The Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA) has announced that Rory Kulmala will succeed Greg Baynton as the chief executive officer effective February 27, 2017. Baynton is retiring at the end of March after a decade at the helm.

“A change of leadership brings new energy and possibilities for any organization and the team that supports it,” said Anthony Minniti, chairman of the VICA board. “VICA is ready for that. During the application process, Rory presented a clear vision for collaboration, renewal and sustainability, aligning perfectly with what Greg has strived for and achieved during his tenure with VICA.”

“I look forward to working with VICA’s board of directors, staff and its members to promote construction investment, operational excellence, and ethical best practices,” said Kulmala. “I am committed to working hard for our members while promoting the capabilities and capacity of the 450 plus VICA members up and down Vancouver Island.”

Kulmala has 25 years of industry-related experience and brings with him strong relationships with key stakeholders within the Vancouver Island construction community. He has been involved in the private and public sector in many capacities, from business development, capital planning and corporate governance to project management and quality control.

He has strong ties to various levels of government, including First Nations and crown corporations, as well as to the developer community and construction industry. An advocate for professional development and lifelong learning, Kulmala began his career as a civil engineering technologist and now holds an MBA from Royal Roads University and maintains his project management professional (PMP) designation.

“VICA’s staff and board of directors look forward to welcoming Rory to the team in a month’s time,” said Minniti. “We anticipate a smooth leadership transition.”