President and Chief Executive Officer

The BC Council of Forest Industries (COFI) represents the majority of lumber, pulp and paper, and manufactured wood producers across the province; an industry that remains the cornerstone of the economy, supporting good jobs and a better quality of life for British Columbians.

The sector supports about 100,000 jobs spread throughout the province. It generates about $13 billion in GDP annually and contributes $4 billion a year in revenues to all three levels of government; funds that are used to support critical public services like healthcare and education. The industry operates in all regions of the province, purchasing about $7 billion in goods and services annually from 9,900 suppliers. This includes business agreements and stewardship partnerships with Indigenous Nations totaling approximately $250 million, with benefits flowing to 120 Indigenous communities across the province. Between 2010 and 2019, approximately $14 billion was invested by the industry in plant, equipment and harvesting operations in BC.

COFI advocates for the interests of its members and works with government, First Nations, communities, labour and other partners to promote a healthy, diversified and sustainable forest industry that benefits people and families across BC. The industry continues to adapt to changing markets and operating conditions and COFI member companies recognize that environmental, social, governance and economic performance must continually evolve with interests of the sector’s communities of interests, including employees, unions, communities, Indigenous Peoples, supply chain partners, customers, shareholders, investors and governments. Collectively, COFI is working with its member companies to ensure a globally competitive forest sector that is a model for the world in environmental care, product innovation and technological advances.

COFI Culture

Guiding COFI in their work every day is their Statement of Sustainability Commitments and Statement on Reconciliation, both available at COFI - About Us.

COFI’s Outcomes and Key Activity Areas

COFI’s work is organized along well-defined themes:

• Policy Development and Advocacy
• Government and Community Relations
• Environment and Regulatory
• Indigenous Engagement and Partnerships
• Research and Analysis
• Communications & Outreach & Forest Education
• Overseas Market Development
• Quality Control
• Cross-border trade with the United States

What is COFI?

COFI represents forest companies in BC that produce wood for construction, pulp and paper, and bioenergy. British Columbia is the largest producer and exporter of forest products in Canada and the BC forest industry continues to be one of the largest contributors to the provincial economy. COFI advocates for the interests of its members and works with government, First Nations, communities, labour, and others to promote a healthy, diversified, and sustainable forest industry that benefits people and families across the province. COFI members range from some of the largest publicly traded forest companies in Canada to mid-sized companies, family-owned companies, and smaller niche operators. Member companies are committed to sustainable forest management and Indigenous reconciliation, as reflected in COFI’s Statement of Sustainability Commitments and Statement on Reconciliation. COFI also provides Overseas Market Development services to the BC forest industry.

The Opportunity

Given the foundational role that the sector plays in the economic and social wellbeing of the province and beyond, the next CEO of COFI will inherit responsibility for one of the more complex, challenging and critical mandates in Canada today.

Over the last few years, the natural resources sector in BC has faced a broad array of policy changes and the forest sector has been no exception. The Provincial government has undertaken a review of forest policy and made new commitments that are outlined in the Old Growth Strategic Review and Forest Policy Modernization document. In addition, both the provincial and federal governments have committed to implement the Declaration of Rights of Indigenous Peoples. In combination, these changes create both challenges and opportunities for the industry.

The pace and breadth of change has created operational uncertainty for COFI member companies. As such, the new CEO will work with members and the team to seek clarity on policies and processes that impact or have the potential to impact the Timber Harvesting Land Base. This is critical as access to fibre at a reasonable cost is the single most important factor in determining the sustainability of the industry and the ability of the sector to attract investment. This includes working with key ministries including the Ministry of Forest, Lands and Natural Resources Operations, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, The Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation and the new Ministry of Land, Water and Resource Stewardship.

While the industry faces challenges in BC, with the enhanced focus on climate and ESG, the industry also has opportunities to demonstrate alignment with these priorities and enhance both the knowledge and understanding of the sector’s importance to the quality of life in the province. As a renewable sustainable industry, the forest sector is well suited to help deliver on the government’s new Economic Plan that seeks clean and inclusive economic growth. COFI members manufacture low carbon forest products that are in demand around the world. The industry is a leader in partnering with Indigenous nations as tenure holders, employees, contractors and suppliers, with about 5,300 Indigenous People directly employed in the businesses. As the public, governments and investors increase the value they place on ESG matters, COFI and its member companies can demonstrate the industry’s bona fides in this area and underscore that forest sector is part of the solution to the climate challenge and a place where economic reconciliation is strong and growing.

To support this work, the successful candidate will inherit a highly capable team with expertise in a variety of fields. Collectively, the organization has established relationships with its most important stakeholders and beneficiaries including Indigenous and local communities, labour, and provincial and federal governments as well as key trading partners in the US and beyond. They are looked to by both members and partner organizations for leadership on the critical files and to provide the evidence-based information and analysis that supports many industry initiatives. Finally, the “business” of COFI is in good shape, with rigorous financial management and a strong management team.

