Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC)‘s board of directors has announced the appointment Jody Ciufo of Ottawa as the organization’s new executive director.
Ciufo brings extensive experience in management of national non-profit associations. She is currently the Executive Director of the Canadian Housing and Renewal Association (CHRA), the national voice for affordable housing issues, RAIC says in a news release.
During a 30-year-career, she has also worked with the Canadian Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences, the Canadian Council of Professional Engineers (Engineers Canada), the Canadian Automobile Association and the Canadian Red Cross Society.
“I am delighted to welcome Jody to the RAIC,” says RAIC president Sam Oboh. “Her expertise in the broader built environment sector in Canada, combined with a proven track record of success in many aspects of management will help take the RAIC to the next level. She brings substantial relationships with leaders of allied organizations, and therefore, the possibility of new collaborations and advocacy opportunities.”
Ciufo holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Ottawa and a Bachelor of Arts, Honours (English Literature) from Carleton University. She is bilingual.
“Having served non-profit, membership and advocacy organizations throughout my career, I have a keen appreciation for the RAIC’s mission of service to its members and, on their behalf, to the broader public good,” she says.
Ciufo has been at the Canadian Housing and Renewal Association since 2009. Under her leadership, the association increased membership by 65 per cent, restored financial viability and launched an aboriginal caucus. She also created an advocacy program, “Housing for All,” for the 2015 federal election, aimed at influencing the next federal government to reinvest in social and affordable housing.
From 2002 to 2009, Ciufo worked at the Canadian Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences, including three years as executive director. The Federation is a national organization representing 75 universities and 69 scholarly associations.
The organization raised its profile with 32 “Breakfast on the Hill” events that drew a total audience of 2,611, including MPs, senators, and media representatives. As Chair of the Canadian Consortium for Research, representing 18 national organizations, she led advocacy efforts and acted as spokesperson with MPs and government officials.
Ciufo assumes her duties at the RAIC in December, taking over from interim executive director Bruce Lorimer.
