Cheryl Hodder KC, CEO of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society, has informed Council of her decision to conclude her tenure with the Society in December 2025. After thoughtful reflection, Cheryl has chosen to pursue her long-standing passion for governance and will be taking on Board Director roles, along with additional opportunities in the governance and business advisory space.
A seasoned governance and business advisor, educator, and practitioner, Cheryl has made a profound impact on the Society during her three years at the helm. Council respects Cheryl’s decision and extends its deep appreciation for her exceptional leadership, strategic clarity, and commitment to advancing the Society’s mandate.
Society President Morgan Manzer shared the following:
“On behalf of Council, I want to sincerely thank Cheryl for her dedicated leadership and the meaningful progress achieved during her tenure. Her deep expertise in governance, her steady approach, and her clear commitment to the public interest have strengthened the Society and laid important groundwork for the future. We are grateful for all she has contributed and wish her continued success in the next chapter of her professional journey.”
Cheryl remains committed to supporting a smooth and successful leadership transition. Over the coming months, she will work closely with Council and staff to ensure continuity and momentum as the search for a new CEO begins.
Under Cheryl’s leadership, the Society has made meaningful progress on a number of priorities. Most notably, the Society launched a comprehensive strategic framework — 2024–2026 Strategic Plan: A Strategy for Trust — and delivered on critical work to rebuild public confidence in the legal profession. In 2024, the Society received and accepted all 21 recommendations of Regaining Trust: The Ruck Report on Systemic Discrimination in Nova Scotia’s Legal Community.
Despite a year marked by increasing budgetary pressures, a demanding regulatory landscape, and a complex external environment, Cheryl’s steady guidance enabled the successful rollout of Indigenous intercultural awareness training, a significant upgrade to the Society’s Engagement Management System, the launch of a foundational competency profile, and oversight of a record number of professional responsibility matters.
The Society remains focused on delivering its ambitious agenda and sustaining the momentum that has been built. Council thanks Cheryl for her extraordinary leadership and wishes her every success in this exciting next chapter