Jean-Pierre Kingsley

Jean-Pierre Kingsley "brings to IFES more than three decades of management experience and a proven commitment to ensuring equal rights and opportunities for all citizens. He developed his leadership and business acumen early in his career in the private sector and then turned from the business world to dedicate himself to public service. At IFES, he intends to lead by example, to inspire his staff to develop strong partnerships and provide professional services and expertise to extend the reach of democracy worldwide. Kingsley joined the IFES board of directors in 1992 and has participated in numerous IFES missions and conferences.

"His contributions to the field of democracy promotion have been recognized with awards and honors, including the Mexican Order of the Águila Azteca, the highest award the Mexican government bestows on foreign nationals; the 2005 COGEL Award from the Canadian Council on Governmental Ethics Laws; honorary membership in the Canadian Association of Former Parliamentarians; and a Trudeau Medal from the University of Ottawa Alumni Association. In addition, Kingsley received a President's Award from the Canadian Association for Community Living and the Award of Excellence from the Canadian National Institute for the Blind and the World Blind Union for promoting the rights of persons with disabilities.

"Before becoming president of IFES, he was Canada's Chief Electoral Officer for 17 years. In this role, Kingsley managed the country's federal electoral events and increased the transparency, efficiency and accessibility of Canada's electoral process. He established the country's permanent National Register of Electors and led high profile international missions, including election observation and monitoring missions in Iraq and Haiti. Kingsley decided to post virtually everything related to Elections Canada online, including financial records of parties and candidates, contributions, expenditures and election results as they came in on the evening of the election. This greatly augmented knowledge about Canada's electoral system among Canadian citizens and the international community. As Chief Electoral Officer, Kingsley also made concrete recommendations to Parliament on improving Canada's electoral system, which led to significant changes in legislation in critical areas such as electoral financing. His vision and leadership resulted in improved services to Canadians and contributed to Elections Canada's reputation as a world leader in electoral management.

"Kingsley served in several other government posts including assistant deputy registrar general. In this position, he administered the conflict of interest code for cabinet ministers, parliamentary secretaries, governor-in-council appointees and ministers' exempt staff. Kingsley also was involved significantly in the health care sector, notably as executive director of Edmonton's Charles Camsell Hospital and as president and chief executive officer of the Ottawa General Hospital. Under his leadership, the new Ottawa General Hospital was able to open earlier than scheduled and under a fixed price budget. In addition, he served as chairman of the board for Ottawa's Montfort Hospital for eight years.

"Kingsley earned a bachelor's degree in commerce and a master's degree in hospital administration from the University of Ottawa. He is fluent in French and English."