5 February 2024
(Yellowknife, NT – February 5, 2024) The NWT & Nunavut Chamber of Mines (Chamber) is pleased to announce that Karen Costello has transitioned from General Manager to the role of Executive Director effective January 22, 2024. The position is based in the Chamber’s Yellowknife office.
Since joining the Chamber in July 2023, Karen has worked to roll out the Chamber’s membership software, delivered the 2023 Geoscience Forum, been part of the Chamber’s advocacy work for Mining Day on the Hill in Ottawa, and worked with the Board to successfully staff the Nunavut General Manager position.
Prior to joining the Chamber Karen spent three years as Executive Director, Nunavut Impact Review Board, 15 years plus with Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs in both the NWT and Nunavut regional offices, and over three years with the Mines Branch of Manitoba Energy and Mines.
“We are very pleased to welcome Karen Costello in her new role as Executive Director of the NWT & Nunavut Chamber of Mines.”, said Chamber President Kenny Ruptash. “Karen brings a fresh perspective and energy to our team, and we are excited to see the direction she will lead us in.”
The Chamber is also pleased to report that, as part of its succession plan, Tom Hoefer will continue to support our work in his new role as Senior Advisor to the Board. Tom’s knowledge and experience with the northern minerals industry spans decades. His ongoing involvement with the Chamber is extremely important to the continuity of our initiatives and advocacy work.
“We would also like to thank Tom for his tremendous leadership of the Chamber, and celebrate his continued support moving forward, as Senior Advisor to the Board. Tom's wealth of knowledge on all issues the Chamber has advocated for over the past three decades is invaluable to the work we do."
Tom managed the Chamber’s work from 1990-96 and again from 2010 to 2024, with breaks between working in the mining industry for Diavik diamond mine and Highland Valley Copper, and resource management for the federal government.
Last month, the Chamber also announced the hiring of a new Nunavut General Manager, Hudson Lester.
Concurrent with this transition, the Chamber is updating its communication channels. Karen can be reached at karen.costello@miningnorth.com, Tom at tom.hoefer@miningnorth.com, and Hudson at hudson.lester@miningnorth.com.
The NWT & Nunavut Chamber of Mines has been the voice of the Northern mining and exploration industry since 1967, providing leadership on, and advocating for, responsible and sustainable mineral exploration and development in the NWT and Nunavut. For more information on the NWT and Nunavut mining industries, please visit the NWT & Nunavut Chamber of Mines website at www.miningnorth.com or contact Karen Costello, Executive Director at Tel: 867-873-5281 or email: karen.costello@miningnorth.com.
See photos attached to release at link below.