Purchasing Management Association of Canada

Paradowski new president of PMAC

Toronto - Cheryl Paradowski has joined the Purchasing Management Association of Canada (PMAC), as its new president and chief executive officer. In her role, Paradowski will provide leadership to the PMAC board of directors, work with provincial and territorial Institute partners and foster relationships with stakeholders both within Canada and internationally.

“I am excited to become part of such a dynamic association as PMAC and to contribute to the mission of building leadership in supply chain management,” said Paradowski. “The opportunities for PMAC and its members have never been greater.”

Paradowski comes to PMAC after five years as executive director of the Canadian Grocery HR Council, formerly the Canadian Food Industry Council. She has an extensive background in not-for-profit management and vast knowledge of labour market initiatives.

“My focus on skills development and professionalism will translate well to PMAC," said Paradowski. “I also know, particularly from my experience in the grocery industry, how critical supply chain management professionals are to the success of any business.”

For Paradowski, the opportunity to form new partnerships and to enhance existing ones was key in attracting her to PMAC. “Just as supply chains are about building networks, so too do associations need to collaborate in order to offer more value today,” she said.

Active in sector council management since 1996, Paradowski has held various positions including president of the Ontario Tourism Education Corporation and chair of the Alliance of Sector Councils. She has an MBA from the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management and a bilingual Honours BA from York University, Glendon College.

“Cheryl is the right person to guide our association to the next level,” said Keith Carruthers, chair of the PMAC board of directors. “Her priority is to put PMAC’s new strategic plan into action. That means continuing to develop leading-edge education, increasing market awareness of the supply chain profession and strengthening how we support our members in their careers.”

Paradowski takes over at PMAC following the retirement of Bob Dye, who helmed the association for six years and oversaw the expansion of the field of practice from purchasing to strategic supply chain management, the renewal of training and accreditation programs, and the launch of the new Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP) designation.

About PMAC

The Purchasing Management Association of Canada (PMAC) is the leading association in Canada for supply chain management professionals, and the largest, according to the PMAC press release. With 7,000 members working across private and public sectors, PMAC is the principal source of supply chain training, education and professional development in the country, requiring all members to adhere to a Code of Ethics. Through its 10 Provincial and Territorial Institutes, PMAC grants the SCMP (Supply Chain Management Professional) designation, the highest achievement in the field and the mark of strategic leadership. www.pmac.ca