Charley Beresford is the Executive Director of the Columbia Institute.  As Executive Director, Charley observed the climate change discussions in Copenhagen and regularly contributes research and analysis on emerging sustainability issues.

Prior to joining the Institute, Charley worked with public and private sector organizations focused on community development, serving four years as a Director in the BC Ministry of Finance overseeing appointments to provincial agencies, boards and commissions.

As a School Board Trustee from 1996 through 2008, Charley successfully campaigned to save provincially-funded Inner City School Funds and led the development of a ground breaking anti-homophobia action plan and anti-discrimination policy.

Charley’s involvement with community organizations and public policy development includes the Green Economy Network, SPARC BC, BC Recreation and Parks Association, Big Sisters, The Canadian Mental Health Association, and the Therapeutic Riding Association of BC.