Michael Van Pelt, President and CEO of Cardus, 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 organization into a leading public policy think tank and one of the most profiled and respected faith-based organizations in Canada.
Prior to Cardus, Michael served with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, the Chamber of Commerce Network and as a municipal councillor. He remains active in the 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 organizations and business leaders helping them strategically connect their beliefs, their behaviours, and their institutional vision.
Michael is a vibrant ideas generator and sought after collaborator and 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 organizations that work to bring lasting sustainable change through investing in rural Africa and working alongside local communities.
He lives in Ancaster, Ontario with his wife Deani.
