The Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) has announced the appointment of Andrea Lear as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Andrea joins CASA after working as the Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association’s Executive Director.

“I am eager and excited to join CASA”, said Lear. “I am looking forward to sharing my knowledge and experience in supporting CASA’s mandate to promote safety and health in agriculture.”

Lear’s formative years were spent on a Manitoba hobby farm, where she developed an appreciation for the agriculture’s community and culture.

"On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am pleased to welcome Andrea as CASA’s Chief Executive Officer," said CASA Chair Carolyn Van Den Heuvel. "Andrea's enthusiasm and passion for agriculture will lead CASA through its next phase of growth."

This appointment comes as a result of the retirement of Marcel Hacault who assumed the position of Executive Director in 2004.

"We thank Marcel for his dedication to farmers, farmworkers, farm families, and farming communities," added Van Den Heuvel. "Marcel took every opportunity to ensure safety was top of mind for our industry and was an amazing ambassador for CASA. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I wish him well in his retirement."

CASA is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health and safety of farmers, their families and agricultural workers. CASA is funded in part through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal, provincial and territorial initiative and receives additional support from the agricultural and corporate sectors.