Canadian Forces College Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Canadian Forces College has 10 executives leading key functions including strategic administration, military engineering, base operations, information management, and digital services.

Committed to excellence in professional military education, Canadian Forces College prepares senior officers for complex leadership roles within a whole-of-government framework to ensure national security and operational readiness.

Leadership Roles at Canadian Forces College

  • Chief of Staff - D.A. Barton
  • Assistant Chief of Staff Chief Military Engineer - Andrew McLachlan
  • Base Chief of Staff - Danielle Smith
  • Chief Information Officer, Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (J6) - Hans Pierre
  • Deputy Chief of Staff & Director, General Information Management Project Delivery (Dgimpd ) - Samuel Perreault
  • Group Digital Services & Canadian Armed Forces J6 Chief of Staff - Cayle Oberwarth
  • Chief of Staff (Material) & Divisional Chief Warrant Officer - Nathalie Scalabrini
  • Chief of Staff Readiness - Daniel Dandurand
  • Chief of Staff Canadian Forces Base Shilo - Maj Nelson
  • Group Information Management Chief of Staff - Lou Carosielli
  • D.A. Barton - Chief of Staff

    D.A. Barton, the Chief of Staff at Canadian Forces College, directs the daily administrative operations and internal governance of the institution. By coordinating between academic departments and military leadership, the Chief of Staff ensures that graduate-level curricula align with the evolving requirements of the Canadian Armed Forces. D.A. Barton manages the allocation of institutional resources to support senior officer development, facilitating a rigorous environment for professional growth. This role involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine educational policies and maintain high standards of military scholarship. Through the oversight of internal processes, the Chief of Staff optimizes the delivery of complex military education programs. By streamlining communication across the college, Barton fosters an environment conducive to high-level strategic thinking. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff maintains the operational integrity of the college, ensuring that all academic and administrative functions support the broader mission of preparing officers for national service.

    Andrew McLachlan - Assistant Chief of Staff Chief Military Engineer

    Andrew McLachlan, the Assistant Chief of Staff Chief Military Engineer at Canadian Forces College, oversees the integration of engineering expertise into the broader military education framework. The Assistant Chief of Staff Chief Military Engineer drives the development of technical curricula that prepare senior officers for infrastructure management and combat engineering challenges. Andrew McLachlan coordinates with national defense partners to ensure that engineering training reflects current technological advancements and operational realities. This leadership position requires the synthesis of complex technical data into actionable educational modules for general officers. By managing the engineering faculty, McLachlan ensures that the college remains at the forefront of military technical proficiency. The Assistant Chief of Staff Chief Military Engineer also advises on the long-term strategic planning of facility requirements and technical resource allocation. Through this specialized focus, McLachlan strengthens the technical foundation of the Canadian Armed Forces, ensuring that graduates possess the necessary expertise to lead in diverse and demanding environments.

    Danielle Smith - Base Chief of Staff

    Danielle Smith, the Base Chief of Staff at Canadian Forces College, manages the logistical and support infrastructure necessary for the effective operation of the military school. The Base Chief of Staff coordinates base-wide services, ensuring that the physical and digital environment supports the academic mission of the college. Danielle Smith oversees the synchronization of base resources with the specific needs of senior officer training programs, facilitating seamless daily operations. This role involves managing complex inter-departmental relationships to maintain high levels of readiness and support for all personnel. By optimizing base logistics, Smith ensures that the college maintains a stable foundation for its graduate-level military education courses. The Base Chief of Staff also implements safety and security protocols that protect the institution and its students. Through rigorous management of base assets, Smith directly contributes to the overall success of the college, ensuring that the infrastructure remains fully aligned with the strategic goals of the Canadian Armed Forces.

    Hans Pierre - Chief Information Officer, Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (J6)

    Hans Pierre, the Chief Information Officer, Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (J6) at Canadian Forces College, architects the digital and information systems that support advanced military education. The Chief Information Officer, Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (J6) drives the implementation of secure communication networks and data management strategies essential for modern military operations. Hans Pierre ensures that the college integrates cutting-edge information technology into its curriculum, preparing officers for the digital complexities of the modern battlefield. This role involves managing the intersection of information security and academic accessibility, ensuring that sensitive data remains protected while facilitating research. By overseeing the J6 infrastructure, Pierre supports the technological requirements of the entire command. The Chief Information Officer, Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (J6) also collaborates with other C-suite leaders to align digital capabilities with the college's long-term strategic objectives. Through this leadership, Pierre ensures that the institution maintains a robust and secure information environment for all students and faculty.

    Samuel Perreault - Deputy Chief of Staff & Director, General Information Management Project Delivery (Dgimpd )

    Samuel Perreault, the Deputy Chief of Staff & Director, General Information Management Project Delivery (Dgimpd ) at Canadian Forces College, manages the execution of large-scale information management projects. The Deputy Chief of Staff & Director, General Information Management Project Delivery (Dgimpd ) drives the delivery of digital solutions that enhance the college's administrative and educational capabilities. Samuel Perreault oversees the project lifecycle, from initial planning to final implementation, ensuring that all information management initiatives meet the rigorous standards of the Canadian Armed Forces. This role requires close coordination with technical teams and academic leadership to ensure that project outcomes support the college's mission. By managing the delivery of complex information systems, Perreault improves the efficiency of institutional processes. The Deputy Chief of Staff & Director, General Information Management Project Delivery (Dgimpd ) also monitors project performance metrics to ensure alignment with strategic goals. Through this leadership, Perreault ensures that the college remains technologically agile and capable of supporting the evolving needs of senior military officers.

