Karen Costello is the new executive director of the NWT & Nunavut Chamber of Mines, the organization announced Monday. (File photo)
Chamber of mines names new executive director
Karen Costello previously served as Nunavut Impact Review Board executive director
A long-time leader in the northern mining sector has been named executive director of the NWT & Nunavut Chamber of Mines.
Karen Costello started the new role Jan. 22, according to a news release, after having served as the organization’s general manager since July of last year.
She replaces Tom Hoefer, who is moving to a senior adviser role.
Previously, Costello — who is a geologist by training — served as executive director of the Nunavut Impact Review Board, as well as roles with Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs and Manitoba Energy and Mines.
“Karen brings a fresh perspective and energy to our team, and we are excited to see the direction she will lead us in,” said Kenny Ruptash, president of the chamber of mines, in a Feb. 5 news release.
The organization also thanked Hoefer for his leadership.
The chamber of mines is an organization that advocates for responsible and sustainable mine exploration and development in the North. Its offices are in Iqaluit and Yellowknife.
Sounds exciting. Congrats to Ms Costello. Hope she progresses. Climbing the ranks.
This woman moved from being the lead staff of a co-management board tasked with protecting the environment, and within months was working as a General Manager for the mining industry’s main lobby group in the north? No cooling off period or anything?
If Nunavut doesn’t reel in this nonsense, devolution is going to be little more than a feeding frenzy for rich folks who never set foot in the territory.
It is a lobby group – transparent – no decision making authority.
Might be different if the other way around. Even then, the NIRB operates as Board. A voting board member would be more an issue for COI than the ED.