Wolfville, NS, May 19, 2017 – Acadia University Board of Governors Chair John Rogers (’79) today announced that Karen Hutt (’89) has been appointed to Acadia’s Board of Governors for a six-year term beginning April 21, 2017. Hutt’s appointment was recommended by the Board’s Governance Committee and unanimously endorsed by the Board.

“Welcoming Karen back to Acadia as a member of our Board is my distinct pleasure,” said Rogers. “Karen is one of our province’s accomplished corporate leaders. As President and CEO of Nova Scotia Power, she heads one of our largest and most successful businesses and her industry experience adds tremendous depth to an already strong Board here at Acadia. Her personal familiarity with Acadia’s commitment to academic excellence and focus on student success means that she will make an immediate impact on our efforts to keep Acadia at the forefront of Canada’s post-secondary sector, and I’m looking forward to working with her.”

Hutt joined NSP in 2001 and was appointed President and CEO in August 2016. Previously, she was Vice-President, Mergers and Acquisitions, for NSP’s parent company, Emera Inc. She has led a range of customer, business growth and regulatory initiatives in markets as diverse as Canada, New England, New Mexico and Florida. She is known for her strong focus on building and leveraging strategic relationships, advancing business goals, creating growth, and applying innovative thinking to meet customer needs.

“Acadia is a special place and plays a tremendously valuable role in Nova Scotia’s university community. I am delighted to have the opportunity to serve on the Board of Governors and I look forward to contributing to Acadia’s success going forward,” said Hutt.

An active supporter of the local community, Hutt currently serves as Vice-Chair of the IWK Health Centre in Halifax. She is a past Trustee on the IWK Foundation Board, Past-Chair of the Junior Achievement of Nova Scotia Board of Directors and a past Board Member of the Nova Scotia Arthritis Society. A Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) graduate from Acadia, Hutt also holds a degree from Mount Saint Vincent University and recently completed the Institute of Corporate Directors Program through the Rotman School of Management.  She and her husband live in Halifax with their two children.