Kim Haakstad Appointed President and CEO of COFI
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The BC Council of Forest Industries (COFI) has named Kim Haakstad as its new President and CEO, effective immediately.
Haakstad succeeds Linda Coady, whose tenure emphasized Indigenous reconciliation and the diverse benefits of BC’s forests, including environmental, economic, and community contributions.
Haakstad brings over 20 years of executive experience in government, industry, and stakeholder relations. Notably, she has served as Deputy Chief of Staff to the BC Premier and Chief of Staff to Cabinet Ministers, roles that have equipped her with a deep understanding of government processes and policy development.
Her recent leadership roles in the North American agri-tech sector and her position on the board of the BC-based DIGITAL Global Innovation Cluster reflect her focus on integrating technology strategies into industry practices. COFI’s Board of Directors expressed confidence in Haakstad’s strategic vision and leadership, highlighting her ability to guide the forest sector in addressing challenges and seizing opportunities.
"Kim’s expertise and connections across sectors make her uniquely positioned to lead COFI in fostering a resilient and sustainable forest industry in British Columbia," said Greg Stewart, Chair of COFI.
As the organization’s new leader, Haakstad is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of BC’s forest products manufacturing sector, ensuring its global competitiveness and local sustainability.
