New Officer Roundup: Major Alison Cowling, Divisional Commander
Summer at The Salvation Army brings with it a number of new beginnings as officers around the country transfer to new appointments. Here in the Maritime Division we have 13 new officers starting in five locations. Today we bring you the second of our seven-part series introducing you to them.
Major Alison Cowling hails from MacLean, New South Wales, Australia. She entered The Salvation Army Training College in Sydney Australia – Eastern Territory in 1976 and was commissioned in 1978 as a member of the “Companions for Christ Session”. Major Cowling has served in many postings over her 35-year officership, ranging from Corps Officer to Training Officer, as well stints at both Canada and Bermuda Territorial Headquarters in Toronto, ON and International Headquarters in London, UK. Major Cowling joins the team at Maritime Divisional Headquarters as Divisional Commander, where she will lead 34 units across the Maritime Provinces.
We caught up with Major Cowling to touch base and see how the Maritime Division’s new DC is settling into her new office.
Tell us about your last posting?
Alison Cowling: Before coming to the Maritime Division, I served as Assistant Chief Secretary at Territorial Headquarters in Toronto for five years. This particular role was ministerial in nature, and I quite enjoyed it. I had the opportunity to meet with and connect with divisional leaders across the territory. It was a wonderful way to see the territory. Prior to that, I was posted to The Salvation Army International Headquarters in London, UK as Under Secretary for Northwest Pacific East Asia.
Do you have any experience with the Maritimes, either work-related or personal?
AC: I actually have friends who live in Moncton, so I have come on holiday with friends to the Maritimes in the past, and have visited Maritime Divisional Headquarters in the past for work. The Maritimes are lovely.
What are your first impressions of the community?
AC: I really do love the Maritimes. I grew up in a small fishing community, and I see many similarities between my “hometown” and the culture of the Maritimes. I really like the pace here, it’s not too busy and I must say I am struck at the friendliness of the people here. The office is great, and there’s a sense of family among the staff. Everyone does their own thing, but is always ready to help one another. It’s very special.
What have you been able to get done since arriving?
AC: Really, I have been concentrating on orientation: with the division, with the office, with the staff and with this new role. This is my first Divisional Commander position, and I’ve been working to better understand the role, my responsibilities and then getting to know the division. I’ve made a few trips to camp now, to support our staff there, and I look forward to continuing to see the division by visiting our other ministry units.
Do you have any hopes or goals for this new posting?
AC: There is a great starting point for me here in the Maritimes. I hope to provide support to the ministry units across the division and to continue to move forward. My vision for the Maritime Division is to see the Army be relevant, vibrant and growing across all ages and nationalities here in this division, and across the territory, and to focus on the new things God is going to do.
