Interim CEO Lindsay Temple will stay on briefly to support handover
The Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA), regulator of Ontario's human resources profession, has named Bronwen Evans its next chief executive officer.
Evans, currently vice-president of communications, marketing and sustainability at Hydro One, starts on Nov. 16, 2026, the association announced.
Lindsay Temple, a former HRPA board member who has served as interim CEO since early 2026, will stay on briefly to support the handover.
Who is Bronwen Evans?
Evans brings nearly 20 years of executive leadership across business, government and the non-profit sector, according to HRPA. She previously held senior executive roles at Medcan, a membership-based health-care organization, and was the founding CEO of the True Patriot Love Foundation, a national charity supporting military members, veterans and their families.
Earlier, she advised senior Ontario government leaders, including as chief of staff to the provincial minister of finance. She is a graduate of Harvard Business School's Advanced Management Program and holds the Institute of Corporate Directors, Director (ICD.D) designation.
"The board conducted a comprehensive search for our next chief executive officer, with a clear focus on the leadership HRPA will need for its next chapter," said Alison Staples, chair of the HRPA board. "Bronwen brings extensive leadership experience across sectors, a strong track record of leading through growth and change, and a clear commitment to building strong organizations and partnerships. We are excited to welcome her to HRPA."
"I am excited to join HRPA at a pivotal time for the HR profession, as the world of work changes and the need for strong people leadership grows," said Evans. "I look forward to listening to our members and working with the HRPA team to create meaningful value for them throughout their careers."
Third HRPA CEO handover since 2017
The search began after HRPA said on Nov. 18, 2025 that CEO Jodi Kovitz, in the role since February 2023, would step down at year-end. Kovitz remained an adviser until Jan. 30, 2026. The board then named Lindsay Temple interim CEO of HRPA, drawing on her HR leadership background at employers including Durham Region Police Services and Pathwise Credit Union.
"Lindsay stepped forward at an important time for HRPA and brought steady, thoughtful leadership throughout this period of transition," said Staples. By the time Evans starts, the association will have run under interim leadership for more than 10 months.
A review of past coverage shows the pattern is familiar. Evans will be the third permanent CEO since Bill Greenhalgh resigned in 2017 after 12 years, according to Canadian HR Reporter. Louise Taylor Green followed in June 2018 and left in 2022, Talent Canada reported, before Kovitz arrived. Each handover was bridged by an interim leader – Gary Monk, then board member John Hannah, and now Temple.
HRPA's authority comes from the Registered Human Resources Professionals Act, 2013. The Act and its regulations govern who may use protected credentials, including those explained in this guide to earning the CHRP designation in Canada, and authorize practice inspections.
With more than 24,000 members, according to HRPA, the CEO's priorities shape both how standards are enforced and what members receive for their dues. Evans has said listening comes first. Her early decisions will land as Vision 2027, the strategic plan launched under Kovitz, enters its final stretch.
