Lotus Group is proud to partner with the Alberta Forest Products Association (AFPA) in the recruitment of its next President & Chief Executive Officer.
Founded in 1942, AFPA is a non-profit industry association representing more than 40 member companies across Alberta's forest products sector, including lumber, panelboard, pulp and paper, and secondary wood products. Headquartered in Edmonton, AFPA serves as a unified voice for an industry that generates more than $14 billion in economic activity, supports approximately 30,500 jobs, and plays a vital role in the economic sustainability of more than 70 Alberta communities.
AFPA works closely with industry, government, Indigenous communities, and other stakeholders to advance responsible forest management, strengthen industry competitiveness, influence public policy, and promote the long-term success of Alberta's forest products sector.
As the industry navigates increasing regulatory complexity, trade pressures, fibre access challenges, and evolving government policies, AFPA is seeking an accomplished and respected executive to lead the Association through an important period for Alberta's forestry industry.
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the President & CEO will provide strategic leadership, strengthen government and industry relationships, and serve as a credible and trusted voice for Alberta's forest products sector. This individual will be responsible for advancing AFPA's strategic priorities, influencing policy decisions, maintaining strong member engagement, and leading a capable and established team.
The successful candidate will bring a collaborative and diplomatic leadership approach, strong political awareness, and the ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders while delivering meaningful results for the Association and its members.
Role Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Board Governance
- Provide overall strategic leadership to AFPA, ensuring the Association remains focused on advancing the priorities and long-term interests of Alberta's forest products industry.
- Work closely with the Board of Directors to translate strategic priorities into actionable plans, measurable objectives, and clear organizational accountability.
- Lead the development and execution of a three-year strategic plan focused on fibre security, industry competitiveness, Indigenous relationships, and government and public support.
- Provide the Board with timely information, strategic recommendations, and clear reporting on organizational performance and emerging industry issues.
- Identify and prioritize opportunities that strengthen AFPA's influence, credibility, and value to its members.
- Ensure strong governance practices, financial oversight, and effective management of organizational resources.
Government Relations, Policy & Advocacy
- Lead AFPA's government relations and advocacy strategy, building and maintaining effective relationships with municipal, provincial, and federal governments.
- Establish and strengthen relationships with ministers, deputy ministers, senior government officials, and key policy decision-makers.
- Position AFPA as a trusted and credible resource in the development and implementation of public policy affecting Alberta's forestry industry.
- Advocate for policies that support secure fibre access, forest tenure, land-base management, industry competitiveness, and long-term investment.
- Navigate complex political and regulatory environments while maintaining productive, non-partisan relationships across governments and political parties.
- Work collaboratively with government departments and policy teams to advance practical, evidence-based solutions, escalating issues to senior political leadership when appropriate.
- Anticipate emerging legislative, regulatory, and economic challenges and proactively position AFPA to influence decisions affecting its members.
Industry Advocacy & Stakeholder Relationships
- Serve as the primary spokesperson and representative of AFPA, maintaining a strong and respected presence within government, industry, and the broader public.
- Build and maintain trusted relationships with member companies, industry leaders, Indigenous communities, municipalities, and other key stakeholders.
- Represent the collective interests of a diverse membership, ensuring companies of varying sizes and industry subsectors have an equitable voice.
- Build consensus among members with differing priorities while maintaining a unified and credible industry position.
- Maintain an active presence across Alberta's forestry communities through regular engagement with member operations, mills, municipal leaders, and industry events.
- Strengthen relationships with provincial and national industry associations to coordinate advocacy efforts and advance shared priorities.
- Identify opportunities to enhance AFPA's reputation, membership value, and influence at provincial, national, and international levels.
Forestry Policy, Competitiveness & Indigenous Relations
- Advance AFPA's strategic priorities related to fibre access, forest tenure, land-base management, and long-term resource security.
- Support policies that strengthen Alberta's global competitiveness, encourage industry investment, and address trade, transportation, and regulatory challenges.
- Build constructive relationships with First Nations and Métis governments and organizations, supporting meaningful engagement and opportunities for Indigenous participation within the forestry sector.
- Provide leadership on complex policy matters involving environmental regulation, cumulative effects, wildfire management, forest resilience, and land-use considerations.
- Collaborate with members and industry partners to identify opportunities for innovation, market diversification, and sustainable industry growth.
- Ensure AFPA remains proactive and responsive to emerging challenges that could affect the economic viability and future competitiveness of Alberta's forest products industry.
Organizational Leadership & Team Development
- Provide leadership to AFPA's established team, fostering a positive, collaborative, and high-performing workplace.
- Preserve and strengthen the Association's people-first culture, emphasizing trust, respect, transparency, and employee engagement.
- Establish clear organizational priorities, accountability, and communication practices to ensure effective coordination across departments and programs.
- Encourage collaboration between policy, government relations, communications, and operational teams.
- Support employee development, succession planning, and organizational capacity to ensure AFPA can effectively deliver on its mandate.
- Lead with humility, approachability, and sound judgment, empowering employees while remaining accessible and engaged.
- Balance the need for organizational continuity with opportunities to improve internal processes, communication, and operational effectiveness.
Financial & Operational Management
- Oversee the financial and operational performance of the Association, ensuring responsible stewardship of member contributions and organizational resources.
- Lead annual budgeting, financial planning, forecasting, and reporting in collaboration with the finance team and Board of Directors.
- Ensure effective financial controls, risk management, and sound administrative practices.
