Chamber of Marine Commerce Welcomes New Staff and Announces Senior Appointment 

The Chamber of Marine Commerce (CMC) is pleased to announce the promotion of Jason Card to Vice President, External affairs and likewise to welcome André Chabot as Director of Government Relations and Charleen Horton as Director of Finance & Administration. As part of these changes, Ray Johnston will be transitioning from Secretary/Treasurer to Corporate Secretary. President & CEO, Joshua Juel, noted, “We have a tremendous team at CMC and with these organizational changes, we will be even better positioned to deliver value for our growing membership. Welcome to André and Charleen, and I wish the very best to Jason and Ray in their new roles!”   

Reporting to Jason Card, André Chabot will engage with elected officials and government representatives to advocate for member interests, shape policy strategy, monitor legislation, and build relationships that help support sound government decisions and regulatory outcomes for inland and coastal marine shipping. He has prior experience in the marine industry with a shipowner and more recently in the public sector with the Government of Ontario. Andre is bilingual.  

In Jason Card’s new position, he will lead the organization’s government relations and advocacy function, including policy development, stakeholder engagement, and all external and public affairs communications. He will also continue as Executive Director of the Ontario Marine Council. Prior to joining CMC in 2023, Jason Card accrued more than two decades of experience in leadership roles in the public and private sectors, including Director of Communications for the Office of the Premier – Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, and Director of Compliance and Stakeholder Relations for the Eastern Canada division of the world’s largest producer of Atlantic Salmon, Mowi.    

After more than 25 years of steadfast and passionate service to the CMC, in both leadership and support capacities, Ray Johnston will be stepping back from Treasurer responsibilities but will continue as Corporate Secretary. Ray Johnston’s accomplishments are many including his efforts to establish Green Marine and the Canadian Marine Careers Foundation, in addition to being a past President of Canada Steamship Lines.  

Charleen Horton, who will be joining CMC on 22 April, will be working closely with Ray Johnston to conduct a fulsome handover of financial responsibilities for the organization. She will also be providing support to the Ontario Marine Council, Canadian Marine Careers Foundation, and the Association of Canadian Port Authorities. Charleen brings more than two decades worth of experience in finance and human resources functions supporting operating groups in Canada, the United States and France. She has worked in diverse sectors including marine transportation, logistics, and manufacturing. Charleen is originally from Montreal and is bilingual.  

Backgrounder – Staff Biographies 

André Chabot 

André Chabot brings extensive experience in public policy development, regulatory modernization, and stakeholder engagement to the CMC. Prior to joining the Chamber, Mr. Chabot held progressive roles within the Ontario Public Service, including positions at the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery, and most recently the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. His work required close coordination with industry stakeholders, Indigenous communities, and other levels of government. Mr. Chabot also draws on marine sector experience from his earlier career at Algoma Central Corporation, where he held various roles including commercial operations, logistics, and fleet personnel. This experience strengthens his understanding of marine operations and industry priorities. He holds a Master of Public Administration from Queen’s University, a Bachelor of Science in General Management from EBS Universität für Wirtschaft und Recht in Germany, and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Brock University. 

Charleen Horton 

Charleen Horton is an accomplished leader with more than 20 years of experience in accounting, general finance and payroll supporting organizations spanning marine shipping, logistics, manufacturing, and healthcare. Known for her collaborative approach, Charleen has consistently built teams and strong cross-functional relationships that deliver precise, compliant, and efficient financial operations. She has also been a key contributor in major corporate initiatives such as system implementation, mergers, international payroll expansions, and even collective bargaining. A member of the National Payroll Institute, Charleen is recognized for her expertise in full-cycle accounting, complex multi-jurisdictional payroll administration across Canada, the United States, and Europe, and her strong command of financial reporting, budgeting, audits, and statutory compliance. Charleen is originally from Montreal and is bilingual. 

Jason Card 

Jason Card is a Communications and public affairs professional with more than 20 years of experience across the public and private sectors, specializing in public relations, government relations, media, marketing, and stakeholder engagement. As Senior Director of Communications for the Chamber of Marine Commerce, he has worked with the CMC team to significantly expand media reach, advocacy, engagement, and overall membership. Previously he served over a decade with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, including as Director of Communications for the Office of The Premier, and has also led communications, sustainability, and regulatory affairs initiatives in the seafood industry in corporate, academic, and industry association capacities. He has an MBA from Memorial University, where he was recognized with the special designation “Fellow of the School of Graduate Studies” for his academic excellence and community leadership, as well as Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Commerce degrees.  

Media Contact: 

Maggie Murphy 

Chamber of Marine Commerce 

mmurphy@cmc-ccm.com