The Board of Directors of the Canadian Model Forest Network (CMFN) is pleased to announce the appointment of Leanne Elliott as General Manager. Leanne is a graduate of the Masters of Forest Conservation Program of the Faculty of Forestry, University of Toronto. She has worked with the CMFN for two and half years, taking on progressively greater roles and responsibilities over time. Most recently, she has been the network's National Coordinator. Leanne has been instrumental in helping the CMFN to develop a highly effective collaborative network approach which has enabled it to achieve its numerous objectives under the Forest Communities Program.

From the beginning, she has worked diligently and effectively on progressing the CMFN's National Initiatives as well as other key projects from coast to coast. Leanne is also involved in facilitating the sharing of information between CMFN's members and partners, providing the opportunity for collaboration between groups with similar interests. She has liaised directly with strategic partners as well as Board representatives, General Managers and various other project personnel of the CMFN's 14 member Model Forests – earning their trust and friendship as she built relationships along the way. Leanne continues to play a key role in increasing the network's level of engagement with the International Model Forest Network and expanding the CMFN partnership base.

As General Manager she will be responsible for key program planning, implementation and administrative functions fundamental to the operation of the CMFN as a federally incorporated, not for profit organization. The national office of the CMFN is based in Kemptville, Ontario where it works to support the efforts of its member sites located across Canada.  Congratulations Leanne!