(July 3, 2020) – Commodore Mark Watson, CD MA MBA CMA-CPA ICD.C RCN (Ret’d) takes over as Commissionaires Chief of Staff, today. Mark will be responsible for building on the solid foundation and momentum achieved by his predecessor, Captain Harry Harsch, OMM CD RCN (Ret’d), who is retiring after five years with the organization.
“Commissionaires is a truly unique Canadian institution serving veterans and our country for nearly a hundred years,” said Mark. “I hope that my military and business experience will prove to be an asset so as to improve our institution’s effectiveness and efficiency. To that end, I look forward to working with the various boards, management teams and commissionaires across Canada.”
Mark earned a BA in History and Political Science, a Masters of War Studies, a Masters of Defence Studies, all from the Royal Military College of Canada, and an MBA from Saint Mary’s University. He is an accomplished leader with a track record of success and possesses a wealth of knowledge and an array of experience and skills spanning over a three-decade career with the Canadian Armed Forces in which he rapidly reached the rank of Commodore and Senior Logistics Officer in the Royal Canadian Navy. Mark is a familiar face to many having held a variety of senior appointments overseeing logistical requirements, operational support, administrative oversight, pay and pension, and morale and welfare.
Prior to joining Commissionaires, Mark held executive positions with large organizations, both in Canada and abroad, overseeing teams of up to 7,000 personnel. His former appointments include Chief Logistics Advisor – African Union Mission in Sudan, Executive Director – Canadian Forces Liaison Council with the Department of National Defence, Director General Compensation and Benefits, Director Maritime Material Operation Support, and J 4 Canada Command with the Canadian Armed Forces.
Mark brings a great combination of leadership, operational experience, technical breadth, and out of the box thinking that have set him apart in previous roles and position him for success in leading our organization forward.
“I welcome Mark and look forward to working closely with him in progressing our social mandate,” said National Board Chair Col. Chris Lythgo, CD (Ret’d). “In the five years Harry has served as Chief of Staff, he has been a wonderful ambassador for the Commissionaires. His commitment to, and passion for the Corps has enhanced its standing. I have enjoyed working with Harry. He has left an indelible positive mark on the Corps.”
