The Ontario Stone Sand and Gravel Association (OSSGA) board of directors has appointed Michael McSweeney as its new Executive Director.
McSweeney replaces Norm Cheesman, who held the Executive Director for about eight years.
In a news release, OSSGA thanked Cheesman for his work, as he stewarded the association during the COVID-19 pandemic and with changes in government.
“On behalf of the OSSGA Board, we are pleased to have Michael as our new ED at this pivotal moment in our sector’s history,” said OSSGA board of directors Chair Rob Pierce (RW Tomlinson Ltd). “Ontario Stone Sand and Gravel Association finds itself at a crucial moment in time as all three levels of government are committed to the largest infrastructure investment and spend that our province has ever seen. With this investment our industry must broaden and deepen its relationship with our key decision makers, influencers and enablers as we work to persuade them of the fundamental importance that aggregates play in the building of our communities and the above and below infrastructure required to support that development.”
McSweeney recently completed a year-long project as CEO of the Ontario Road Builders Association (ORBA), where he successfully worked with the ORBA Board to refocus its efforts to better compete in a time of unprecedented infrastructure investment in Ontario.
“This is a tremendous opportunity, and I am honoured and privileged to work with OSSGA’s members, our allies/stakeholders, and all level of governments to fully develop the understanding of how crucial it is to have a ready source of sand, gravel, and crushed stone close to the markets we serve,” McSweeney said. “Ensuring a safe and competitive environment for Ontario’s aggregate industry is fundamental to Ontario’s competitiveness.
Before joining ORBA, McSweeney was President and CEO of the Cement Association of Canada (CAC) where he led the Cement Association for 12 years. He is credited with transforming the CAC into a leading trade association with a key focus on competitiveness and climate change.
At the CAC, McSweeney worked closely with civil and environmental groups, so they developed a better understanding of the role that cement and concrete played in developing resiliency in communities across Canada.
McSweeney has worked in the private and public sector for more than 35 years including, having being elected as City and Regional Councillor in Ottawa; CEO, Standards Council of Canada; Vice President, Business Development with Archer Daniels Midland; and Vice President, Environment and Public Affairs, Bennett Environmental.
Michael holds a BA from Carleton University, an MPA from Harvard University and an MBA from the Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario.
