The “C” in CBA these days stands for “changes” – and some big ones are happening this month, as the “C” suite sees its first turnover in 20 years.
The CEO’s office was freshened up with a new coat of paint in October, ready to welcome Cheryl Farrow on Nov. 7, who comes to the CBA from Supply Chain Management Association, where she was President and CEO for six years. She is bilingual, a Certified Association Executive with an MBA, and has experience in the not-for-profit sector working with boards through times of change.
That experience will serve her well in her new position, as members and staff set off on the great adventure of reimagining the CBA according to the new strategic direction and governance model decided on this year after a two-year Re-think process. Volunteer teams led by Vice-President Kerry Simmons are working on governance transition, dealing with bylaws, the AGM (see more about that later in this issue), the board and council, branches, external relationships, sections and finance. The new CEO had been fully briefed on the task force’s work before arriving and will be on hand as the work progresses.
Meanwhile, staff committees are developing roadmaps to implement the changes, deciding how to efficiently deliver existing services and what new services might be created as the CBA becomes a more member-centric association.
Former CEO John Hoyles’ final day at the CBA was Nov. 10. Staff gave him a fine send-off at the Chateau Laurier on Nov. 2. John isn’t calling this a retirement, he says instead he’s transitioning to something new – he just doesn’t know what it is yet.
I’m sure you’ll join all of us in giving Cheryl a warm welcome and wishing John a fond farewell.