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CFM Appoints Alan Willaert Executive Director

Canadian Federation of Musicians (CFM) is very pleased to announce Alan Willaert has been appointed Executive Director.  In his new role, Mr. Willaert will direct copyright right compliance matters, lobbying efforts and collective bargaining.  He will also oversee governance matters for the union at large, including serving as the primary liaison with Local affiliate offices and for member relations. Alan has been an integral member of the CFM since 1990, serving as an International Representative for the organization.  Throughout his tenure, Alan’s leadership and advocacy skills have played a critical role in the success of many key initiatives.

“We are delighted that Alan will be taking on the role of Executive Director” says Bill Skolnik, AFM Vice President from Canada & CFM Chief Executive Officer.  “Alan brings years of experience shaping strategic thinking, and encouraging collaborations that better connect the amazing wealth of resources that exists with partners in Canada and abroad.  Alan is an outstanding choice for this leadership position”.

In accepting the appointment, Mr. Willaert adds, "For more than 20 years, I have had the good fortune of working closely with 5 serving Vice-Presidents from Canada who helped to shape the Canadian Federation of Musicians.  Drawing on all I have learned under their tenure, in my new role as Executive Director I aim to continue my focus on ongoing legislation and internal governance issues.  My steadfast commitment, coupled with many years on the road and in the trenches, keeps me ever mindful of and empathetic to the needs of working musician; and I look forward to our continued successes on their behalf”.

A native of Delhi, Ontario, Alan Willaert’s musical career started as a classically-trained accordionist, winning the Canadian Open twice.  After joining the AFM in 1969, he played cordovox and woodwinds with various dance and swing bands throughout high school.  Graduation brought “the road”, and what was to be eighteen years of show and rock bands, with stints on keys, sax, clarinet, flute, trumpet, lead guitar and vocals.  The most notable was the band Charade, which toured throughout Canada, the US and the Bahamas.  Becoming interested in AFM internal functions, he was elected to the board of Local 467, Brantford Musicians Association, in the mid-80s.