Connecting leaders. Building capacity. Driving change.

Board of Directors

With representation from business and post-secondary sectors, BHER’s Board of Directors represents major sectors of the economy, regions of the country and the diversity of Canada’s higher education community. Board Directors are elected by BHER’s members to provide strategic direction, establish BHER’s vision and spearhead its initiatives. Internally, the Board of Directors elects officers, including a Chair and two Vice-Chairs, to provide leadership to the Board’s activities and mandate.

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Current Role(s):
  • Board of Directors:
    Member

Mary Butler President and CEO, New Brunswick Community College

Mary has worked in the public and private education sector in multiple jurisdictions. Central to her values and practice is her commitment to every individual's right and opportunity to reach their full potential. 

Mary has been with NBCC since 2011 and the President and CEO since 2019. Under her leadership, the college has increased enrolment by over 34% and increased organizational efficiency and effectiveness through implementation of a lean management system. Mary leads with a “people first” mantra. She initiated, and continues to champion, the transformation of NBCC's long-standing academic model to better meet the needs of students, employers, and communities. 

A native of Louisiana, Mary immigrated to Canada in 1999, receiving citizenship in 2004. Mary is an active volunteer with Meals on Wheels, and currently serves as a member of NBBC (New Brunswick Business Council) and TEC Canada (The Executive Committee), as well as partner with C2R2 (Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery). She is also an active board member with BHER (Business Higher Education Roundtable), ECN (Education Computer Network) and ACA (Atlantic Colleges Association). Additionally, in 2023, Mary was named one of Atlantic Canada’s Top 50 CEOs by Atlantic Business Magazine.