Jody Thomas joins Royal Roads University Board of Governors
Jody Thomas, former National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister, and Royal Roads University Spring 2023 honorary degree recipient, has been appointed to the RRU Board of Governors.
Thomas has dedicated more than 37 years to public service and made significant contributions to the country. In the past eight years, she has served at the most senior levels of the federal government. Prior to being appointed as the NSIA, she served as the Deputy Minister of National Defence.
Thomas joined the naval reserves at age 17 as a diesel mechanic, one of the only seagoing roles available to women at the time. She loved it and spent the next 12 years of her life there.
“Truly everything I've learned about leadership, about decision making, about resilience, comes from that period of time,” she says of her officer role while in the navy.
In recent years, Thomas has been at the centre of some of Canada’s most important domestic and international decisions, including Canada’s security response to the war in Ukraine; the Canadian Forces response to request for assistance during the pandemic and natural disasters; concerns over Canada’s sovereignty in the Arctic; and Canadians being held illegally by foreign governments.
Aside from these monumental tasks, she says she is most occupied with opening the door to the next generation of people coming into public service, and especially, security and defence roles.
“[It’s important we are] opening the door for the next generation, ensuring that door doesn't get closed on other women, racialized people, minorities, that we understand the importance of having diverse teams that represent who we are as a country.”
Thomas brings her expertise in leadership and risk management skills to her new role on the Royal Roads board.
“I’m excited to be part of such an inclusive, thoughtful team, working to support one of the most innovative universities in Canada,” says Thomas. “RRU is committed to providing a superior academic experience, and knowing so many graduates, I can confirm it is delivering.”
“In the longer term, I hope I can help RRU meet the challenges of our times, and more than that, thrive and succeed. I am grateful for and humbled by this opportunity.”
About the RRU Board of Governors
The RRU Board of Governors sets policy and strategy for the university, and advances the institution’s objectives. The volunteer board comprises the university president; a professor elected by RRU professors; a student elected by RRU students; a university employee elected by their work peers; and up to six people appointed by BC’s Lieutenant Governor; as well, up to two people who are not employees of the university are appointed by the board. Each governor votes on board decisions and the chair — currently, Lori Wanamaker — also acts as the university's chancellor.