Happy New Year!

We promised big news in 2020, so here’s the first of it: after a months-long, worldwide search, we’re pleased to announce that IISD has found a new President and CEO, Dr. Richard Florizone.

The President Emeritus and former Vice-Chancellor of Dalhousie University in Halifax, Canada, was appointed to the role on January 1.

Like IISD itself, Dr. Florizone is part scientist, part strategist—he comes to the organization with a wealth of expertise in bringing the public and private sectors together to reach ambitious, multi-faceted goals, maintaining a firm belief in the power of partnerships.

“The world’s biggest challenges—climate change, economic inequality, a rapid loss of clean water—are too complex for any institution or government to solve alone,” he says. “We must work across sectors, and we must do so together."

Read more about our new president here, and follow him on Twitter.

“Richard is a recognized thought leader and innovator,” says Alan Young, Chair of the Board for IISD. “He has a proven record of working with diverse stakeholders to protect core values and ensure strategic growth.”

Jane McDonald steps down as interim President and CEO to become Managing Director, working closely with Dr. Florizone to provide strategic counsel and ensure a smooth transition.