New Brunswick public servant Michel LeBlanc named ED for Maritime College of Forest Technology

Longtime New Brunswick public servant Michel LeBlanc will lead the Maritime College of Forest Technology as its next top manager.

The college has announced LeBlanc, currently acting assistant deputy minister for the province’s Early Learning and Childcare, as its incoming executive director.

“Michel has demonstrated strength in strategic leadership, operational expertise, process improvement and change management, oversight for highly complex portfolios, and excellence in building and cultivating strong relationships across both the public and private sectors throughout his career,” board chair Heather Boyd said in a release.

“His insights into New Brunswick’s education sector, his background and education in forestry, his bilingualism, and commitment to the college’s mission and vision for the future will serve as extremely beneficial to the college as it moves into this important next chapter in its history.”

LeBlanc has served 15 years in senior leaderships roles with the provincial government, including with Service New Brunswick and the Executive Council Office. The college said much of his career has centred on improving programs and services offered to New Brunswick’s citizens.

Based in Fredericton, LeBlanc also has a background in forestry. He spent the early stages of his career as a forester working harvesting, silviculture, road building, transportation, aerial surveys — both stand management and wildlife — forest fire management, GIS and sawmills.

“I am delighted to be joining the MCFT team,” said LeBlanc. “I developed an interest in forestry as a child when I spent time at a relative’s woodlot. Today, I manage a woodlot/sugarbush with my family.

“The forest is where I find peace, inspiration and have come to understand that learning does not stop at the end of our academic pathway. The forestry sector has a wide range of opportunities for MCFT graduates.

“I look forward to continuing to build on MCFT’s vision to be the recognized leader in forestry and natural resource education. ‘’

MCFT has graduated more than 3,300 students since 1946, and continues to produce quality graduates primed for work in the natural resource sector.