Crescent’s New Board Chair Takes His Seat
Incoming Board Chair Rodney Hill P’23, ’23, ’25 assumes his position officially at the October 7 Board of Governors meeting. He takes over from Jamie Coulter ’87, P’21, who held the role since September 2019.
Originally from Northern Ireland, Rodney Hill grew up in a two-tiered education system where post-secondary education wasn’t the norm. He had to change to a different high school at 16 years of age in order to earn a qualification that would allow him to apply to university. He was the first in his family to earn a university degree, attending the University of Kent and then qualifying as a chartered accountant in London, England.
He credits the interest and encouragement from one teacher for feeding his academic curiosity and changing the trajectory of his life. At Crescent, he sees how much the teachers care about the boys and that care is what will ultimately make a difference in boys’ lives.
Mr. Hill and his wife Karen Rowe have three sons: twin boys Colin ’23 and Owen ’23, and Matthew ’25. He is the Global Head of Technology, Data, and Security at OMERS, one of Canada’s largest defined benefit pension plans. Crescent recently caught up with Mr. Hill for a Q&A.
What motivated you to take on the role of Board Chair at Crescent School?
The teachers at my school in Ireland took a personal interest in my development, encouraging opportunities for personal growth and development. Without their support, I would not be where I am today.
My boys have all attended Crescent and I see in this school the same type of dedicated teachers who helped me on my journey. Giving back to Crescent as the Board Chair is a unique opportunity for me to contribute to the success of an incredible school and pay forward the opportunities that education, and the teachers who provided it, have afforded me.
What are the qualities of an effective Board Chair?
The Board is a group of talented individuals working closely with Headmaster Michael Fellin and his leadership team. As the Chair, the single most important quality is to be able to listen to the voices of others and then harness the collective wisdom of the group to support the school’s strategic vision.
The Board is a group of talented individuals working closely with Headmaster Michael Fellin and his leadership team. As the Chair, the single most important quality is to be able to listen to the voices of others and then harness the collective wisdom of the group to support the school’s strategic vision.
How do you see the role of the Board in shaping the school's future?
A key responsibility of the Board is to work with the headmaster to set strategy. This year we will work on the next evolution of the strategic plan for Crescent, which will help frame the next five to 10 years and position Crescent for success in the long term.
A key responsibility of the Board is to work with the headmaster to set strategy. This year we will work on the next evolution of the strategic plan for Crescent, which will help frame the next five to 10 years and position Crescent for success in the long term.
What are the key priorities for the Board this coming academic year?
We have four key priorities:
- Working closely with the headmaster and his team to develop the next iteration of the School’s strategy;
- Overseeing the construction of the Our Way Forward vision (that is so exciting—I can’t wait to see it open!);
- Supporting the ongoing efforts to complete our fundraising campaign; and
- Working with the headmaster to ensure that Crescent is a great place for our boys and an employer of choice.
What are the challenges facing Crescent School today?
As the cost of living in Toronto becomes increasingly expensive, ensuring that Crescent is accessible to as many mission-fit boys as possible is a key challenge. Crescent’s ability to attract, retain, and develop exceptional teachers knowing that the education sector's talent pool is declining and many teachers are choosing to relocate their families outside of Toronto, is also a top priority for the school.
As the cost of living in Toronto becomes increasingly expensive, ensuring that Crescent is accessible to as many mission-fit boys as possible is a key challenge. Crescent’s ability to attract, retain, and develop exceptional teachers knowing that the education sector's talent pool is declining and many teachers are choosing to relocate their families outside of Toronto, is also a top priority for the school.
What opportunities do you foresee for the school?
The answer to this question will emerge from the strategic planning work now underway. I look forward to being part of a group of faculty, staff, parents, students, trustees, and alumni who are helping to create a bold and vibrant vision for Crescent School.
The answer to this question will emerge from the strategic planning work now underway. I look forward to being part of a group of faculty, staff, parents, students, trustees, and alumni who are helping to create a bold and vibrant vision for Crescent School.
What legacy do you hope to leave after your tenure as Board Chair?
I want to support the continued evolution of a strong and diverse Board and management team such that we ensure the sustainability of Crescent as an institution supporting and empowering Men of Character.
How do you plan to balance the demands of this role with your other professional and personal commitments?
Early in my career, when I thought I was very important, I remember going back to Ireland and boasting about how “busy” I was. My brother, who is a police officer in Northern Ireland, promptly reminded me, “We all have 24 hours.” That was an important lesson for me in humility. We all get to choose how we spend that time, and his words motivated me to focus on balance and patience.
This interview has been edited for clarity and length.
