Rob Black
Courtesy photo
GUELPH – The Rural Ontario Institute (ROI) Board of Directors and staff congratulated CEO Rob Black on his recent appointment to the Senate of Canada. It is a remarkable recognition of his years of commitment and contribution to the agricultural sector and communities of rural Ontario.
“I am incredibly humbled by this appointment and the outpouring of good wishes I have received from across the province and country and around the world. A steep learning curve is before me, but I am looking forward, with the support of my family, mentors and many friends, to my new role within Canada’s Parliamentary system and to serving the people of Ontario and Canada,” said Black. “While this means leaving my role as CEO of the Rural Ontario Institute, I am committed to the organization’s success and will be working with the Board and staff over the coming weeks to ensure a seamless transition.”
“This appointment is bittersweet for our organization as we will miss his leadership,” stated Suzanne Trivers, ROI Board Chair, in the med-February news release. “We thank Rob for his many years of dedication and passion to the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP) preceding the formation of the Rural Ontario Institute and especially for his guidance and stewardship since then. The success of the Institute is certainly a reflection of his abilities and we share his enthusiasm that he will have the opportunity to draw on those abilities in his service to the country.”
Over the ensuing days, the Board would be working with Black and the staff on a transition plan while he exits his role as CEO and begins his new position as a member of the Senate of Canada.
The Rural Ontario Institute is a non-profit organization committed to developing leaders and facilitating collaboration on issues and opportunities facing rural Ontario.
