It's a homecoming celebration for Leslie Courchesne.
The Port Moody resident is set to bring more than two decades of experience to the sector's table as she's set to become the new chief executive officer of the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce (TCC).
Officially taking over the big chair on Aug. 18, 2021, Courchesne says she looks forward to strengthening business and public relationships across Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody in the years to come.
"I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the Tri-Cities Chamber team as the next CEO," she explained in a news release today (July 28).
"I am truly honoured to be chosen by the board for this role and know I have very big shoes to fill. The outgoing CEO, Michael Hind, has done a tremendous job over the past decade, working collaboratively to build the Chamber into what it is today, and fostering an incredible team. I look forward to building on this success and working on behalf of our member businesses."
Hind stepped down as CEO of the regional chamber after its golf classic tournament this month after 11 years in the leadership position, which led to a 20% growth in membership at the helm.
Courchesne is touted as a seasoned leader with a diverse background that will bring a new outlook on the chamber's role moving forward, thanks to her diverse background in marketing communications, strategic planning, and government and stakeholder relations.
"Leslie has been described by her employees as the ‘leader that most people wish they had’ and as someone who gets things done, executes with vision, and always sees the silver lining," said Mary Vellani, chair of the TCC Board of Directors, who led the recruitment search for a new CEO.
"We look forward to entering this exciting new chapter under Leslie’s sound leadership, which will further strengthen our Chamber as the voice of business in the Tri-Cities."
Courchesne's resume includes the following:
- Executive director, BCIT's Alumni Association
- Director, BCIT alumni relations
- Executive director, UFV university relations
- Director, UFV marketing and communications
- B.C. government communications
She's called Port Moody home for 18 years with her husband and is a mother of two children.
- with a file from Janis Cleugh, Tri-City News
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