CSGA Announces New Leadership
OTTAWA, ON (March 25, 2021) – The Canadian Seed Growers’ Association has announced that Doug Miller has accepted the position of Executive Director and CEO of CSGA, effective April 1, 2021. Miller succeeds Glyn Chancey, who is retiring after five years leading the organization. Additionally, Caroline Lafontaine will be assuming the role of COO.
Miller has managed CSGA’s core certification business and technology infrastructure since arriving at CSGA in 2011. As a recognized industry thought leader and innovator, Miller has been at the forefront of seed certification system modernization and digital transformation throughout his tenure domestically and internationally.
As a respected voice for CSGA and Canada internationally, Miller has held leadership positions of increasing responsibility within the Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies (AOSCA), a leading U.S. based international seed standards organization and is currently one of two Global Region members on their Board of Directors.
An expert in digital transformation, Miller holds an MBA with a Food and Agribusiness Specialization from the University of Guelph, a Biology degree, and an Advanced Project Management Certification from Stanford University. Before joining CSGA, Miller worked as a High Visibility Issues manager for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), where he also acquired field experience with their Seeds Program.
“I am very excited to start this next phase of my career with CSGA,” said Doug Miller. “The Association and the pedigreed seed system in Canada have a promising future. The Canadian agriculture environment is changing faster than ever, and the time is right for a proactive, flexible, and efficient approach to serving it. Technology, coupled with a deep understanding of our members’ needs across our service offerings, will take us there.”
With a view to strengthening the CSGA leadership team, Caroline Lafontaine has been appointed as Chief Operating Officer. She brings 15 years of CSGA experience and the seed grower’s voice to the leadership table. A long-time colleague of Miller, Caroline says, “Doug’s collaborative leadership style is an important and often overlooked aspect of his value add to the Association and the sector.”
As part of its new 2.0 Business Plan, CSGA and its branches are moving quickly to leverage their strong human resources, proximity to members and cutting-edge technology to reduce seed certification system red tape and strengthen core services for members and clients.
CSGA President Joe Rennick says, “Doug is the right leader, in the right place, at the right time for the Association and the industry it serves. The Board is looking forward to working with Doug, Caroline and the entire CSGA team. We are confident the Association is well-positioned to thrive for years to come.”
About CSGA
The Canadian Seed Growers’ Association (CSGA) is the national standards and certification organization assuring seed crop varietal integrity for Canada’s seed certification system. The not-for-profit organization has championed the interests of Canadian seed growers since 1904. CSGA represents 3,200 members in nine provinces and seven regional Branches across Canada. Learn more at seedgrowers.ca.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Tania Calverley, Communications and Engagement Manager
(613) 236-0497, ext. 229 tcalverley@seedgrowers.ca
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