers for complex command responsibilities.

    Maj Nelson - Chief of Staff Canadian Forces Base Shilo

    Maj Nelson, the Chief of Staff Canadian Forces Base Shilo at Canadian Forces College, manages the operational support requirements that underpin the educational mission. Overseeing the coordination of base resources, the Chief of Staff ensures that the environment remains conducive to the advanced training of senior officers. Maj Nelson facilitates the integration of base-level logistics with the academic needs of the college, ensuring that all operational requirements are met with precision. This leadership role involves the management of support staff and the optimization of base facilities to accommodate graduate-level military education. By aligning base operations with the strategic goals of the Canadian Armed Forces, the Chief of Staff enhances the overall effectiveness of the institution. Interaction with other senior leaders ensures that the college receives the necessary support to maintain its high standards. Through the efficient management of base resources, the Chief of Staff drives the success of the educational programs.

    Paul Lockhart - Operations Canadian Army Chief of Staff

    Paul Lockhart, the Operations Canadian Army Chief of Staff at Canadian Forces College, directs the operational readiness and training integration for senior officers. Overseeing the alignment of army-specific operational doctrine with the broader whole-of-government curriculum, the Chief of Staff ensures that students gain practical insights into complex command environments. Paul Lockhart manages the coordination of field-based training exercises that complement the graduate-level academic coursework. This leadership role involves the synchronization of army resources with the educational mission of the college. By fostering collaboration between operational units and the academic faculty, the Chief of Staff enhances the relevance of the training provided. Interaction with other senior leaders ensures that the curriculum reflects the current realities of the Canadian Armed Forces. Through the application of operational expertise, the Chief of Staff drives the development of future leaders. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff secures the practical application of military theory within the classroom.

    Courtney Smart - Procurement Officer & Chief of Staff ( Drdc )

    Courtney Smart, the Procurement Officer & Chief of Staff ( Drdc ) at Canadian Forces College, manages the acquisition of specialized resources and research support for military education. Overseeing the procurement of advanced educational tools and research materials, the Procurement Officer ensures that the college maintains access to cutting-edge information. Courtney Smart facilitates the integration of research findings from the Defence Research and Development Canada into the graduate-level curriculum. This leadership role involves the management of complex procurement processes and the coordination of research-based initiatives. By aligning resource acquisition with the strategic needs of the institution, the Chief of Staff enhances the quality of the academic programs. Interaction with other senior leaders ensures that procurement activities support the broader mission of the Canadian Armed Forces. Through the efficient management of research and procurement, the Chief of Staff drives the academic excellence of the college. Ultimately, the Procurement Officer secures the necessary assets for advanced professional development.

    Elizabeth Stachura - Deputy Chief Of Staff RMC

    Elizabeth Stachura, the Deputy Chief Of Staff RMC at Canadian Forces College, coordinates the academic and administrative synergy between the college and the Royal Military College. Overseeing the alignment of educational standards and credit transfer protocols, the Deputy Chief Of Staff ensures a seamless experience for senior officers pursuing graduate-level military education. Elizabeth Stachura manages the collaborative efforts between the two institutions to optimize the use of shared resources and faculty expertise. This leadership role involves the oversight of joint academic initiatives and the maintenance of high institutional standards. By fostering a strong partnership, the Deputy Chief Of Staff enhances the overall impact of the military education provided. Interaction with other senior leaders ensures that the curriculum remains consistent with the strategic goals of the Canadian Armed Forces. Through the effective management of inter-institutional relations, the Deputy Chief Of Staff drives the success of the academic programs.

    Shawn Herron - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Shawn Herron, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Canadian Forces College, manages the internal administrative processes and staff support functions that enable the delivery of graduate-level military education. Overseeing the coordination of departmental activities, the Deputy Chief of Staff ensures that all staff members contribute effectively to the institutional mission. Shawn Herron facilitates the implementation of internal policies and the maintenance of operational standards across the college. This leadership role involves the management of administrative resources and the optimization of staff workflows to support the needs of senior and general officers. By streamlining internal operations, the Deputy Chief of Staff enhances the responsiveness of the college to academic requirements. Interaction with other senior leaders ensures that administrative support aligns with the strategic vision of the Canadian Armed Forces. Through the disciplined management of staff resources, the Deputy Chief of Staff drives organizational efficiency. Ultimately, the Deputy Chief of Staff ensures the smooth functioning of the institution.

    Adam Beaver - Deputy Chief of Staff, Real Property Operations Central

    Adam Beaver, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Real Property Operations Central at Canadian Forces College, manages the physical infrastructure and facility maintenance required for high-level military education. Overseeing the upkeep of the campus and the management of real property assets, the Deputy Chief of Staff ensures that the environment remains safe and conducive to learning. Adam Beaver facilitates the coordination of facility upgrades and the maintenance of essential infrastructure to support the graduate-level curriculum. This leadership role involves the management of property operations and the optimization of physical resources to meet the needs of senior and general officers. By aligning facility management with the strategic goals of the Canadian Armed Forces, the Deputy Chief of Staff enhances the overall effectiveness of the college. Interaction with other senior leaders ensures that infrastructure support aligns with the academic mission. Through the efficient management of real property, the Deputy Chief of Staff drives the success of the institution.

    Misty Williams - Deputy Director

    Misty Williams, the Deputy Director at Canadian Forces College, manages the daily administrative operations and academic support services essential for senior officer training. Overseeing the execution of graduate-level military education courses, the Deputy Director ensures seamless coordination between faculty and the student body. Misty Williams facilitates the implementation of whole-of-government educational frameworks, enabling officers to navigate complex national security environments. This leadership role involves monitoring institutional performance metrics and adjusting resource allocation to meet evolving academic requirements. By streamlining internal processes, the Deputy Director enhances the overall efficiency of the college. Collaboration with the Commandant remains a primary focus to ensure alignment with the strategic vision of the Canadian Armed Forces. Through meticulous oversight of academic programs, the Deputy Director maintains the high standards expected of a premier military school. Ultimately, the Deputy Director supports the mission by providing the necessary infrastructure for advanced professional development.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Canadian Forces College Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Canadian Forces College?
    Canadian Forces College is led by Scott McCarthy (Chief Executive Officer, Commandant Strategic Logistics, Organizational Leadership, Digital Modernization ( Equivalent)), along with executives such as Maj McCue (Chief of Staff) and Tim Arsenault (Chief of Staff To the Vice Chief of Defence Staff).
    Who is part of Canadian Forces College’s executive team?
    The executive team of Canadian Forces College includes leaders such as Scott McCarthy (Chief Executive Officer, Commandant Strategic Logistics, Organizational Leadership, Digital Modernization ( Equivalent)), Maj McCue (Chief of Staff), Tim Arsenault (Chief of Staff To the Vice Chief of Defence Staff) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Canadian Forces College have?
    Canadian Forces College has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Canadian Forces College’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Canadian Forces College includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Commandant Strategic Logistics, Organizational Leadership, Digital Modernization ( Equivalent), Chief of Staff, Chief of Staff To the Vice Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Staff Canadian Forces Base Shilo, Operations Canadian Army Chief of Staff.