Lt.-Col. Mike Bobbitt of JDI IT chosen to lead transition team for Joint Task Force North

As Canada is looking to grow its military presence in the arctic, Lieutenant-Colonel Mike Bobbitt, Manager of IT Defense Compliance with JDI IT, will be playing a lead role in a key transition.

Starting in March, Mike will be embarking on a six-month deployment to lead the transition team for Joint Task Force North (JTFN) as the organization looks to double its presence in the North by 2031.

For Mike, who is based in Dartmouth, N.S., this is a continuation of his over 35 years of serving part time in the Canadian Army Reserves. He has been the Commanding Officer of the West Nova Scotia Regiment for the last five years.

From March to September, Mike is taking on a full-time role for JTFN, which is a joint military organization for the Canadian Armed Forces that operates in the North. As part of this role, Mike will be leading the team responsible for setting a strategic plan, developing a transition plan and setting up a new organizational structure as the JTFN expands its mandate.

“When the opportunity came my way, I felt like it was a once in a lifetime opportunity to give back and leverage the training that I’ve had both here [at JDI] and on the military side for years in a way that will have a tangible and positive impact for Canada,” Mike said.

“In my new task, I am most looking forward to contributing to Canada's investment in our North, which has more strategic importance than ever before.”

Mike first joined JDI eight years ago, starting in a security role supporting the Halifax Shipyard. In his current role as Manager of IT Defense Compliance, Mike continues to support the shipyard with a focus on the River-class Destroyer and Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships programs. Leadership has been a key factor in both his civilian and military roles, he noted.

“This is a great company to work for as a reservist,” Mike said. “I appreciate the opportunities that have been afforded to me by working here and being able to do this other job as well.” 

Throughout his years with JDI, Mike has had many opportunities to attend courses and train with the reserves. Last year he led 350 Canadian soldiers during a week-long exercise in the United States, something he calls a personal high point in his career. JDI has always been supportive, he said. For this new opportunity, the company provided him with a six-month leave of absence.

"We're proud of Mike and his service to our country, and I can think of no finer choice to lead the Joint Task Force North transition team,” said Brad Zacharias, Vice President of Information Technology for JDI. “Throughout his career with JDI IT, Mike has shown leadership and dedication to his work, skills that I’m sure he will apply as he steps into this new role. We wish him all the best with this exciting opportunity.”