Today, we share important news about a significant leadership transition at the Trottier Family Foundation. It is with deep gratitude that we announce that Eric St-Pierre will be stepping down as Executive Director after nearly a decade of remarkable leadership.
Eric joined the Trottier Family Foundation in 2016, becoming the Foundation’s first staff member and its first Executive Director since its establishment in 2000. During his tenure, he guided the foundation’s key granting programs (science, education, health, community, and climate), while also advancing the foundation’s ESG, impact investing, and shareholder engagement priorities. The Trottier Family Foundation quickly grew to become a trailblazing funder in many areas, particularly in climate.
Under his leadership, the Trottier Family Foundation launched new initiatives such as: mobilizing $405 million towards climate philanthropy; establishing Canada’s first funder-led health and climate program; engaging on many federal, provincial and municipal climate policies through the support of diverse partners; helping launch the Low Carbon Cities Canada (LC3) initiative and the Montreal Climate Partnership; building dozens of new initiatives and organizations, and so much more.
Eric’s energy, vision, ambition, and management have been pivotal in forming significant partnerships with other funders, investors, government stakeholders, charitable partners, academia, industry, and civil society. Even as Eric moves on, we remain committed to fulfilling the Foundation’s mission and vision, and our funding priorities and commitments remain intact.
Internally, Eric has been a strong leader in mobilizing a team of nine talented professionals and fostering an amazing work culture that inspires. The team has been empowered to lead impressive work all while being supported during challenging times, such as the Covid-19 pandemic.
“As we embark on this transition, we really want to honour this moment,” said Lorne Trottier, President of the Trottier Family Foundation and Board of Directors. “We will take the time to celebrate Eric’s impressive achievements and contributions and the profound impact he has made on the Foundation and the greater community, while also looking forward to new opportunities ahead.”
Reflecting on his tenure, Eric shared:
“The Trottier Family Foundation is a remarkable philanthropic funder. It has stood out as being one of Canada’s leading climate funders and has had a tremendous impact in numerous ways. I am proud of having contributed nearly a decade as the Foundation’s founding Executive Director. As we approach the Trottier Foundation’s 25th anniversary, now is the time to reflect on new leadership and take the foundation to an exciting new level. I feel incredibly fortunate to have contributed to the Trottier Family Foundation’s journey and believe this next chapter is best served by new leadership.”
To facilitate this transition, the Board of Directors has engaged Philippe Bourbonnais of GXB Leadership to assist in the search for a new Executive Director. While it is not the Board’s desire for Eric to move on, they fully support him in this decision and know that his next role will be equally exciting and impactful. We are excited for what lies ahead for the Trottier Family Foundation and grateful for the work that Eric has built.
For media inquiries, please reach out to:
Adrienne Hiles,
Communications Director
adriennehiles@trottierfoundation.com