The Ottawa Board of Trade (OBOT) is pleased to announce the appointment of Erin Benjamin, outgoing CEO of the Canadian Live Music Association, as Executive Vice President, Advocacy & Strategy, strengthening the organization’s leadership team as it advances an ambitious agenda for economic growth and competitiveness in the National Capital Region.
Benjamin brings more than 25 years of C-suite leadership experience, including national roles leading three of Canada’s most influential cultural organizations. Throughout her career, she has built high-performing teams, driven organizational growth, and mobilized industry coalitions to advance policy and economic priorities across Canada.
Her appointment reflects OBOT’s continued investment in advocacy leadership and cross-sector collaboration as the organization works with business, government, and community partners to strengthen Ottawa’s economic momentum and global competitiveness.
“Erin is a proven leader who knows how to bring people, ideas, and organizations together to achieve meaningful results,” said Sueling Ching, President & CEO of the Ottawa Board of Trade. “Her national perspective, strategic insight, and coalition-building experience will significantly strengthen our ability to champion the priorities of Ottawa’s business community.
“As our city pursues major opportunities in innovation, infrastructure, and downtown renewal, strong advocacy and collaboration are essential. Erin will play a leading role in advancing policy priorities, strengthening partnerships, and helping position Ottawa for long-term growth and prosperity.”
“I am honoured to join the Ottawa Board of Trade at such a pivotal moment,” said Benjamin. “I’ve spent years working at the intersection of Canada’s business and cultural communities. What drew me to this role is the Board’s clear ambition for the city’s future and the opportunity to bring my national experience home to help accelerate that momentum. I’m eager to collaborate closely with Sueling and the team at OBOT to advance a clear and ambitious agenda for our city. Bringing national perspective into coordinated local action is where I believe I can contribute most.”
The Ottawa Board of Trade champions policies, partnerships, and initiatives that support business growth and strengthen the National Capital Region’s long-term economic competitiveness. Benjamin will formally join the organization in late April 2026.