NEWS RELEASE
NIAGARA PENINSULA CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
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The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Leilani Lee-Yates as its new chief administrative officer and secretary-treasurer, effective Sept. 7. Lee-Yates, currently NPCA’s director of watershed strategies and climate change, will be succeeding Chandra Sharma.
Lee-Yates brings over two decades of experience in environmental planning, watershed management, and strategic leadership. Since joining NPCA in 2021, she has led transformative initiatives, including developing critical planning and policy documents, securing significant federal and provincial grants, and enhancing NPCA’s restoration, stewardship and monitoring programs. Her leadership has been instrumental in advancing NPCA’s strategic goals, notably through the Conservation Authorities Act transition, implementation of the land securement strategy, and innovative climate resiliency initiatives.
“I am honoured to be appointed as NPCA’s new CAO and to lead our dedicated team in continuing the important work of implementing our 10-year Strategic Plan'" she said. "My focus will be on enhancing our watershed partnerships, advancing innovative environmental initiatives and supporting a resilient organization committed to protecting and managing healthy, vibrant watersheds and ensuring clean water for future generations.”
Previously, she held senior roles at Halton Region, Peel Region, Town of Caledon, and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, where she managed significant environmental and policy planning initiatives, demonstrating her capacity to drive impactful, large-scale projects that enhance watershed management and community resilience. As a recognized leader in the sector, Lee-Yates is a Member of the Canadian Institute of Planners and a Registered Professional Planner.
The NPCA Board thanks Chandra Sharma for her exceptional service and looks forward to welcoming Lee-Yates as the new CAO. In the interim, she will continue to oversee the Watershed Strategies and Climate Change department and lead the recruitment of a new director.
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