Ontario Construction News staff writer
Michael McSweeney has been appointed by the board of directors to serve as the next executive director.
“On behalf of the OSSGA Board, we are pleased to have Michael as our new ED at this pivotal moment in our sector’s history,” said OSSGA board chair Rob Pierce, from RW Tomlinson Ltd. “Ontario Stone Sand and Gravel Association finds itself at a crucial moment in time as all three levels of government are committed to the largest infrastructure investment and spend that our Province has ever seen.
With this investment our industry must broaden and deepen its relationship with our key decision makers, influencers and enablers as we work to persuade them of the fundamental importance that aggregates play in the building of our communities and the above and below infrastructure required to support that development.”
Ontario Stone Sand and Gravel Association (OSSGA) announced the departure of Norm Cheesman after almost eight years as executive director.
“The OSSGA wants to thank Norm for his work over the time he served our Association as he stewarded the Association during the unprecedented times we all faced as a result of COVID and with changes in government,” the association said in a news release. “We are grateful to Norm’s commitment to OSSGA and its Members during his leadership. We wish Norm well in his future endeavors.
McSweeney recently completed a year-long project as Ontario Road Builders Association (ORBA) CEO where he successfully worked with the ORBA Board to refocus its efforts to better compete in a time of unprecedented infrastructure investment in Ontario. Prior to that assignment He was President & CEO, Cement Association of Canada (CAC) where he led the Cement Association for 12 years as its President and CEO.
“Michael transformed the CAC into a leading trade association with a key focus on competitiveness and climate change,” according to the statement. “At the CAC Michael worked closely with civil and environmental groups so that they developed a better understanding of the role that cement and concrete played in developing resiliency in communities across Canada.”
He has worked in the private and public sector for over 35 years including serving as a city councillor in Ottawa, CEO, Standards Council of Canada; VP Business Development with Archer Daniels Midland and VP Environment and Public Affairs, Bennett Environmental.
“This is a tremendous opportunity and I am honoured and privileged to work with OSSGA’s members, our allies/stakeholders, and all level of governments to fully develop the understanding of how crucial it is to have a ready source of sand, gravel, and crushed stone close to the markets we serve. Ensuring a safe and competitive environment for Ontario’s aggregate industry is fundamental to Ontario’s competitiveness”, McSweeney said following his appointment.