The Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) Canada is pleased to officially announce that Monika Patel has assumed her new role as President and CEO, effective on January 1, 2025.

Ms. Patel succeeds François Dufresne, who served as President and CEO of FSC Canada since 2012. Under his leadership, FSC Canada achieved significant milestones in advancing responsible forest management and solidifying FSC’s position as the most trusted forest certification system in the country. Mr. Dufresne will continue supporting the organization as Special Advisor throughout 2025.

Patel’s appointment reflects FSC Canada’s ongoing commitment to leadership excellence. With over 16 years of experience in the non-profit sector and extensive involvement within the FSC network at both national and global levels, Patel is uniquely positioned to lead FSC Canada into its next chapter of growth and impact.

Commenting on her first official day as CEO, Ms. Patel said:

As we begin 2024, I am honoured to step into the role of President and CEO of FSC Canada.

Looking ahead, I am excited to build on this foundation with an immediate focus on several key areas including:

Elevating Market Leadership: A top priority is the expansion of the chain of custody certifications and highlighting its value across the value chain from manufacturers to brands, retailers, and ultimately consumers. This reinforces FSC’s goal since its inception, to allow consumers to drive a positive impact through their purchases all the way back to the forest.

Advancing Indigenous Peoples’ Rights: Supporting Indigenous communities and integrating their knowledge into sustainable forestry will remain central to our work. I am committed to ensuring that FSC Canada continues to serve as a platform for amplifying Indigenous voices and advancing reconciliation through action.

Championing Climate Action: FSC has an essential role in demonstrating how responsible forestry contributes to climate solutions. We will innovate and collaborate to address these urgent challenges.

The FSC Canada Board of Directors expressed full confidence in Patel’s leadership. “Monika Patel embodies the values and vision of FSC. Her extensive knowledge of the organization and her ability to connect with diverse audiences make her the ideal leader to steer FSC Canada through this new era of opportunities and challenges,” said board member Louis Bélanger (Nature Québec).

As Patel takes the helm, FSC Canada remains steadfast in its mission to promote responsible forest management, ensuring that forests are preserved and enhanced for future generations.

For inquires, please contact:
Allison Daisley
a.daisley@ca.fsc.org