VANCOUVER – An executive with extensive experience in the forest products industry will take on several roles in the new government of British Columbia. Don Wright, most recently the CEO of Central 1 Credit Union will to take on the position of Deputy Minister of Executive Council, Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Public Service for the province of BC.

Wright’s previous roles in public service include deputy minister of B.C.’s Forestry and Education ministries, and secretary to B.C.’s Treasury Board. He also served as president of the B.C. Institute of Technology.

Wright was vice-president of forestry, environment and corporate affairs for forest company Weldwood of Canada, and acted as chief negotiator for the province in one round of softwood lumber negotiations.

With considerable expertise in both the private and public sector, and a significant understanding of government and economy, Wright was a natural choice for the role, said the B.C. NDP leader and Premier-designate John Horgan.

“Don has shown leadership and innovation in a number of high-profile organizations, and we believe his ability to build relationships and his approach to challenging situations will provide great benefit in dealing with key issues we’ll need to address,” said Horgan. “We realize that we’re calling Don away from his current commitments, however this is a critical role and having him in place as we get to work on the issues that matter to people is important.”