Matthew James named CHFA board chair

Matthew James, vice-president of Purity Life Health Products, has been named chair of the CHFA board of directors for 2011-2012. Ryan Benn, president of alive Publishing Inc., will continue to serve as vice chair of the board.

Deborah Callbreath of Prairie Naturals has stepped down as chair of the board after three years in the position. She will continue to be a board member. In a press release, CHFA thanked Deborah “for her unswerving commitment and guidance over the last three years.”

In a statement to CNHR, Deborah said, “It’s time for change to ensure we keep the board moving forward and growing. There is still a great deal of work and improvement to be made, but I believe the CHFA is much more transparent and engaging of members than we were just a few years ago. I hope my contributions in the manner of follow up and outreach to membership will be continued.”

Deborah stepped into the chair’s role just weeks prior to Bill C51 hitting, and she oversaw a number of crisis, including the tragic loss of board member Ben Banky, Bill C6, UPLAR and the changing of the association president.

“Hopefully, people feel that the board and the CHFA is in a better place today and that our team has worked hard on their behalf to further the mandate of the association.”