Samantha Lawson named new CAO of the GRCA

Samantha Lawson has been appointed the new Chief Administrative Officer of the Grand River Conservation Authority. The announcement was made at the GRCA General Membership meeting on May 24, 2019 by GRCA Chair Helen Jowett.

Lawson joined the GRCA in 2005 as a Resource Planner. In 2008, she progressed to the role of Supervisor of Resource Planning, and has been serving as the GRCA’s Manager of Property since 2012. A strong leader, Lawson is experienced and knowledgeable in the areas of urban planning, water quality, environmental impact assessments, wetlands and natural resource management. Her education includes an undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Waterloo, a Master of Arts degree in Geography from the University of Guelph and a Master of Public Administration degree from Western University.

“The population of the Grand River watershed continues to grow, putting stress on our water and natural resources,” says Lawson. “I am very much looking forward to working with our staff and our board of directors, as we continue to foster strong relationships and collaborate with our local communities in building a healthy watershed that is resilient to climate change.”

Lawson will begin in her new role on July 15, 2019. She succeeds Joe Farwell, who has been CAO of the GRCA since November 2010. At the General Membership meeting on March 22, 2019, Farwell advised the board of his intention to retire. A hiring committee was struck at that time, and was led by GRCA Chair Helen Jowett.

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Media Contacts:

Lisa Stocco, GRCA Manager of Communications
Phone 519-621-2763 x2316  |  Email lstocco@grandriver.ca

Cam Linwood, GRCA Communications Coordinator
Phone 519-621-2763 x2251  |  Email clinwood@grandriver.ca