Board Spotlight: Q&A With Allison Boutilier

Our Board Spotlight series continues this month, highlighting the leaders who lend their time, experience and perspectives to Digital Nova Scotia’s Board of Directors.

Representing organizations from across Nova Scotia’s technology ecosystem, our Board members play an important role in guiding Digital Nova Scotia’s work and helping us stay connected to the opportunities, challenges and priorities shaping our sector.

Each month, Board Spotlight gives us the chance to get to know one of those leaders a little better, and for our September Spotlight, we’re joined by Allison Boutilier, Chief Information Officer at Cape Breton University and a Director on Digital Nova Scotia’s Board of Directors. Allison reflects on her 25-year career in IT, how her team supports the student experience at CBU, and what it means to bring a Cape Breton perspective to the Board. She also shares why Nova Scotia’s tech community has something to offer anyone interested in technology and innovation.

Tell us a bit about yourself and your professional journey. What brought you to Nova Scotia's tech sector?

I’ve spent most of my life in Nova Scotia, growing up in Cape Breton and earning a Bachelor of Information Systems degree from St. F.X. After university graduation, I spent a few years in Alberta working in the energy sector before returning to Cape Breton in what was then considered a “telecommuter” role. Growing up, I did not see myself as a techie (I still don’t!), but I knew early on that I had chosen the right field of study. I have now spent 25 years working in IT and have genuinely enjoyed every role and opportunity that’s come my way. I discovered early on that my tendency to overanalyze would serve me well as a systems analyst and I quickly found my niche. I’ve always gravitated towards roles that bridge the gap between technology and operations – I enjoy being the translator between the two. When I graduated in 2001, there was not much of a tech sector in Nova Scotia. It’s been exciting to watch the sector grow. During my tenure at Marine Atlantic, I became involved with the Atlantic Canada chapter of ASUG (Americas SAP User Group) which sparked a broader interest in what was happening across the province in technology – not just in SAP but across the digital ecosystem. That is really what drew me to Digital NS. Today, in my role at CBU, I am fortunate to work at the intersection of technology, education, research and community impact – bringing together many of the things I’ve enjoyed most throughout my career.

What do you do in your current role, and what excites you most about the work?

I am in my third year as the CIO of Cape Breton University, and it is truly my dream job. I am responsible for leading the university’s technology strategy and supporting the systems, services and infrastructure that enable teaching, learning, research and administration across campus. What excites me most about this role is the impact our work has on the student experience. Technology touches almost every aspect of university life, and we try to keep that perspective in mind with every initiative we undertake. It has also been an incredible learning experience. I’ve had the opportunity to broaden my own knowledge and learn from our team members across areas like networking, cybersecurity, service management, classroom technology and infrastructure. Having spent the majority of my career in corporate environments, I’ve found higher education to be incredibly rewarding. I loved my own experience at university, so it’s particularly meaningful to now work in an environment that helps shape the experience of others. I feel incredibly fortunate to live and work on Cape Breton Island, and working at CBU makes it even more special.

How would you describe your organization and the impact it has on the community or industry?

CBU is deeply connected to the community it serves. What I appreciate most about the university is that it was built on the belief that people in Cape Breton should have access to higher education close to home. CBU provides accessible education, attracts students from around the world, and works closely with community and industry partners to address local needs. With a continued focus on research and innovation, the university helps address real-world challenges and create opportunities that benefit our region. Its impact can be seen not only in the success of its graduates but also in the social, cultural, and economic growth of Cape Breton and Nova Scotia. The motto “Perseverance will triumph” continues to resonate today. It speaks to the university’s journey and the resilience of this community.

How long have you been involved with the Digital Nova Scotia Board, and what inspired you to join?

I joined the Board in 2024. I had just completed my CIO.D designation and was looking to contribute to the community outside of my day-to-day responsibilities. When the opportunity with Digital Nova Scotia arose, it felt like a natural fit given my background in technology. Digital Nova Scotia stands out because of its commitment to growing the tech sector and creating opportunities across the province. Having watched the sector evolve dramatically over the course of my career, I was to contribute to an organization that is helping shape its future. I was also encouraged by the organization's commitment to bringing more voices from outside HRM to the table. I’ve spent most of my life and career in Cape Breton, so I saw this as an opportunity to bring a regional perspective while supporting a sector that has grown tremendously and continues to play an increasingly important role in Nova Scotia's economy.

What's been the most rewarding part of serving on the Board?

That’s a tough question, because there are so many aspects of this role that I enjoy. One of the most rewarding parts has been gaining a much deeper appreciation for how vibrant, diverse and active Nova Scotia’s tech sector is. Through my involvement with the board, I’ve had the opportunity to see firsthand the innovation happening across our province and the impact that technology companies, entrepreneurs, and community organizations are having on our economy. It's inspiring to see the passion, talent, and momentum that exists across the province, and rewarding to play a small part in supporting its continued growth.

What's one thing you'd like more people to know about Digital Nova Scotia?

DNS is for anyone interested in technology and innovation, not just those who work in technology-focused roles. They play a crucial role in connecting people, businesses and community organizations – to support the growth of the NS digital economy. One of the things I've learned through my involvement is how welcoming and collaborative the community is. There is real value in getting involved, no matter where you are in your career.

Stay tuned for more Board Spotlight conversations, where we'll continue introducing the dedicated leaders helping guide Digital Nova Scotia and support our growing tech community.