September 21, 2020
SASKATOON, September 21, 2020 – The Board of Directors of Genome Prairie is pleased to announce the appointment of Mike Cey (PAg) as Genome Prairie’s new President and CEO, effective November 9, 2020.
Mike brings a passion and curiosity for advanced genomics research and will leverage his 30 years of industry experience to lead Genome Prairie’s future growth with renewed energy. He is looking forward to collaborating with Genome Canada and the five other regional Genome Centres.
Most recently, Mike worked at Smart Earth Camelina, a high-growth business introducing the first new oilseed crop to the Prairies in more than 50 years. Mike was on secondment from Ag-West Bio, where he acted as Director of Corporate Initiatives for the previous 10 years. He led the creation of the Diverse Field Crops Research Cluster and Natural Products Canada, helping to grow research, development and commercialization of biosciences in Canada. Mike brings deep industry experience to Genome Prairie, based on significant professional roles with Federated Co-operatives Limited, the Canadian Wheat Board, the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool and Imperial Oil.
Mike is an alumnus of the University of Saskatchewan, where he obtained a degree in Soil Science, followed later by an Executive MBA from the University of Fredericton, specializing in Innovation Leadership. His roots are in the Prairies, growing up and working on a large mixed farm in west central Saskatchewan.
“It is both humbling and exciting to consider all that we are capable of in a spirit of collaboration and curiosity together across both Manitoba and Saskatchewan and indeed, around the world. It is this spirit that will carry the day for us, especially in these challenging times. Genome Prairie enjoys an exceptionally strong team, one that I will be privileged to lead,” says Mike.
“Our Board is pleased that, after a comprehensive search and interest from several strong candidates from across the Prairies and the rest of Canada, Mike will join Genome Prairie. We look forward to working with Mike to continue the organization’s 20 years of success in project development and advanced research. I would also like to thank Dr. Gerald Brown for his diligent work and leadership as the organization’s Interim President and CEO,” says Bill Johnson, Chair of Genome Prairie’s Board of Directors.
More information on Genome Prairie, and its current research projects and competitions, can be found online at www.genomeprairie.ca.
About Genome Prairie
Genome Prairie, one of six independent Genome Canada Centres, is a non-profit organization with offices in Saskatoon and Winnipeg. Genome Prairie develops and manages genomics and related bioscience research projects that address key regional priorities including agriculture, human health, the environment, energy and mining. These efforts play a central role in building the Prairie region’s reputation as a location of choice for innovation and commercialization.
