Joe Geurts

Joe Geurts worked in various positions in the federal public service for some 34 years until 2007 when he began consulting. An accomplished senior executive, specializing in the management of complex projects and initiatives involving all levels of internal management and government, he is recognized for vision, leadership, and has a proven track record in achieving organizational goals.

Joe occupied senior positions in the national museum sector for 20 years. He was the Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian War Museum from 2000 to 2007; the Vice-President of the Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation from 1992 to 2007; the Director of Museum Services for the Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation from 1989 to 1992; and a Financial Advisor to the National Museums of Canada from 1987 to 1989.

During his time as Director of the Canadian War Museum, he directed the construction and opening of a new $100 million facility for the museum, including the selection of an architectural team, construction contractor, building project manager, and exhibit designers; he managed a team of historians and various museum exhibition professionals responsible for the development of the new permanent exhibitions. He successfully opened the new facility on May 8, 2005 (on time) at a final total project cost of approximately $134 million ($1 million under budget).

More recently following his departure from the Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation, he has been engaged in several museum projects to assist in business and capital planning and construction management, namely the Canadian Museum of Human Rights in Winnipeg and the National Music Centre in Calgary.

Joe has 40 years of experience in the development and leadership of functions including financial management, marketing and commercial operations, human resources management, and facilities management, particularly construction.

He has an Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree from Lakehead University and is a Chartered Professional Accountant.