Shawn Graham – President of The Board

Shawn Graham was appointed President of Ducks Unlimited Canada’s volunteer board of directors in June 2026. Prior to this role, he was the board’s vice-president (June 2024 – June 2026).

Graham brings decades of leadership in public service, business and conservation to his role as the 47th President of the Board of Directors of Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC). A long-time volunteer and board member, Graham has dedicated much of his life to advancing conservation outcomes, strengthening communities and fostering partnerships that support sustainable growth across Canada. 

His appointment on June 20, 2026, follows a deep-rooted commitment to wetlands conservation, a strong record of leadership and a vision to expand DUC’s impact across the country.  

A Lifetime Commitment to Ducks Unlimited Canada 

Shawn Graham’s connection to Ducks Unlimited Canada began more than 30 years ago, when he attended his first DUC fundraising dinner in Kent County, New Brunswick. Inspired by the organization’s grassroots approach and conservation mission, he quickly became involved as a volunteer, joining the local committee and later serving as chair.  

He went on to serve on DUC’s provincial council in the mid-1990s before embarking on his career in public office. Following 15 years of distinguished service in public office, he joined the national Board of Directors in 2011, where he has since held several leadership roles, including chairing governance and government relations committees.  

His long-standing involvement reflects not only a personal passion for conservation, but a belief in the power of volunteer-driven organizations to deliver meaningful environmental outcomes. 

Leadership in Public Service 

Graham served as the 31st Premier of New Brunswick (2006-2010), where he led a government focused on economic self-sufficiency, sustainability and innovation. His tenure was marked by initiatives to advance energy conservation, strengthen the province’s economy through forward-looking policies, and invest in education and social development.  

During his time in office, he also played a key role in conservation initiatives, most notably helping to spearhead the Atlantic Habitat Fund—a collaborative effort involving provincial, federal and non-governmental partners to support wetland conservation in Atlantic Canada. 

This experience shaped his approach to partnership-building and demonstrated the impact that coordinated investment can have on conservation at scale. 

Business and Board Experience 

In addition to his public service, Graham is President and CEO of G&R Holdings Inc., where he leads efforts to develop global partnerships and strategic business opportunities, with a particular focus on Asia. 

He has also served on a number of corporate and non-profit boards, including IntelliPharmaCeutics International, Canada House Wellness Group and PureLife Carbon. 

These roles have strengthened his expertise in governance, strategic planning and financial stewardship—skills he brings to DUC as it continues to grow its conservation impact and organizational resilience. 

A Vision for Conservation Leadership 

As President of DUC’s Board of Directors, Graham is focused on building on the organization’s strong foundation while positioning it for future success. 

His priorities include expanding corporate partnerships to unlock new sources of conservation funding and advancing models like the Atlantic Habitat Fund to secure long-term investment in habitat infrastructure across Canada.  

He is also committed to broadening DUC’s reach by engaging new and diverse communities, including newcomers to Canada, and strengthening the organization’s national presence and partnerships. 

Rooted in Nature 

Born and raised in Rexton, New Brunswick, Graham maintains a deep connection to Canada’s natural landscapes. He and his wife, Dr. Roxanne Reeves, reside along the Richibucto River where appreciation for wetlands and wildlife is part of daily life.  

An avid outdoorsman, he enjoys hunting, canoeing and spending time in nature with family and friends. These personal experiences continue to inform his commitment to protecting Canada’s natural heritage for future generations. 

Leading into the Future 

As Ducks Unlimited Canada approaches its centennial, Shawn Graham’s leadership underscores a commitment to innovation, collaboration and growth. With a strong foundation already in place, he is focused on ensuring our organization remains relevant, impactful and positioned to lead conservation efforts in Canada for decades to come.