Vance Badawey Appointed as Leader for the Great Lakes Council to Drive Sustainable Future

A New Era for the Council of the Great Lakes Region

On September 17, 2025, the Council of the Great Lakes Region (CGLR) announced the appointment of Vance Badawey as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. This decision marks a significant advance for CGLR as it looks to navigate the pressing economic, environmental, and social challenges facing the Great Lakes region.

Leadership Transition

Appointed effective September 15, 2025, Badawey's selection comes at a critical moment, where Canada-U.S. relations play a vital role in the region’s future. Marie-Hélène Sicard, Chair of the Board of Directors, emphasized Badawey’s collaborative leadership skills, saying his experience would be invaluable for mobilizing stakeholders around a common vision of sustainability and environmental protection.

CGLR aims to bolster its efforts across North America to tackle challenges related to the circular economy, sustainable land use, and climate resilience, with the aim of fostering vibrant communities throughout the Great Lakes.

Badawey, deeply invested in the fate of the Great Lakes, expressed his honor in taking on this prominent role. "The Great Lakes are at the center of our shared prosperity and quality of life," he stated. He reaffirmed his commitment to developing solutions that not only address environmental concerns but also enhance regional economic stability.

Vision for Sustainability

CGLR's mission focuses on promoting sustainable practices while addressing urgent issues within the Great Lakes region. They plan to activate collaborative efforts across diverse sectors and borders, aiming to facilitate meaningful investments that directly benefit local communities. Badawey’s leadership is expected to inspire innovative approaches to tackle ongoing issues while enhancing existing programs.

Celebrated for driving the narrative towards sustainability, CGLR has built a reputation for establishing robust transnational relationships that not only address policies but also mobilize direct action on crucial Great Lakes issues.

During his tenure, Badawey plans to explore new initiatives that underscore sustainability, ensuring that CGLR remains at the forefront of addressing the environmental crises that are currently prevalent.

Vance Badawey's Background

Badawey's commitment to the Great Lakes region isn’t just professional; it’s personal. A proud member of the Métis nation and born amidst some of the Great Lakes, his connection to the area runs deep. With an extensive background in public service and private enterprise, Badawey's previous roles like municipal councillor and Member of Parliament have equipped him with unique insights into the complexities of governance and stakeholder interactions. His previous position as Chair of the House of Commons' Great Lakes St. Lawrence Group reflects his dedication to promoting regional efforts.

His long-standing drive for development and sustainability uniquely positions him to lead CGLR into its future. Badawey is known for translating complex policies into actionable results, making him an ideal figure to champion the ambitious goals set forth by CGLR.

Acknowledging Previous Leadership

As CGLR welcomes Badawey, the Board of Directors also extended their gratitude to Lora Shrake for her exemplary efforts as Interim Executive Director during this transition. Her leadership ensured that the momentum towards CGLR's objectives was maintained, allowing for a seamless shift into this new chapter.

Looking Forward

With Vance Badawey at the helm, CGLR is not just anticipating changes but rather vitalizing its stance on sustainability and collaborative action. As the organization addresses pressing regional issues, they aim to enhance existing programs while pioneering new initiatives—all geared towards fostering a sustainable and prosperous future for the Great Lakes region.

In this critical transition, the unity and collaborative efforts of stakeholders will be paramount in creating a lasting impact that promises not just a prosperous economy but also a sustainable environment for generations to come.