Posted Nov. 26, 2024
The Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Colin Cassin as the new Executive Director of the Invasive Species Centre effective December 16, 2024.
“We are excited to welcome Colin Cassin to his new role at the Invasive Species Centre team,” says Robert Lambe, Board of Directors Chair. “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.”
Colin Cassin, currently the Policy Manager at the Invasive Species Centre, brings over a decade of expertise in developing strategic solutions, fostering collaborative action, and accelerating innovation. Colin has taken on leadership roles at the Invasive Species Centre, including a pivotal role in the Invasive Species Action Fund, now open for proposals, which supports community action across Ontario. Colin also contributed to the creation of the Ontario Phragmites Action program, a coordinated response with many partners to combat invasive Phragmites, often referred to as ‘Canada’s worst invasive plant.’
Colin has experience working with many partners including municipal, provincial, and federal governments; Indigenous communities and organizations; environmental organizations; industry; and stewardship groups – bridging the gap across sectors and bringing the right people to the table to create positive impacts on the landscape.
“I am greatly looking forward to helping support invasive species prevention and management in my new role as Executive Director,” says Colin Cassin. “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. 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 Board of Directors also thanks Executive Director Sarah Rang for her five years of service to the Invasive Species Centre. The organization has grown tremendously including an increased investment in invasive species, introduction of new programs to address pathways, creation of a Municipal Community of Practice to share knowledge among local land managers, and development of a community science program. After 40 years in the environmental field, Sarah is retiring to spend more time with family and take on a few environmental projects.
Invasive species have a global cost of more than $400 billion each year and impact agriculture, fisheries, forestry, healthcare, tourism, and recreation activities such as swimming and boating.
