Chris Ballard has been appointed as Passive House Canada/Maison Passive Canada (PHC) CEO, replacing Rob Bernhardt who announced in early 2019 his intention to step down.
“After an extensive executive search for a new CEO, Chris’s commitment and experience working with industry, consumers, government and not for profit organizations made him an excellent choice for the CEO position” said board chair Deborah Byrne, who was also a member of the CEO Recruitment Committee “We count ourselves lucky to have him joining the organization.”
Ballard has a history of supporting environmental and land use causes, most recently as the Ontario’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change implementing the government’s plan for a clean environment and a sustainable economy.
He also served as the Minister of Housing and the Minister responsible for Ontario’s Poverty Reduction Strategy and Member of the Treasury Board. Ballard is a past executive director of the 60,000 member Consumers’ Association of Canada (Ontario) and a founding board member of the Consumers Council of Canada. His leadership in journalism, communications and public affairs includes terms as president and board member of the Public Affairs Association of Canada.
“The opportunities Passive House Canada offers to make a difference at this pivotal time are tremendous – and create a responsibility to get it right. I am excited by the prospect of working with such an amazing team in collaboration with industry, government and consumers.” said Ballard.
“I also want to acknowledge Rob and his extraordinary tenure with PHC. He has made an immense contribution during the past four years and has been central to the organization’s success. I am delighted that Rob will continue to advise and support PHC on key projects.”
In 2016, founding CEO Bernhardt was given the mandate to create a professional, national association, and is credited with growing the organization’s presence across Canada, advocating at all levels of government, building membership and delivery programs. Bernhardt will continue as an advisor to the organization during the transition and assist with special projects.
