New Leadership at the Canadian Resources and Development Institute

GLOBE-Net, September 28, 2015 – The board of the Canadian International Resources and Development Institute (CIRDI) has announced the appointment of Cassie J. Doyle as chief executive officer.

Doyle brings to CIRDI extensive public service experience, a deep understanding of natural resource and environmental governance and management, and a strong track record of effective partnerships with NGOs, industry, First Nations, governments and academia.

Cassie J. Doyle

“Cassie is a respected relationship builder, strategist, innovator and doer. She understands the important role of governance in advancing sustainable resource development – and ultimately in reducing poverty,” said Moura Quayle, CIRDI board chair.

“She will be a great asset to CIRDI as we undertake focused projects to benefit people in developing countries.” 

Doyle was recently the Consul General for Northern California where she strengthened Canadian linkages to the Silicon Valley in areas such as clean technology and renewable energy. She has extensive experience in advancing complex policy on natural resources and the environment as a deputy minister with the Canadian federal and British Columbia provincial governments.

At Natural Resources Canada she oversaw the strategic repositioning of the mining and minerals sector to focus on green mining and corporate social responsibility. As CEO of B.C. Assets and Land Corporation, she played a leading role in creating ecosystem management models and innovative consensus-based land use planning.

While deputy minister of Environment, Lands and Parks B.C., she led major new legislation and legislative reviews related to environmental assessment, species at risk and protected wilderness areas. In the first decade of her career, Doyle focused her work on addressing homelessness and supporting the development of non-profit housing at the City of Ottawa.

“I have seen first-hand the value of well-designed public policy and governance frameworks. I have also seen how best practices in sustainable natural resource development can provide real benefits for local communities and the economy,” said Doyle.

“As CEO of CIRDI, it will be a privilege to respond to requests from governments in developing countries to partner in sharing expertise and supporting their poverty-reduction goals.”

Born in Vancouver, Doyle has a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Victoria (1976) and Master of Social Work in Public Policy and Administration from Carleton University (1983).

Doyle will assume her position at CIRDI on October 19, 2015.

Elaine Pura

Also recently appointed at CIRDI was Elaine Pura as director, international operations.

With over fifteen years’ experience in program development and operations management, Pura’s unique leadership expertise will strengthen the Institute’s ability to realize its mission: to improve the ability of developing countries to manage and benefit from their extractive resources in order to catalyze sustainable economic growth and reduce poverty.

As global director of operations for World Wildlife Fund (WWF) International’s Forest and Climate Program and director of operations for WWF Canada, Pura has supported a wide variety of program missions in a career focused on environment, development and education. She specializes in new program design and start-up, focuses on planning for impact and excels at building remote multi-disciplinary, multi-geography and multi-language teams.

More information on Cassie Doyle and Elaine Pura is available on the CIRDI website.

The Canadian International Resources and Development Institute (CIRDI) is a centre of expertise in improving and strengthening resource governance.

CIRDI works closely with all stakeholders involved in resource development to identify better ways to use these natural resources to achieve prosperity. These stakeholders encompass local, regional and national governments as well as communities and companies involved in the extractive sector.