Mary Van Buren,
Governance & Strategy Advisor

Mary holds an MBA in international business from McGill and a B. Com from the University of Ottawa. Fluent in both English and French, she is also a Certified Association Executive. Mary made history as the first female president of the Canadian Construction Association, leading its transition to a digital-first and inclusive organization. Her leadership extends across various prominent not-for-profit entities, including the Canadian Real Estate Association, MD Management, and Export Development Canada.

Recognized for her governance expertise, Mary has served on numerous professional boards, including BuildForce Canada and the National Research Council Construction Sector Advisory Council. While at CCA, Mary spearheaded a governance transformation that resulted in receiving a Governance Professionals of Canada Award of Excellence.

Mary is a dynamic leader with a strong history of supporting member-based organizations. She's passionate about enhancing member services, promoting professional values, and embracing technology to boost industry standards. With her inclusive approach to strategic planning, Mary fosters collaboration and empowers teams to achieve positive outcomes.

Outside of her professional endeavors Mary is deeply involved in ski racing, volunteering at events like the Lake Louise Women’s Downhill and the Vancouver Olympics and volunteering on related boards.