July 6, 2021 - CBN News
President’s Message: Passing the Torch
By: John Georgakopoulos
On June 17, 2021, I was appointed President of the CBN for a two-year term. In this position I have the privilege of continuing to advance CBN’s vision of putting Brownfields First! I am fortunate to have a great team of brownfield professionals who serve on the CBN Board and Executive joining me on this journey. The CBN Board and Executive is made up of individuals who volunteer their time and expertise to further brownfield redevelopment. As CBN President, I look forward to continuing my work with the CBN Board and Executive to lead Canada’s network of brownfield professionals.
Vision
My mandate over the next two years will be to continue the push towards increasing membership value, promoting brownfield initiatives, and strengthening our network of brownfield professionals across the country. To that end, the CBN Board will be engaging in a strategic visioning session in September 2021 that will build on the CBN’s five-year Strategic Plan (launched January 1, 2020) and focus on initiatives that will further expand CBN's presence across Canada, strengthen dialogue with government about advancing brownfields, and enhance member engagement and value.
Appreciation
I would like to express my appreciation and thank our Past-President, Chris De Sousa, for his dedication and commitment to leading the CBN over the past two years. Chris has worked tirelessly to promote the CBN and its initiatives. We will have the benefit of continuing to receive Chris’ wisdom, as he continues to serve on the CBN Executive as Past-President.
I would also like to thank Meggen Janes, with whom I served as CBN Co-Vice President, for her commitment and contributions to the CBN. Meggen will continue to provide leadership to the CBN through her role as a Board member and with CBN’s Conference Committee.
Also, thank you to our departing CBN Board members, Grant Walsom and Berend Jan Velderman, whose terms on the Board have come to an end. The CBN greatly appreciates their significant contributions over the years.
In terms of new roles, I would like to congratulate Krista Barfoot and Carol LeNoury for being appointed as CBN’s Co-Vice Presidents. I look forward to collaborating with Krista and Carol on CBN’s initiatives over the next two years. I would also like to welcome our newest Board member, Pete Craig, with whom the CBN Board looks forward to working with on various initiatives.
Lastly, I would like to thank all of our members, existing and new, for their support in making the CBN Canada’s leading network of brownfield professionals. I am looking forward to working with the current CBN Board and Executive, as well as Tammy Lomas-Jylha (CBN Executive Director) and Sim Frayne (CBN Operations Manager), over the next two years to continue to put Brownfields First!
John Georgakopoulos
President, Canadian Brownfields Network
