Co-operative Staff Profile - Brian Burch

Brian Burch  - Our Executive Director 

I moved into Don Area Co‑operative Homes in downtown Toronto in the latter part of last century. Since moving into my co‑op I have done everything from delivering newsletters to serving as president, giving back to a community that has always been there when I needed it. My desire to serve on the CHFC board arises from the same spirit---I have safe, secure and affordable housing because generations of activists worked hard to build the co‑operative housing movement and I have a strong desire to use my skills and experience to help ensure our movement continues to be there for those seeking to be a part of a unique experiment in permanently affordable resident controlled housing.

In addition to serving my co‑op’s board, I have served on the boards of The Co‑operative Housing Federation of Toronto, CoAction Staff Association, the CHFT Charitable Fund, Rooftops Canada and the Ontario Worker Co‑operative Federation. Currently I am the treasurer of the Ontario Region of CHF Canada, sit on the board of four co‑operative land trusts, am vice president of Ganesh Community Development Cooperative and serve as president of the Canadian Alternative Investment Co‑operative. I am employed as executive director of CoAction Staff Association and as co-ordinator of Forty Third Housing Co‑operative. I live, work and volunteer in the co‑op world.

Brian was recently elected (June 2012) as the Ontario Regions rep to CHF Canada's board of directors.