Mark Podlasly

Mark Podlasly is a member of Nlaka’pamux Nation and the chief sustainability officer at the First Nations Major Projects Coalition, a national collective of more than 170 Indigenous organizations seeking ownership of major projects such as pipelines and electric infrastructure.

He has been at the forefront of governance and infrastructure issues around the world, with extensive global experience in the planning, permitting and construction of capital projects connected to energy, resource extraction and community infrastructure.

From 2018 to 2020, he was the director of governance at the First Nations Financial Management Board, where he led the development of an Indigenous response to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Before that, Mark designed and delivered corporate strategy, leadership, and globalization programs for such corporations as GE, Unilever, General Mills, Clorox, Goldman Sachs and Praxair.

Mark is a frequent commentator on the subject of industry-Indigenous economic reconciliation, with writings covering a range of issues including environment, social and governance (ESG) matters, climate change, economic well-being and governance. He serves as a director on the boards of CIBC and Hydro One. He chairs the ​​First Nations Group Limited Partnership and is a community trustee for the Nlaka’pamux Legacy Trust.

He has a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Trinity Western University and a master’s degree in public administration from Harvard University. He also holds the ICD.D designation issued by the Institute of Corporate Directors.

Connect with Mark on LinkedIn.