Going the distance and beyond
John Rogers (’79)
Never one to shy away from a challenge or a chance to serve, John Rogers (’79), QC, accepted the position of interim President and Chief Executive Officer of the Halifax Partnership following the unexpected death of CEO Ron Hanlon last spring. The Partnership is Halifax’s economic development organization, working with business, government and the community to grow Halifax’s population and increase its GDP. Rogers will lead the organization until a permanent President and CEO is found.
Before he accepted the post, Rogers was not sitting idle. He is Counsel and former CEO of Stewart McKelvey, Atlantic Canada’s first and largest regional law firm. In addition, he is Chair of Acadia’s Board of Governors, a Director of the Nova Scotia Health Authority, a Director and former Chair of United Way Halifax, and Past Chair of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce. The list of his many other community commitments is extensive
“What has been constant at Acadia is the transformational experience of each student and the profound effect Acadia has on everyone, touching both head and heart.”
Born in Halifax and raised in Digby, Rogers is an avid traveller, runner, cyclist and skier. He refreshes himself by canoeing the back country of Nova Scotia and some of Canada’s greatest white-water rivers. He has run the Boston Marathon twice.
“I landed at Acadia not because of any family history,” he says. “But family connection runs deep – founders and significant benefactors, generations of students, professors, numerous honorary degree recipients, a Rhodes Scholar, varsity athletes, Athenaeum contributors, Board of Governor members, etc., etc.” Although history is important, it’s not what matters most about Acadia, he believes. “What is most important and what has been constant at Acadia is the transformational experience of each student and the profound effect Acadia has on everyone, touching both head and heart,” he says.
Rogers has been an active member of both the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society and the Canadian Bar Association. Education is also close to his heart. For many years, he has taught, lectured and presented programs in insurance and evidence law, and taught civil trial practice at Dalhousie Law School.
“Acadia’s current and future students need investment in Acadia to continue the tradition of excellence in education and experience,” he asserts. “My experience at Acadia, simply stated, was awesome. I grew exponentially.”