Jim Everson

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA, CANADA —The Canola Council of Canada (CCC) announced the appointment of Jim Everson as its next president.

“Jim is a respected leader who brings significant industry vision, as well as understanding of the domestic and global issues and opportunities we face,” said David Dzisiak, chair of the CCC board of directors. “We are confident that with his leadership and expertise, our industry will continue its successful path toward our Keep it Coming 2025 strategy.”

Everson has more than six years of previous experience at the CCC, serving as vice-president, government relations, from 2008-15. In this role, he represented the canola industry’s interests in trade, market access and regulatory affairs. Everson’s experience also includes previous roles as executive director of the Canadian Oilseed Processors Association and executive director of Soy Canada.

“I’m very excited about the opportunity to work with the tremendous team at the Canola Council; a remarkably talented staff and committed, focused board of directors,” Everson said. “I look forward to returning to the council and being part of the continued growth and success of the canola industry.”

Everson will be assuming the president role as soon as his transition arrangements can be finalized.

Before joining the CCC in 2008, Everson was a government relations consultant in Ottawa achieving solutions to government issues for private companies, associations and non-profit groups. He also served as a senior political adviser in the federal government. Everson has a bachelor of arts from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada.

This is the latest in a series of leadership changes this year for the CCC. In March, the council elected its new chair and board of directors at its annual general meeting. In January, the council’s previous president, Patricia Miller, was appointed as chief commissioner of the Canadian Grain Commission (CGC). The appointment is for a six-year term effective Feb. 13.

The CCC is a full value chain organization representing canola growers, processors, life science companies and exporters. Keep it Coming 2025 is the strategic plan to ensure the canola industry’s continued growth, demand, stability and success –  achieving 52 bushels per acre to meet global market demand of 26 million tonnes by the year 2025. This year, the CCC celebrates its 50th anniversary.