19 August, 2024

Stacey Dakin Joins Trans Canada Trail as Chief Program Officer

Stacey Dakin on the trail.

Montreal – Trans Canada Trail is excited to announce that Stacey Dakin has joined the organization as Chief Program Officer (CPO). Recognized as a “systems entrepreneur,” Dakin brings more than 20 years of impressive experience in social change, entrepreneurship, workforce development and social services to the role.  

A headshot of Stacey Dakin.Before joining Trans Canada Trail, Dakin held leadership positions at CEDEC, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada, Mentor Canada and most recently, the Canadian Red Cross. Currently, she is also National President and Chair of Lean In Canada, a community of professional women empowering each other to build purposeful and fulfilling careers, as well as Founder and Principal of Changest, a business consultancy that supports organizations, infrastructures, and teams that enable the visions of change-makers. 

“I am thrilled to join Trans Canada Trail at a time when fostering connections with nature and each other is more important than ever,” says Dakin. “Being part of an organization that prioritizes volunteerism and the joy of exploring our natural environment aligns perfectly with my passion for creating meaningful experiences while improving the lives of Canadians. 

“I look forward to enhancing the Trail’s impact and inspiring more Canadians to discover the beauty and benefits of our incredible landscapes.” 

Dakin’s expertise includes community engagement, strategic planning, governance, facilitating key conversations, collaboration with partners and stakeholders, program planning and design, and thought leadership. Mathieu Roy, Trans Canada Trail’s Chief Executive Officer, explains that those skills will be key in developing the organization’s programs and leading its Trail team.  

“Stacey’s background demonstrates that she is a passionate, effective leader and someone who drives positive change,” says Roy. “Her wealth of experience, combined with her skill set and personality will make her a fantastic addition to our team. I look forward to the impact she will have on Canada’s nationwide trail system.”  

Based in St. Hubert, QC, Dakin is an avid hiker who loves exploring the Trail on foot, motivated by witnessing sunrises and sunsets from its stunning viewpoints.  

She also holds a deep personal connection to the Trans Canada Trail, having donated in the earlier years of the Trail, resulting in her father’s name appearing on the Victoria Pavilion, while her grandparents’ names are on the Dartmouth (Halifax) Pavilion.  

Stacey Dakin on the trail

About Trans Canada Trail

The Trans Canada Trail is the longest multi-use trail system in the world and it is always growing. It reaches every province and territory, and connects all three of Canada’s coastlines. Each section of the Trans Canada Trail is managed locally and supports different activities and community needs.    

Trans Canada Trail is the organization that advocates for, stewards and champions Canada’s nationwide trail system. It is a registered charity that receives funding from the Government of Canada (through Parks Canada), various provincial and municipal governments, and generous donors.