- Provide oversight of AFPA's programs and services, including lumber grading, health and safety certification, industry promotion, and workforce development initiatives.
- Evaluate organizational resources, staffing capacity, and program effectiveness to ensure alignment with strategic priorities.
- Ensure AFPA continues to deliver meaningful value to its members while maintaining long-term financial and operational sustainability.
Communications, Public Affairs & Industry Representation
- Act as a credible and engaging spokesperson for Alberta's forest products industry with government, media, industry stakeholders, and the public.
- Provide strategic direction on communications, public affairs, and industry advocacy initiatives.
- Represent AFPA at government meetings, industry conferences, public engagements, and other significant events.
- Communicate complex industry and policy issues clearly and effectively to audiences with varying levels of sector knowledge.
- Strengthen public understanding of the forestry industry's economic, environmental, and community contributions.
- Ensure consistent messaging that reflects the interests of AFPA's membership and reinforces the Association's reputation as a trusted industry leader.
Qualifications & Experience
- Significant senior executive leadership experience within government, industry associations, natural resources, agriculture, Indigenous economic development, or another complex, highly regulated sector.
- Demonstrated success building relationships with senior government officials, political leaders, industry executives, and diverse stakeholder groups.
- Strong understanding of government decision-making processes, public policy development, regulatory frameworks, and effective advocacy strategies.
- Proven ability to influence policy outcomes and navigate complex political and stakeholder environments.
- Experience working with a Board of Directors and translating strategic direction into measurable organizational results.
- Demonstrated ability to build consensus, manage competing stakeholder interests, and establish trusted relationships across organizations.
- Strong executive leadership capabilities with experience developing teams, maintaining positive organizational cultures, and leading through periods of uncertainty.
- Financial and operational management experience, including budgeting, organizational planning, and resource allocation.
- Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to represent an organization at senior government, industry, and public forums.
- Strong political awareness, sound judgment, and the ability to maintain credibility and productive relationships across political parties and jurisdictions.
- Willingness and ability to travel extensively throughout Alberta, across Canada, and internationally as required (up to 50%).
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous leadership experience within an industry association, government ministry, natural resources organization, or similarly complex stakeholder environment.
- Experience serving in a senior government position, including Deputy Minister, Assistant Deputy Minister, or comparable executive leadership role.
- Knowledge of Alberta's forestry, natural resources, agriculture, or land-based industries.
- Familiarity with forest management, fibre access, tenure, environmental policy, Indigenous relations, or land-use regulation.
- Established relationships within Alberta's government, industry, and business communities.
- Experience working with Indigenous governments, communities, or organizations on economic development, land agreements, or resource-related initiatives.
- Experience representing an organization or industry at provincial, national, or international levels.
Cultural Fit
The ideal candidate will:
- Lead with humility and integrity: Demonstrate authenticity, sound judgment, and a genuine commitment to the success of the organization and its members.
- Build trust and strong relationships: Establish credibility through honesty, consistency, accessibility, and a willingness to listen and understand differing perspectives.
- Be a collaborative consensus builder: Bring together stakeholders with competing priorities and create alignment around common objectives.
- Demonstrate political awareness and diplomacy: Navigate sensitive issues with professionalism, discretion, and an understanding of complex political environments.
- Be approachable and people-focused: Value employee contributions, encourage open communication, and maintain a supportive and inclusive workplace.
- Balance strategy with execution: Translate complex priorities into practical actions while maintaining accountability for results.
- Remain calm and adaptable: Demonstrate resilience, optimism, and sound decision-making in challenging or uncertain circumstances.
- Be a credible industry representative: Communicate confidently and effectively with government officials, industry leaders, Indigenous stakeholders, and the public.
- Respect the organization's foundation: Build upon AFPA's established strengths, relationships, and culture while identifying opportunities for continued improvement.
Measures of Success
Success within the first 12–18 months will include:
- A clearly defined and actionable strategic plan aligned with the Board's four priorities, supported by measurable objectives and accountability.
- Meaningful progress in advancing government policy discussions and outcomes related to fibre access, forest tenure, and industry competitiveness.
- Strong and productive relationships established or maintained with key provincial and federal government officials, including ministers and deputy ministers.
- Continued credibility and influence for AFPA across political parties and government jurisdictions.
- Strong engagement and confidence among AFPA's diverse membership, with members recognizing the Association's value and effectiveness.
- A cohesive and engaged internal team with improved communication, collaboration, and clarity around organizational priorities.
- Clear leadership and coordinated progress on Indigenous relations and other critical policy initiatives.
- Continued financial stability, effective governance, and responsible management of the Association's resources.
- A visible and respected presence within Alberta's forestry communities, government, and national industry networks.
- AFPA's reputation maintained and strengthened as a trusted, collaborative, and influential voice for Alberta's forest products industry.
Compensation
AFPA offers a competitive executive compensation package, including base salary, benefits, and additional compensation considerations commensurate with experience and qualifications.
The position is based in Edmonton, Alberta, and requires significant travel throughout Alberta, across Canada, and internationally as required.
We thank all interested applicants. Please note that only those applicants who meet the qualifications and requirements will be contacted.
Lotus Group provides Elevated Search, Recruitment and Human Resource services across Canada. With established client and talent networks spanning coast to coast, we know that employees are the power that fuel excellent organizations. Lotus Group is dedicated to being Canada's most trusted provider of Elevated People Solutions.
For more information, visit www.lotus-group.ca.
