(TORONTO – June 12, 2024) – After an extensive executive search, the Canadian Institute of Steel Construction (CISC) is delighted to announce the appointment of Keanin Loomis as its new President and Chief Executive Officer effective June 17, 2024.
Keanin Loomis, incoming CISC President & CEO.
“I am thrilled to welcome Keanin Loomis as our new President and CEO to usher in a new era for CISC and its members,” said Tim Houtsma, Chair of the CISC Board. “With his enthusiasm and dynamic approach, Keanin emerged as the clear choice to lead the organization into a future of innovation and growth. His record of strong advocacy, including on behalf of the Canadian steel industry in opposition to US tariffs, his legal background and his award-winning success in organizational management make him the ideal candidate to drive CISC forward.”
A University of Waterloo and William and Mary School of Law graduate, Loomis brings a wealth of experience in association management and effective advocacy to his new role. After practicing law in Washington, DC, he launched Hamilton’s Regional Innovation Centre “Innovation Factory.” He later served as President and CEO of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce for nine years, transforming it into a leading economic force. Along the way, he built strong relationships across the region, province and country as one of the preeminent chamber leaders in Canada. After a 2022 political run, he joined the Ontario Chamber of Commerce as its Vice President of Member Services. Loomis currently chairs the HR and Governance Committee for the Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority Board. This extensive and diverse background uniquely positions him to lead CISC into the future.
“After marrying the daughter of a steelworker 23 years ago, it’s such a proud moment and thrilling opportunity to lead the most important advocacy and education organization in the Canadian steel industry,” said Loomis. “Through my role as the voice of business in Hamilton, I came to appreciate the importance of our domestic steel industry to our infrastructure and its extensive economic impact on communities across the country. I’m so excited to meet our members and work to make steel the construction material of choice in Canada.”
During the transition period, Loomis will work closely with current President and CEO Ed Whalen, who is stepping down after more than 15 years in leadership, to ensure a smooth and seamless handover of responsibilities. “I want to thank Ed for his years of tireless efforts leading the CISC and promoting the Canadian steel industry,” said Chair Houtsma.
CISC extends its gratitude to Odgers Berndtson and its board search committee for their exhaustive efforts in identifying the ideal successor to lead the organization, uphold the interests of its members, and foster the growth of the steel industry across the country.
– 30 –
About the Canadian Institute of Steel Construction
Established in 1930, CISC is Canada’s voice for the steel construction industry, promoting dialogue, collaboration and commerce between industry stakeholders. Representing steel manufacturers, fabricators and constructors, engineers and architects, owners and developers, and educators and students, CISC promotes the use and benefits of steel in construction, adds value to the design and construction community and supports the needs of the membership and industry through technical expertise, knowledge transfer, research and development, industry codes and standards, certification, and advocacy.
