Following an exhaustive six-month national search spearheaded by executive search firm Conroy Ross Partners, the Board of Directors of Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) announced today that it has selected Michael Brown as the organization’s new president and CEO. Brown will assume responsibilities at CMLC, the organization leading the redevelopment of East Village, on Sept 21, 2011.
Most recently, Brown has been a contributor to downtown urban renewal as an associate vice president with Matthews Southwest, the organization responsible for building THE BOW, Encana’s landmark 58-story downtown tower. Prior to that, Brown’s experience includes the positions of vice president at Calgary Economic Development, as well as director of business development at Cushman and Wakefield, the world’s largest privately held commercial real estate services firm.
CMLC’s board chair says Brown has the right background, expertise and approach for the next phase of East Village development.
“We were thrilled with the number of qualified candidates we had for this position,” said Lyle Edwards, CMLC board chair. “However, in Michael we’ve found an individual who is both a visionary and a gifted collaborator. He’s been instrumental in the delivery of Calgary’s largest-ever downtown vertical development, THE BOW, and is well known in the Calgary business community for his efforts with economic development and city cultural initiatives”.
“I am thrilled to be joining the CMLC team,” said Brown. “Like all Calgarians, I have watched with excitement as significant progress was being made east of city hall. I look forward to working with the staff, Board and City Council to continue to build on the significant milestones of East Village. I cannot think of a more exciting job.”
The East Village redevelopment project has picked up great momentum with its infrastructure progress and its recent announcements of private sector investment. The organization is pushing ahead with projects like the St. Patrick’s Island redevelopment and bridge construction, East Village art and cultural initiatives, and the retail and commercial programs necessary to support the launch of residential product being planned for next spring, by the area’s pioneering developers, Embassy Bosa and Fram+Slokker.
The East Village redevelopment is being stewarded by CMLC, a company of passionate, experienced placemakers who bring new energy to old neighbourhoods, create credibility and confidence, and inspire communities to build, grow and believe.