Van Buren leaving CCA

Mary Van Buren

After six successful years as president of the Canadian Construction Association (CCA), Mary Van Buren has announced that she will be leaving the association in the spring of 2024.

As the first female president in the association’s more than century-long history, Van Buren has guided CCA into a new era that is digital first and inclusive, said the organization in announcing her pending departure. That modernization allowed CCA to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, while advocating on behalf of the industry and continuing to deliver member value in the face of a global crisis, and under her leadership, CCA has developed an expanded focus on innovation and best practices. For example, the association is currently piloting a digital contract service, which will roll out in early 2024.

Along with tackling digital innovation, she also managed to review the CCA’s governance model during her tenure, leading a restructuring that allowed the association to be more nimble in addressing member issues. Working closely with the board of directors as well as the Governance and Nominating Committee, Van Buren’s commitment to governance effectiveness has seen the consistent evolution of the model and resulted in a Governance Award from the Governance Professionals of Canada in 2023.

Perhaps one of her premier qualities has been her unwavering commitment to engagement. Through steadfast dedication to collaboration, Van Buren worked to strengthen the relationship with CCA’s 62 partner associations and develop new strategic partnerships to elevate the profile of the association, as well as the national construction industry, in general.

“The construction industry is essential to Canada’s economic success and quality of life, yet it doesn’t always get the credit it deserves,” she stated. “I am so proud to have brought more attention to an industry that has such a profound impact on our country and affects positive change in our communities every day.”

The organization’s recent Hill Day, the largest one for the construction industry so far, saw more than 100 members participating in meetings with parliamentarians and staffers from all parties.

“To see the growth in member engagement in advocacy and the resulting effects that a strong, unified voice for the industry has, is especially rewarding. I am so fortunate to have an excellent team who are committed to advancing the industry’s interests across the services we provide,” she added.

“The Board of Directors sincerely thanks Mary for her stewardship of the association over the last few years,” said CCA chair Brendan Nobes. “Through her commitment to advancing member issues, she has raised the industry’s profile, and her legacy of leadership will be long lasting. While we are sad to see her move on, we understand she is interested in taking on new challenges and wish her all the best in this next stage of her career.”

A search process is underway with a goal of a smooth transition and continuing the positive momentum gained under Van Buren’s leadership.

www.cca-acc.com