September 20, 2022

The National accessArts Centre appoints energy industry executive and former Canadian diplomat Ron Hoffmann as Chair of its Board of Directors

CALGARY – The National accessArts Centre (NaAC), Canada’s oldest and largest disability arts organization, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ron Hoffmann, Vice President of Business Development for Fluid Energy Group, as Chair of its Board of Directors, effective September 20, 2022. This appointment concludes a nationwide search whereby many prominent candidates stepped forward to express interest in this critical leadership role on the NaAC’s national board.

Ron is a former Canadian diplomat who has served in six countries spanning four continents, with extensive experience in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa. His roles at Foreign Affairs included Senior Trade Commissioner, Director General of Strategic Policy, Director of Defence and Strategic Policy, and Senior Advisor to two Canadian foreign affairs ministers. Ron served as Ambassador to Afghanistan at the height of Canada’s engagement in the region, and as Ambassador to Thailand with cross accreditation to Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos. His other foreign postings were in China, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and South Africa. In 2014, Ron was appointed Alberta’s Senior Representative to the Asia Pacific based in Hong Kong, and later served as Interim CEO and then COO of Invest Alberta.

“I am honoured to take on this role in chairing the NaAC Board of Directors,” said Ron. “I’ve followed the remarkable growth and prominence of this organization since first supporting it in 2018 when I hosted the organization’s first international exhibition in Hong Kong.”

“I look forward to bringing my local and global perspectives as the NaAC increases its national and global footprint as a true leader in the disability arts movement.”

Interim Chair Ken Regan, the former CEO of CKUA Radio, added: “Ron’s appointment reflects an exciting new chapter in the development and growth of the NaAC. With exciting new initiatives globally and across Canada – including the development of a new cultural hub in Toronto – Ron’s leadership could not have come at a better time.”

JS Ryu, President and CEO, also welcomed this appointment, stating: “Ron complements the remarkable diversity of skills and perspectives that are present in our national board. Our whole organization looks forward to working with Ron and the whole board to truly elevate our organization to even newer heights.”