Message from Heather Sanderson Chair, Canadian Defence Lawyers, Board of Directors
The Board of Directors of the Canadian Defence Lawyers is pleased to announce that after an exhaustive search led by the Portage Group, Danielle S. Russell, CAE, C. Dir, has been selected as that association’s new Executive Director, replacing Randi Glass, CAE, who is retiring from that position after 10 years of service. Ms. Russell’s appointment is effective January 2, 2024.
Danielle brings to her new role over 15 years of leadership experience in the not-for-profit sector, including serving as a past Executive Director and COO of the Air Cadet League of Canada, Ontario, and as a volunteer leader through two terms (2019-2023) on the Board of CSAE.
In addition, Danielle is a newly minted Chartered Director (2023) and is also a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors where she is currently participating in the local NFP Chair’s Peer Group. Over the last two years she has worked with a variety of not-for-profits through her consulting practice, with a focus on governance, operations, and administrative best practice implementation.
Danielle will be tasked with helping lead an upcoming Strategic Plan Review for CDL and developing the operational and administrative structures to support CDL’s ongoing response to the needs of the legal profession as it is diversifies, incorporates generative AI, and considers alternative business models.
As a speaker, author, and creator of a widely read weekly newsletter, Danielle is accomplished at brand and community building. In the coming weeks and months, she will be turning her attention to CDL’s communications and member value offerings. All members are encouraged to keep a watchful eye on upcoming issues of Bi-Weekly Brief and Hearsay.
Danielle maintains a digital open-door policy and encourages members to contact her directly with concerns and suggestions. She can be reached via email at danielle@cdlawyers.org.
Heather Sanderson Chair, Canadian Defence Lawyers, Board of Directors