(Sydney, Nova Scotia) – The Cape Breton Partnership’s President and CEO for the last 10 years, Keith MacDonald, has announced that he will be stepping down from his role next month. MacDonald has accepted the position as the Chief Administrative Officer for the Municipality of the County of Inverness, which will commence on February 26, 2018.

“Keith has been a champion of economic development in not only Cape Breton, but Atlantic Canada. He has successfully managed the Partnership’s broad scope of projects in an environment that possesses unique opportunities and complexities. The Partnership had contributed to the island’s foundation for economic advancement under his leadership. The Partnership has achieved many milestones during his tenure and the business community has become a stronger and more collaborative union due to his unwavering commitment and belief in the people of Cape Breton,” said Alex Paul, Chair of the Cape Breton Partnership Board of Directors. “The Board will work with Keith to ensure there is a seamless transition as the search for a new President and CEO begins.”

During his time at the Partnership, MacDonald has grown the organization from two to over 20 employees. He has also given over 100 youth and young professionals the opportunity to gain meaningful work experience in Cape Breton through work terms, co-op placements, and various contract positions. He was responsible for the delivery of several noteworthy projects including the Prosperity Framework; the Cape Breton Regional Enterprise Network (CBREN) for Inverness, Victoria, and Richmond Counties; the launch of Elevate Magazine; as well as the implementation of several new programs and events that improved our region’s capacity for investment readiness.

“As I reflect on my time at the Partnership I am humbled by the hard work of those individuals who have believed in the organization’s mandate for driving our economy forward. The Partnership has given me the opportunity to meet and build relationships with community members and business owners from every corner of the island who share a passion and commitment to our region that continuously inspires me,” said Keith MacDonald. “This decision was not taken lightly, but I do believe this is my time to take what I have learned and start a new chapter working for the Municipality of Inverness County.”

The Partnership will be positing the position vacancy in the coming weeks. MacDonald will remain in his position over the next number of weeks to assist in the transition for the Board, staff and Investors. To learn more about the Partnership visit www.capebretonpartnership.com.

Media Contact:

Keith MacDonald

President & CEO

Cape Breton Partnership

keith@capebretonpartnership.com

902-562-7182 (w) 902-565-8577 (c)