Key Responsibilities

The Chief Executive Officer of COFI is “the face” of the industry in BC, balancing industry interests with broader public needs, and building partnerships with First Nations and other key stakeholders. The role is pivotal in advocating for the forestry industry, notably regarding access to fibre in the province and highlighting forestry’s contribution to British Columbia. The CEO will drive strategic advocacy and consensus-building among COFI’s members to align with evolving government policy and industry priorities while ensuring a future-focused vision and strategy for the association. Key responsibilities include:

• Lead the organization and work on behalf of the Board of Directors to establish and uphold the appropriate governance and organizational structure and ensure depth and continuity of staff skills required to maintain organizational credibility and influence. In coordination with a senior leadership team, ensure succession planning and capacity to deliver results expected by members.
• Provide strategic and operational leadership as the BC forest industry strives to reduce uncertainty over access to economic timber (also known as fibre) and advocate for public policies that can provide a firm foundation for sustainable prosperity through sectoral diversification and growth.
• Provide strategic leadership and engagement on opportunities to advance economic reconciliation with First Nations through new models for stewardship, governance, revenue sharing, equity partnerships, and shared initiatives on forest and community health and resilience.
• Foster and promote industry performance that will ensure BC maintains its reputation as a leading jurisdiction for sustainable forest management and conservation.
• Develop current-year and medium-term strategic plans, strategies, activities and metrics to execute on the organization’s objectives.
• Attract, retain, and direct a diverse team of senior leaders, a total staff of approximately 18, and a small group of external subject matter contractors with the critical skills necessary to deliver on the strategic plan of the organization.
• Grow team capacity, professionalism, and performance by setting context, managing risks and resources, and delegating authority and deliverables for development, execution, management, and evaluation of outcomes.
• Liaise with member company leadership to ensure satisfaction with the organization’s direction, delivery of core programs, and value for membership.
• Engage with governments at the local, provincial, First Nations, national and international level to inform and influence their perspectives and actions on issues of importance to the BC forest sector.
• Establish and maintain constructive working relationships with key elected officials, public servants, municipal leaders, consular officials, union leaders, and First Nations leadership.
• Develop and execute external communications and engagement strategies in support of industry priorities and objectives.
• Act as the lead spokesperson for the industry to government, the public, and key stakeholders on effective responses to changes in policy, markets, and forest conditions that are transforming the BC forest industry.
• As appropriate, delegate spokesperson responsibilities to other COFI leaders. Maintain good working relationships with the local, provincial and national media, and speak on behalf of industry at conferences, legislative committees and public presentations.
• Activate and leverage forest industry supply chains, communities, customers, investors, labour and workforce to support public policies that will enable BC producers to successfully compete for growing demand for low-carbon and sustainably produced building products, and biomaterials for energy and products for everyday living.
• Build coalitions and strong relationships with other associations and stakeholders across Canada and the US. As appropriate, work closely with other industry and business associations on shared objectives.
• Help govern the direction and activities of the Canada Wood Group and represent BC industry interests on the Board of the Canadian Wood Council.
• Oversight of the budget and financial position of the organization to ensure sufficiency of funding, balancing the need for effective program delivery while ensuring membership costs are reasonable.
• Continuously review the value proposition of the organization, ensure that COFI evolves to meet the needs of a changing industry including growth at COFI by attracting new members.
• Ensure strict adherence to lobbying rules, access to information requirements, and political sponsorships.

Experience and professional qualifications required for the role.

• Over 15 years’ experience in progressively senior positions. Optimally, a strong mix of public policy expertise, senior leadership experience and excellent communication skills and ability.
• Experience and credibility in a high-profile high-stakes environment, with demonstrated experience building relationships with multiple diverse stakeholders, notably First Nations, government and non-governmental organizations, unions and community organizations.
• Capable of becoming a leading advocate for the broad Canadian forestry sector to the public at-large, requiring an ability to engage and influence a broad diversity of stakeholders on a complex array of issues at all levels. Current or former forest sector experience is helpful but not required.
• Proven track record building consensus amongst a diverse group of members. Ability to engage directly and drive issues to conclusion.
• Candidates with relevant backgrounds from other natural resources industries, Crown corporations, government, industry associations, academia, journalism, professional services or consulting businesses are welcome.
• Intimate knowledge of BC’s unique eco-system and stakeholders is strongly preferred.
• Extensive experience handling media public speaking. Background in communications strategy and execution would be helpful.
• Prior experience interacting with Boards / CEOs is an important attribute; must be comfortable in advising the COFI Board on options and alternatives. Prior experience with Board governance is desirable.
• Executive presence and ability / willingness to stand up in the face of tough issues and critics.
• Outstanding communication skills both written and oral.
• Sees ahead of the curve and sets and executes the vision for COFI.
• Comfortable working in a cross-cultural setting involving diverse First Nations.
• Substantial leadership skills and an ability to attract, retain and motivate employees and inspire a high level of productivity.
• Adapt style and delivery to meet industry officials, members and government on common ground and create/ build/mend relationships as necessary.

Education

Undergraduate degree or equivalent relevant experience required. An MBA or other post-graduate education would be an asset.

Compensation

COFI offers a highly competitive compensation package including base salary (CAD $250K-350K), short-term bonus, and benefits.

******

Korn Ferry shall provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified candidates, and will refer candidates without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected basis.