On behalf of the Board of Directors of the BC Council of Forest Industries (COFI), I am pleased to announce the appointment of Kim Haakstad as the new President and Chief Executive Officer of COFI.
Kim Haakstad brings a wealth of experience and expertise to COFI, with over two decades of leadership in executive roles across government, industry, and stakeholder relations. A seasoned strategist and relationship builder, Kim has consistently demonstrated her ability to navigate complex policy landscapes and forge strong partnerships that drive shared success.
She has served as Deputy Chief of Staff to the BC Premier and Chief of Staff to Cabinet Ministers. Her deep understanding of governmental processes, coupled with her strong connections across sectors, positions her as a uniquely qualified leader to guide COFI and the forest sector through the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Kim has recently held leadership roles in the North American agri-tech sector. As a current member of the Board of the BC-based DIGITAL Global Innovation Cluster, Kim will bring a new appreciation of the technology strategies that will be integral to a globally competitive and locally sustainable forest products manufacturing sector in BC. The COFI Board is confident that Kim’s strategic insight, political acumen, and leadership skills will enable COFI to continue championing a forest sector that fosters a resilient future for British Columbia.
As we welcome Kim to COFI, I would also like to take this opportunity to extend our appreciation to Linda Coady for her leadership and service as President and CEO. Linda’s work underscored the forest sector’s role in Indigenous reconciliation and supporting the diverse values BC’s forests provide — community well-being, environmental resilience, and economic prosperity.
Please join me in welcoming Kim Haakstad to her new role and recognizing Linda Coady’s contribution to our organization and industry.
Greg Stewart Chair,
BC Council of Forest Industries