David Cox, an expert on environmental issues with a passion for the mountains, has been appointed executive director of Mountain Culture and environmental programming at The Banff Centre. Home of the world-renowned Banff Mountain Film and Book Festivals, Mountain Culture programs promote the appreciation and understanding of the world’s mountain places. With this appointment, Mountain Culture will maintain its successful mountain culture programming while expanding its suite of mountain environment and sustainability programs.

In announcing his appointment, Sarah Iley, vice president of Programming, noted, “David’s background in environmental law and his proven ability to work with diverse interest groups will strengthen The Banff Centre’s role as a forum where policy-makers and stakeholders can seek common understanding on environmental issues. At the same time, his love for the mountains means he is excited about the opportunity to lead our world-class mountain culture programming.”

Cox has a master’s degree in environmental studies from York University, a law degree from the University of Ottawa, and a physical education degree from the University of Calgary with a specialty in outdoor pursuits.

Pursuing a career in environmental law, Cox worked first in private practice for Canada’s largest law firm, McCarthy Tetrault, before joining Canada’s federal justice department. For the past seven years, he has advised senior government officials on complex environmental matters — most recently, the Mackenzie Gas Project. These files typically involve dispute resolution, and Cox is noted for having an uncommon ability to bring people from a variety of different perspectives together, focusing their energies on a common cause.

Cox says he is “passionate about the mountain environment, having ski-toured, winter camped, backpacked, and rock-climbed throughout the Canadian Rockies.”

Each year thousands of people descend on The Banff Centre to enjoy the Banff Mountain Film and Book Festivals, while tens of thousands more enjoy the Film Festival’s World Tour in about 270 locations in 30 countries. Mountain Culture also has a strong history of mountain sustainability programming, including the recent Rosenberg International Forum on Water Policy, as well as a summit on Mountains as Water Towers. It is currently hosting a second series of annual conferences on Mountain Communities, the North American node of the Mountain Forum and the Bow Valley Mountain Forum. The department also offers programs in writing, filmmaking, and photography, as well as a grants program.

Cox’s appointment is effective June 15, 2007.