CARDUS

Michael Van Pelt

Michael Van Pelt

Michael Van Pelt

Chief Executive Officer

Michael Van Pelt is the CEO of Cardus. He is a 30-year veteran of Canadian public life and a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. Since co-founding Cardus in 2000, Michael has helped build the organisation into a leading public policy think tank and one of the most high-profile and respected faith-based operations in Canada.

Prior to founding Cardus, Michael served with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, the Chamber of Commerce Network, and as a municipal councillor. He remains active in his family construction and development company.

A graduate of McMaster University and the London School of Economics, Michael has authored and co-authored numerous articles ranging from religion and public life to economics and government policy. He consults widely and advises numerous civil society organisations and business leaders, helping them to strategically connect their beliefs, their behaviours, and their institutional visions.

Michael is a vibrant generator of ideas and a sought-after collaborator. He is deeply involved in the research aspects of Cardus. He publishes numerous articles and reports, including: Leadership, Forgiveness and Our Loves, Cardus at Twenty and Beyond, and Redefining Chaplaincy.

Michael is Chair of the Board of Directors of Fair Havens Ministries, a Christian camp and retreat centre. He also sits on the Board of Directors of Kinvest Impact Foundation and Bezulu International, two organisations that work to bring lasting sustainable change through investing in rural Africa and working alongside local communities.

Michael lives in Ancaster, Ontario with his wife Deani.