The Gathering Place in St. John’s. – Keith Gosse/The Telegram Photo by Keith Gosse /Keith GosseArticle contentRoyal Newfoundland Constabulary Deputy Chief Colin McNeil is leaving the police force for a leadership position with The Gathering Place. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentMcNeil has been appointed executive director of the non-profit centre effective Jan. 5, 2026. Article contentArticle contentHe will replace retiring executive director Paul Davis, another former RNC officer, who also served as premier of the province in 2014-2015. Article contentArticle contentThe Gathering Place is a downtown St. John’s-based organization offering food, emergency shelter and other services to those in need. Article contentMcNeil, one of two RNC deputy chiefs appointed in March 2022 alongside Stephanie Legace, announced his retirement from the RNC in a post on LinkedIn. Article content Then-Inspector Colin McNeil of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary speaks to reporters during a scrum at RNC headquarters in St. John’s in June 2020- Joe GibbonsArticle content“It has been an absolute privilege to serve alongside the dedicated people of this great organization and to work on behalf of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador for over 30 years,” he wrote. Article content“I am incredibly grateful for the experiences, friendships and opportunities this career has given me. As I close this chapter, I’m looking forward to a new challenge in the new year.” Article contentIn a news release, The Gathering Place said McNeil will lead the organization’s mission to offer barrier-free, street-level supports to marginalized individuals. Article content“He will oversee programs and services, strengthen partnerships, steward financial resources and champions the values that define The Gathering Place — compassion, dignity and community,” the release reads. Article contentArticle contentIt notes McNeil’s background, including 30 years of public service; time spent as chairman of the board at Thrive, a non-profit organization supporting youth and young adults in need; a degree from Memorial University and diplomas from Holland College and the Gardiner School of Business, and his King Charles III Coronation Medal and Police Exemplary Service Medal. Article contentArticle content“Colin’s leadership is rooted in service, compassion and integrity,” Sister Elizabeth Davis, chairwoman of The Gathering Place board, wrote. Article content“His deep understanding of community needs and his unwavering commitment to dignity and inclusion make him the right person to guide our mission forward.” Article content
RNC deputy chief Colin McNeil leaving police force; will take helm of The Gathering Place
