Jeff Cornett

Background

About Jeff Cornett

I distinctly remember a conversation with my dad when I was 18 and we were driving to a destination I can no longer recall. He said I would make a great arbitrator. I remember at 18 thinking it was out of the blue career advice when I was so far away from any career. I know it was meant as a compliment as he talked about my calm, balanced people skills and the ability to see all sides of a situation.(maybe because I was the youngest in a large family). Our seemingly impromptu conversation is one of my fondest memories of my dad. Alas, I did not heed his advice in the literal sense yet as I reflect back on my career, I realize it has always been working with people that I have found so interesting. I am not sure there is such a thing as a traditional career and certainly my career path has been an amazing and unique ride. From camp director and coast guard search and rescue as a young adult to working for an entrepreneur to Canada’s biggest charities to the world’s biggest bank, the roles have always been fascinating, exciting with so much diverse management and leadership experience. Yet as I look back on my career, I come back to the people with whom I have had the privilege to work alongside and the strategic challenges which we have had to overcome. It is the combination of people and process which I find so engaging and why I love getting up in the morning. Finding the right idea to drive revenue in combination with the right people has been a consistent strength of mine. It is the wacky combination of rational, data-backed, strategic product discipline implemented by a team of diverse individuals with all of their combined talents and foibles which makes life interesting, fun and rewarding. It is always asking “what’s next” of myself and the team. At a career level, the “what’s next” is being the Executive Director of the Canadian Kennel Club. It is a role that combines all of the things I love. Working with a wide range of staff, volunteers and members. Finding solutions to ensure the CKC, with a history dating back to stays relevant while being respectful of its legacy and driving forward its mission in this digital world. And it combines my love of dogs. I grew up with dogs and my wife and I have always had a dog to make our home feel truly complete. I am looking forward to serving our members and the public with education, support and guidance with purebred dog breeding and the health, well-being and enjoyment of all dogs.