OTTAWA (April 26, 2023) – The Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI) is pleased to announce the election today of a new Chair of its Board of Directors.   

Bernard Mills, CEO and Managing Director of Stelia Aerospace North America, will assume his new responsibilities immediately. Mr. Mills has been a member of CADSI’s Board of Directors since 2020. 

“CADSI emerged from the pandemic as a strong organization with a strong voice,” said Mr. Mills. “Now is not the time to be complacent. We have generational security challenges to face. We need to be aligned, we need to be focused, and we need to be strategic. And that is what this Board, and the guidance and support it brings to CADSI’s operation, will be all about.” 

Mr. Mills succeeds Kevin Ford, President and Chief Executive Officer of Calian Group Ltd., who was elected Chair in October 2019. Mr. Ford has been a member of CADSI’s Board of Directors since 2016. 

“It has been a great pleasure to work alongside Kevin to promote the growth of Canada's defence, security and cyber sectors over the past four years,” said Christyn Cianfarani, President and CEO of CADSI.  

“Together, we weathered a global pandemic and all the challenges that entailed. I will always be grateful for Kevin’s guidance and support. Bernard now takes the helm at a critical juncture for our organization, for Canada, and for the international defence community. I know CADSI will continue to grow in influence under his stewardship.”  

Mr. Ford extended his best wishes to the entire Board of Directors moving forward.  

“It’s been both a privilege and a pleasure to serve as Chair,” he said. “Not only did we survive, we’ve adapted and thrived.”