Ben Girard

Ben Girard is expressing his interest in running for the role of student-elected board member for the Board of Governors at Royal Roads University. He is currently enrolled in the Master of Arts – Executive Leadership program and has thoroughly enjoyed being part of the RRU community, both online and during his on-campus residency. He has valued the many opportunities to make new friends, expand his knowledge, and engage with the vibrant and diverse community of RRU students, faculty, and staff. Having met members of the student body across many different programs, he has been deeply inspired by their passion, enthusiasm, and consistent desire to grow personally while serving others.

Ben gratefully resides in Treaty 7 territory, home to the Blackfoot, Kainai, Piikani, and Tsuut’ina peoples—an area that carries the heritage and memories of generations of Indigenous families and the knowledge passed down through them. Born and raised near London, Ontario, he moved west in 2010 and now lives just outside Calgary, Alberta, with his wife and their five children. He holds a deep appreciation for the communities across Canada that he has lived in and served. His community involvement includes roles such as firefighter in Peace River, Alberta, fitness instructor with the YMCA, and service on the boards of both provincial and federal electoral ridings. He is also currently serving his second three-year term on the Appeals Tribunal with the Ministry of Agriculture in Alberta.

After graduating high school and working in the construction (carpentry) industry between post-secondary semesters, Ben began his career in the financial sector, where he worked for three of Canada’s major banks. As he developed his education and experience in financial planning, investing, and commodity futures trading, he discovered a passion for the Canadian agricultural industry. Over the past 15 years, he has worked with a large agri-food organization, holding various roles across Canada in areas such as organizational strategy, leadership, risk, policy development, resource and asset management, and organizational structure.

Ben’s hobbies include snowboarding, biking, playing classical and modern musical instruments, and spending time with his family. As a father of five, he has learned the immense value of encouragement, humour, diplomacy, and empathy. During his time on campus, he enjoyed running through the scenic trails, taking part in his first-ever yoga session (thanks to a classmate instructor), and finding moments of quiet reflection in the gardens and along the waterfront. He cherishes time with family and friends, loves food, and is an avid reader of both fiction and non-fiction—though this year, much of his reading has been devoted to textbooks.

Ben is deeply appreciative of the opportunity to represent the student body and is eager to apply the knowledge gained through his Graduate Certificate in Values-Based Leadership. He is committed to serving the needs of RRU and the Board of Governors with integrity, respect, and humility.