CPRS National Transitions to a New Executive Director

This week, CPRS National is bidding a fond farewell to Interim Executive Director and Executive member, Kiki Cloutier, who has chosen to explore a new and exciting career opportunity.

Kiki.jpgOver her 13 years in the National Office, Kiki has been instrumental in the successful operation of the Society’s various programs year after year. Never settling for less, she has helped raise the profile of CPRS on countless occasions by offering our members and volunteers the highest level of service and quality, while inspiring those on her team to do the same.  

“The National Board pays tribute to Kiki Cloutier, who hit the ground running as Interim Executive Director, not long before the pandemic, and provided the CPRS Executive and Board with solid leadership, strategy, and counsel that protected the interests of the Society without interrupting services,” said National President Victor Vrsnik, MCM APR FCPRS. “The pivot-away from the in-person conference to the debut of the successful virtual conference, while keeping a close eye on our financial position, is demonstrative of Kiki’s drive, determination and conviction that the show must go on.

“From the CPRS National office team, thanks for everything you’ve done for us over the years Kiki. You’ve made us #CPRSproud. We’ll miss you!”

Please feel free to take a moment to send Kiki Cloutier your best.

Looking ahead, the National Office staff is fortunate to be welcoming back a familiar face; someone whose wealth of knowledge and previous experience with the Society and the National Office team makes her the perfect match for the job.

This week, the National Office is thrilled to welcome Lorianne Weston, CTDP, as our new Executive Director! Lorianne takes up her new role leading the CPRS National team and joining the Executive this week.

Lorianne-Headshot-2020.jpg“We are very fortunate indeed,” said Vrsnik, noting the importance of maintaining continuity and retaining institutional memory and knowledge through the appointment of Lorianne. “The Board is delighted with the selection and return of Lorianne to the CPRS family. Having a bilingual ED with the breadth of experience and leadership in association management will serve the CPRS, the National office team, and its members well.”

As many will remember, before moving on from CPRS-specific duties early last year, Lorianne spent years supporting the Society’s volunteers, committees and councils, lending her expertise on effective governance, as well as best practices in certification management and education. She is looking forward to reconnecting with all members, so feel free to drop her a line at executivedirector@cprs.ca to say hello again.

Welcome back Lorianne!

Soon, the National Office will also welcome a new Associate Executive Director, who will assist Lorianne with her duties supporting the Board of Directors and our various committees and councils. As soon as that individual is in place, we will introduce you.

Like always, both roles will have the full support of our National Office team. So, while we’re making reintroductions, allow us to remind you of who comprises the National Office team:

Lorianne Weston, CTDP, Executive Director
Lorianne-Headshot-2020-(2).jpgLorianne’s natural curiosity has led her to develop a number of deep competency areas, including law, adult training and certification, project management and not-for-profit governance. Her career journey brought her a decade ago to the association management world where she has been able to make strategic connections between her unique combination of skills and the varying needs of different associations.

Lorianne holds dual law degrees (LL.B. and B.C.L.) from McGill University, as well as the Certified Training and Development designation from the Institute for Performance and Learning (CTDP) and has recently completed a mediation certification.

When not at the office, Lorianne is an active supporter of the Toronto arts scene.

Aisling Bermingham, Certification Coordinator
Ash-Headshot-2020.JPGWith almost ten years’ experience in customer service in her native home of Ireland, Aisling brings a passion for helping others and excellent interpersonal skills to the CPRS National team. Her strong team presence and positive attitude helps her thrive in fast-paced environments.

Aisling loves to challenge herself and is keen on learning new skills.

Outside of the office, Aisling can be found with a good book, a cup of tea and Netflix or planning her next adventure

Elodie Comte-Trotet, Event Coordinator
_D2B2382-copy.jpgElodie is a bilingual Event Professional with almost 4 four years’ experience in the event industry. She graduated in France with a Bachelor’s degree in mass media communication and events management before moving to Canada in 2015.

Elodie got the chance to expand her events planning portfolio throughout her career, coordinating and organizing successful events for her clients. Her most recent experience within one of the largest banks in Canada allowed her to build great relationships with both suppliers and internal clients, as well as understand client objectives, and master her budgeting and time management skills.

From road shows to cocktail receptions, Elodie always devotes herself to organize the best events for her clients and to create memorable experiences.

When Elodie is not in the office, she can be found traveling the world with friends and family, or on stage where she enjoys acting. Elodie is a foodie and will never say no to chocolate.

Dan LaBelle, Manager, Marketing and Communications
Dan-Headshot-2020-copy.jpgSince the start of his career, Dan’s enjoyed using his sense of humour and down-to-earth style to reach audiences on a deeper level. Over the years, he’s honed his talents by working on advertising and public relations campaigns for major brands, government ministries and not-for-profit associations, at various Toronto-based firms.

Prior to entering the industry, Dan’s interest in understanding human behaviour led him to earn an honours degree in psychology from Lakehead University, with minors in history and philosophy. Today, he combines that knowledge with the skills he sharpened while completing postgraduate studies at Humber College, in Advertising Copywriting and Public Relations, to tell his clients’ stories in relatable ways. 

Dan’s not afraid to tell you that he loves a good pun. His even greater love of bad ones, however, is something he’s working on. Outside work, he enjoys running (no, seriously!), and can often be found training for his next 10k or half-marathon throughout the city.

Laura Mills, Coordinator, Awards, Membership & Chapter Relations
Laura-Headshot-2020.JPGAfter graduating from Dublin City University’s Communication Studies program in her home country of Ireland, Laura decided to follow her passion for travel and make the move to Toronto.

With a background in management and many years of customer service experience she has worked hard to gain many transferable skills and is always excited to take on any new challenges. She believes her positive attitude and motivation are some amazing qualities she can bring to each client.

When not in the office you’ll find her taking a yoga class, hanging out with friends or planning her next trip.

Ricky Nason, Finance Manager
Ricky-Headshot-2020.jpgRicky has over 10 years of bookkeeping experience and holds an overseas accounting certification (CPA). Prior to joining the Accounting Team at CPRS National, Ricky has worked for different types of companies including Association Management, Transport and Logistics, Property management and Travel agencies.
His experience extends not only within Canada, but overseas as well. He is well versed and very knowledgeable in many computer software programs and shines in QuickBooks. Currently Ricky is working towards his Canadian Accounting Certification CPA and looking forward to completing his MBA in finance (University of Leicester).

Ricky continues to enjoy attending workshops and seminars in different areas of accounting such as payroll, income tax preparation, forensic accounting, auditing, sales tax and budgeting.
Outside of work, Ricky spends his free time supporting his kids in Soccer and Basketball, his two favourite sports and also enjoys relaxing at home with his family.