    Cayle Oberwarth - Group Digital Services & Canadian Armed Forces J6 Chief of Staff

    Cayle Oberwarth, the Group Digital Services & Canadian Armed Forces J6 Chief of Staff at Canadian Forces College, directs the provision of digital services across the organization. The Group Digital Services & Canadian Armed Forces J6 Chief of Staff drives the modernization of digital infrastructure, ensuring that the college utilizes advanced tools for communication and data analysis. Cayle Oberwarth manages the integration of digital services into the academic environment, facilitating a seamless experience for senior officers. This role involves coordinating with the J6 command to ensure that digital services remain secure and reliable. By overseeing the digital service group, Oberwarth supports the college's mission of providing high-quality military education in a technologically advanced landscape. The Group Digital Services & Canadian Armed Forces J6 Chief of Staff also evaluates new digital technologies to determine their potential impact on military training. Through this leadership, Oberwarth ensures that the college maintains a competitive edge in digital capability, supporting the broader strategic objectives of the Canadian Armed Forces.

    Nathalie Scalabrini - Chief of Staff (Material) & Divisional Chief Warrant Officer

    Nathalie Scalabrini, the Chief of Staff (Material) & Divisional Chief Warrant Officer at Canadian Forces College, manages the material resources and personnel standards of the institution. The Chief of Staff (Material) & Divisional Chief Warrant Officer drives the procurement and maintenance of essential equipment, ensuring that the college has the necessary tools for effective military education. Nathalie Scalabrini also oversees the professional standards and discipline of the divisional personnel, maintaining the high expectations of the Canadian Armed Forces. This dual role requires a balance between material management and leadership development. By ensuring that material resources are available and that personnel standards are upheld, Scalabrini supports the overall operational readiness of the college. The Chief of Staff (Material) & Divisional Chief Warrant Officer also collaborates with other leaders to ensure that material support aligns with the academic curriculum. Through this leadership, Scalabrini maintains the institutional discipline and resource readiness required for the successful training of senior officers.

    Daniel Dandurand - Chief of Staff Readiness

    Daniel Dandurand, the Chief of Staff Readiness at Canadian Forces College, oversees the preparation and operational readiness of the institution's programs. The Chief of Staff Readiness drives the development of training scenarios that test the capabilities of senior officers in high-pressure environments. Daniel Dandurand manages the assessment of readiness metrics, ensuring that the college's educational outcomes meet the rigorous demands of the Canadian Armed Forces. This role involves coordinating with military leadership to align readiness training with current national security priorities. By focusing on the operational preparedness of the students, Dandurand ensures that graduates are ready to lead in complex, whole-of-government frameworks. The Chief of Staff Readiness also evaluates the effectiveness of training programs, implementing improvements based on performance data. Through this leadership, Dandurand ensures that the college remains a vital contributor to the readiness of the Canadian Armed Forces, preparing officers for the challenges of modern military service.

    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 coordination between the college and the base. The Chief of Staff Canadian Forces Base Shilo drives the integration of base-level support with the college's academic requirements, ensuring that training exercises have the necessary logistical backing. Maj Nelson oversees the synchronization of base resources to support the specific needs of the college's senior officer programs. This role involves managing complex relationships between base personnel and academic staff to ensure a cohesive training environment. By optimizing the support provided by the base, Nelson ensures that the college can focus on its core mission of military education. The Chief of Staff Canadian Forces Base Shilo also monitors the operational impact of base activities on the college's schedule. Through this leadership, Nelson ensures that the college benefits from a well-supported and efficient base environment, facilitating the successful development of senior military leaders.

    Lou Carosielli - Group Information Management Chief of Staff

    Lou Carosielli, the Group Information Management Chief of Staff at Canadian Forces College, directs the information management strategy for the entire group. The Group Information Management Chief of Staff drives the implementation of data governance policies that ensure the integrity and security of the college's information assets. Lou Carosielli oversees the coordination of information management teams, ensuring that all projects align with the strategic goals of the Canadian Armed Forces. This role involves managing the flow of information across the institution, facilitating effective decision-making for senior leadership. By optimizing information management processes, Carosielli improves the efficiency of the college's administrative and academic functions. The Group Information Management Chief of Staff also collaborates with other C-suite leaders to ensure that information management supports the broader mission of the college. Through this leadership, Carosielli ensures that the institution maintains a robust information environment, supporting the development of senior officers through secure and reliable data management.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Colleges & Universities

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

    Who leads Canadian Forces College?
    Canadian Forces College is led by D.A. Barton (Chief of Staff), along with executives such as Andrew McLachlan (Assistant Chief of Staff Chief Military Engineer) and Danielle Smith (Base Chief of Staff).
    Who is part of Canadian Forces College’s executive team?
    The executive team of Canadian Forces College includes leaders such as D.A. Barton (Chief of Staff), Andrew McLachlan (Assistant Chief of Staff Chief Military Engineer), Danielle Smith (Base Chief of 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 of Staff, Assistant Chief of Staff Chief Military Engineer, Base Chief of Staff, Chief Information Officer, Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (J6), Deputy Chief of Staff & Director, General Information Management Project Delivery (Dgimpd ).