COFI Announces New President and CEO

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster):  The BC Council of Forest Industries (COFI), has appointed Kim Haakstad as the associaiton’s new president and CEO.

Haakstad has more than two decades of experience in executive leadership roles across government, industry, and stakeholder relations. COFI Chair Greg Stewart stated that Haakstad is a seasoned strategist and relationship builder, and has “consistently demonstrated her ability to navigate complex policy landscapes and forge strong partnerships that drive shared success.”

“Haakstad served as Deputy Chief of Staff to the BC Premier and Chief of Staff to Cabinet Ministers. Her deep understanding of governmental processes, coupled with her strong connections across sectors, positions her as a uniquely qualified leader to guide COFI and the forest sector through the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead,” Stewart stated.

Haakstad recently held leadership roles in the North American agri-tech sector, and is a current member of the Board of the BC-based DIGITAL Global Innovation Cluster.

“Kim will bring a new appreciation of the technology strategies that will be integral to a globally competitive and locally sustainable forest products manufacturing sector in B.C.,” Stewart said. “The COFI Board is confident that Kim’s strategic insight, political acumen, and leadership skills will enable COFI to continue championing a forest sector that fosters a resilient future for British Columbia.”

Haakstad replaces COFI president and CEO Linda Coady.

“As we welcome Kim to COFI, I would also like to take this opportunity to extend our appreciation to Linda Coady for her leadership and service as president and CEO. Linda’s work underscored the forest sector’s role in Indigenous reconciliation and supporting the diverse values B.C.’s forests provide — community well-being, environmental resilience, and economic prosperity,” Stewart said.

Courtesy: www.pulpandpapercanda.com