Holland College appoints Mitton as first female president & CEO
From Springboard Content Lab and the Holland College Newsroom
Springboard congratulates our Network member, Holland College, on the appointment of Natalie Mitton as its first female President and CEO. She takes office on July 1, 2026. With deep experience in applied research, public policy, and post-secondary leadership, Mitton is positioned to strengthen industry partnerships, innovation, and workforce development across Prince Edward Island and Atlantic Canada.
Key takeaways:
- Historic appointment: Natalie Mitton becomes the first woman to lead Holland College.
- Strong internal leadership: Previously Vice-President of Academic and Applied Research at Holland College.
- Government and policy experience: Former Deputy Minister in PEI’s education and workforce departments.
- Focus on applied learning: Oversaw more than 60 programs and key innovation centres.
- Leadership transition: Succeeds Dr. Alexander (Sandy) MacDonald, who retires June 30, 2026.
“To serve as President & CEO of Holland College is an honour and a privilege. For 57 years, the College has accomplished so much and impacted so many. With our students, their success and institutional excellence at the centre of all we do, I look forward to working with College students, faculty and staff and our industry and government partners to create new opportunities, realize new successes and build on the achievements of this unique and exceptional learning institution.”
Natalie Mitton, appointed as next CEO of Holland College
Mitton’s track record in applied research and innovation
Mitton brings more than two decades of leadership experience spanning post-secondary education, public service, and industry collaboration, aligning closely with the evolving needs of the region’s workforce and innovation ecosystem.
During her tenure as Vice-President of Academic and Applied Research, Mitton played a key role in advancing Holland College’s hands-on, industry-driven model, including leadership of major innovation assets such as:
These initiatives reflect the College’s broader mission of delivering real-world solutions through education and research, a model that aligns strongly with the Springboard Atlantic network approach.
Her background uniquely positions her to:
- Strengthen college–industry partnerships
- Expand applied research and commercialization
- Support talent development aligned with labour market needs
Why it matters for Springboard
As a valued member of the Springboard Atlantic network, Holland College plays a critical role in advancing:
- Industry-driven research collaborations
- Commercialization of applied innovation
- Talent pipelines for key sectors across Atlantic Canada
Mitton’s leadership is expected to further strengthen:
- Cross-institutional collaboration
- Engagement with SMEs and industry partners
- Applied research outcomes that support regional economic growth
This aligns directly with Springboard’s mission to connect industry with post-secondary expertise to solve real-world challenges.
FAQs
Who is the new President & CEO of Holland College?
Natalie Mitton has been appointed as the incoming President & CEO and will begin her role on July 1, 2026.
What is her background?
She has over 20 years of leadership experience in post-secondary education, public service, and applied research, including senior roles within Holland College and the Government of Prince Edward Island.
Why is this appointment significant?
Mitton is the first woman to lead Holland College and brings a strong focus on applied learning, innovation, and industry collaboration.
How does this impact the Springboard network?
Holland College is a key Springboard member, and this leadership transition is expected to strengthen applied research partnerships and commercialization efforts across Atlantic Canada.
About Springboard Atlantic
Springboard Atlantic is a network of 19 post-secondary institutions across Atlantic Canada that connects researchers with industry to drive innovation, commercialization, and economic growth.