Lisa Bird-Wilson named new CEO of Gabriel Dumont Institute

Saskatoon - Today, The Métis Nation—Saskatchewan (MN—S) Education Minister, Dr. Earl Cook, announced the successful search for a new CEO of the Gabriel Dumont Institute of Native Studies and Applied Research Inc (GDI). Lisa Bird-Wilson has been named to the top job after long-serving CEO Geordy McCaffrey announced last year he will leave to pursue new challenges and opportunities.

“We are pleased to welcome Lisa Bird-Wilson into the position of CEO for the Gabriel Dumont Institute,” said Cook. “After a comprehensive search by a national executive search firm, we were able to validate our selection of an internal candidate who has over 23 years of experience at the Institute.”

Bird-Wilson, who started her career at GDI in 1997, has filled a variety of senior leadership roles and is a familiar face within the Institute, the community, and the province. In 2011, Bird-Wilson published An Institute of Our Own: A History of the Gabriel Dumont Insitute, which chronicles the Insitute’s history. GDI was established in 1980.

“I’ve seen first-hand the incredible impact GDI has on Métis students’ lives,” said Bird-Wilson. “I also appreciate the background and history of the struggle for Métis education in Saskatchewan. I’m thrilled to help carry forward, and build on, the Institute’s important legacy.”

McCaffrey leaves the Institute after a 27-year career, with 18 of those years as the CEO. “GDI has provided me with a wonderful career, and I feel strongly that it makes sense for me to exit when it’s at such a high point in its history,” said McCaffrey.

“Making this decision was admittedly much easier knowing the incredible staff I’m leaving behind to continue building upon GDI’s success,” continued McCaffrey. “Myself, the Métis people of Saskatchewan, and the entire province can rest assured that GDI’s strong future and adherence to tradition remains in the most capable of hands.” The Institute has a full-time staff of 200 located throughout 20 different locations in the Province.

Bird-Wilson will enter the new role effective April 19th with a short transition period to June 18th, when she will take over the helm as the new CEO of GDI.