The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Leilani Lee-Yates as its new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and Secretary-Treasurer, effective September 7, 2024. Leilani, currently NPCA’s Director of Watershed Strategies and Climate Change, will be succeeding Chandra Sharma.

Leilani Lee-Yates brings over two decades of experience in environmental planning, watershed management, and strategic leadership. Since joining NPCA in 2021, she has led transformative initiatives, including developing critical planning and policy documents, securing significant federal and provincial grants, and enhancing NPCA’s restoration, stewardship and monitoring programs. Her leadership has been instrumental in advancing NPCA’s strategic goals, notably through the Conservation Authorities Act transition, implementation of the land securement strategy, and innovative climate resiliency initiatives.

Previously, Leilani held senior roles at Halton Region, Peel Region, Town of Caledon, and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, where she managed significant environmental and policy planning initiatives, demonstrating her capacity to drive impactful, large-scale projects that enhance watershed management and community resilience. As a recognized leader in the sector, Leilani is a Member of the Canadian Institute of Planners and a Registered Professional Planner.

The NPCA Board thanks Chandra Sharma for her exceptional service and looks forward to welcoming Leilani Lee-Yates as the new CAO. In the interim, Leilani will continue to oversee the Watershed Strategies and Climate Change department and lead the recruitment of a new Director.

QUOTES

“Leilani’s proven leadership and deep understanding of our organization’s strategic goals make her the ideal choice to lead NPCA forward. Her expertise in environmental planning and commitment to collaboration will ensure NPCA continues to thrive and adapt to the evolving needs of our communities.”
– John Metcalfe, Chair, NPCA Board

“I am honoured to be appointed as NPCA’s new CAO and to lead our dedicated team in continuing the important work of implementing our 10-year Strategic Plan. My focus will be on enhancing our watershed partnerships, advancing innovative environmental initiatives and supporting a resilient organization committed to protecting and managing healthy, vibrant watersheds and ensuring clean water for future generations.”
– Leilani Lee-Yates, Incoming CAO, NPCA

About NPCA:

As a community-based natural resource management agency, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority envisions a healthy and vibrant natural environment with shared greenspace and clean water for all.

NPCA’s work supports the conservation, enhancement and sustainability of healthy watersheds with programs and services that focus on drinking water source protection, flood and hazard management, endangered species protection, ecosystem restoration, community stewardship, education, and land management.

NPCA is the caretaker of 41 conservation areas within the Niagara Peninsula watershed held in public trust for recreation, heritage preservation, conservation and education. These natural and shared greenspaces marry nature, culture and adventure to create limitless opportunities for discovery.