CAMM, Automate Canada name new president

The Canadian Association of Moldmakers (CAMM) and Automate Canada have appointed a new president.

Jeanine Lassaline-Berglund will oversee operations of the two associations in this newly created role.

Diane Deslippe, currently the executive director of CAMM, will be retiring in coming months.

The associations say a full-time president will allow them to pursue new opportunities and create more value for members.

“After an extensive and meticulous process, we are excited to work with someone of the calibre of Jeanine,” says CAMM board chair Jonathon Azzopardi in a statement.

“She has what it takes to promote and advocate with passion but also with focus. As the two associations move forward, Jeanine will rely on her background in manufacturing and the skills she has developed managing other industry organizations to help move us to the next level.”

Lassaline-Berglund brings over 30 years of work experience to the associations, having started her career in manufacturing in the skilled trades, rising through various positions in leadership and expanded responsibilities in operations. Among other companies, she’s worked at GM, Windsor Mold Group, W.E.T. Automotive Systems and Aarkel Tool & Die.

Automate Canada chair Shelley Fellows says this announcement came about as part of a strategic plan for the growth of both boards at a time when advocacy for the associations’ members, future jobs and the moldmaking and automation industries are at a crucial turning point.

“I am tremendously excited as we are poised for growth in scale and scope with our new president,” says Fellows. “I am also delighted that our president is female, a groundbreaker and trailblazer in manufacturing from her origins as a moldmaker to her position today as a leader for our two associations in fields where women are historically far less prevalent.

“I could not be prouder of both our boards in terms of their vision and courage and look forward to our additional future as an example of diversity and inclusion.”

CAMM has been in existence for 40 years and Automate Canada for three years. Since 2019, both boards have undertaken a strategic review and growth plan that will enable them to increase their work to market the advanced manufacturing sector and represent the best interests of the member companies they represent.

“We are very excited,” says Azzopardi. “Our boards will be well-positioned under her guidance to thrive in the years to come.”