The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) named a new CEO on Tuesday, announcing that Janice Myers will step into the role early next year.
Myers, the current CEO at the Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB), brings with her more than 20 years of real estate leadership experience. She will replace interim CEO Debra Cowan, who will return to her role of Chief Financial Officer. Cowan filled in for Michael Bourque, who stepped down this fall after more than five years in the CEO role.
“We are delighted to welcome Janice as our new CEO, after an extensive search process,” said Larry Cerqua, Chair of CREA. “Janice is a dynamic, values-driven leader with a diverse background of experiences and an excellent track record of delivery in real estate board and association leadership. CREA’s Board of Directors believes she is a great fit for organization, with the right combination of skills and experience to lead it through its next phases.”
Before leading OREB, Myers spent over a decade as the Executive Director of the Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board — her first foray into the real estate world. Prior to that, she served as the Executive Director of the Saskatchewan 4-H Council. She holds certifications in strategic planning and not-for-profit management from the Banff Centre for Management, as well as a diploma from the York Executive Program of the Schulich School of Business.
In 2019, Myers was recognized as one of the 50 influential women leaders in Canada by Real Estate Professional magazine.
“As the new CEO, I am proud to build on recent successes, ensuring CREA remains at the forefront of promoting a resilient and transparent real estate ecosystem, fostering trust among stakeholders, and contributing to the sustainable growth of the Canadian real estate markets,” Myers said. “Together, we will strive to create a future where housing is a fundamental human right, the interests of our members are protected, the needs of home buyers, sellers, and businesses are met with integrity, and the Canadian real estate industry continues to thrive."
