LINDA HARTFORD

CCAB Board of Directors

Linda Hartford

Linda and her family live and work on Vancouver Island, on the unceded territory of the Lekwungen, where she is involved in community activities, cultural ceremonies, and regular education of the history and traditions of the Lekwungen people and the territory. Linda has a spouse and 3 Métis children.

Linda Hartford has led CIBC Trust, Indigenous Markets team since 2017, with in-depth expertise and over 14 years experience in Indigenous Trust services at another financial institution. Linda has developed her expertise by working closely with clients as they develop, implement and perform ongoing management of their Trusts and Wealth Funds.  Linda leads and manages the CIBC’s Indigenous Trust platform, where she actively oversees all client relationships and Trust compliance, as well as leading business development for the team.

Linda has a track record for engaging communities and developing relationships. Her approach supports the successful establishment, management and utilization of wealth for reconciliation, business development, healing and the general betterment of First Nation communities.  Linda understands that a Nation’s Trust has the potential to drive economic self-sufficiency and prosperity, and she takes pride in and enjoys supporting that potential in a tangible way.  Linda is a hands-on service provider and is exemplary at addressing client concerns in a sensitive, relevant and timely manner.

Linda is a respected and regular presenter on the topics of First Nation Trusts and finance. She is regularly invited to speak at various Indigenous conferences and host workshops on topics such as building successful wealth funds, governance,  economic development and per capita distributions, to name a few.  She regularly trains Community Trustees on their role as a fiduciary and offers financial education workshops to various Indigenous audiences including savings, budgeting, investing and building a business plan. Linda is the chair of the advisory Board for the National Aboriginal Trust Officers Association (NATOA), where focus is on guiding NATOA to be a more mature charity, with stronger governance and partnerships. Linda has also served on various Trust and Professional Association boards and currently sits on the Vancouver Island Community Living BC Board.