A new executive director is taking the helm at the Invasive Species Centre.
The Sault Ste. Marie science facility has announced that Colin Cassin will move into the role effective Dec. 16. He takes over from Sarah Rang, who served in the position for five years.
“We are excited to welcome Colin Cassin to his new role at the Invasive Species Centre team,” Robert Lambe, chair of the board of directors, said in a Nov. 26 news release.
“Through this process, we’ve been able to reflect on the achievements made over the years, including a new $16-million investment in invasive species from the province of Ontario, and are confident that this new chapter will see continued growth in our mission of mobilizing action against invasive species that harm the environment, economy, and society.”
Established in 2011, the Invasive Species Centre has a mandate to raise awareness about invasive species and combat their spread throughout Canada.
According to the centre, invasive species have a global cost of more than $400 billion each year, impacting agriculture, fisheries, forestry, health care, tourism, and recreation activities such as swimming and boating.
The centre said Cassin, who’s currently its policy manager, brings to the role more than a decade of experience in developing strategic solutions, fostering collaborative action, and accelerating innovation.
During his time at the centre, he’s taken a leadership role in the Invasive Species Action Fund and contributed to the creation of the Ontario Phragmites Action program, among other initiatives.
Cassin said he’s looking forward to his new role.
“I believe in the mission of the Invasive Species Centre and have seen firsthand the positive outcomes that this organization is having across Ontario, Canada, and beyond,” he said in the release.
“From our virtual Invasive Species Forum that draws in more than 1,000 people annually to the innovative community science initiative focused on monitoring for hemlock woolly adelgid — and invasive forest pest — that’s now in all high-risk provinces, our team and partners are moving the bar on invasive species.”
The Invasive Species Centre is a not-for-profit organization funded by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.
