Carolyn chisholm | Career Summary

Carolyn Chisholm currently serves as the General Manager, External Affairs for Rio Tinto Canada, having joined the company in 2014. Demonstrating a fervent dedication to operating at the intersection of the public and private sectors, she actively contributes to driving positive change and is committed to assisting Rio Tinto in achieving exemplary Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards. A mother of two daughters, Carolyn is equally impassioned about guiding the next generation of young women towards professional fulfillment, drawing from her extensive experience in the natural resources industry.

In her capacity at Rio Tinto, Carolyn oversees the Canadian External Affairs team, spearheading strategic initiatives at both federal and provincial levels. Prior to her tenure at Rio Tinto, she amassed over two decades of experience in external affairs and public policy. This included serving as the Vice President of the Natural Resources and Environment Group at a prominent public affairs firm. Carolyn is an esteemed member of various boards and associations, representing Rio Tinto's interests, with notable roles such as Chair of the Mining Association of Canada.

Educationally, Carolyn holds a Bachelor of Arts degree (First Class Honours) in Political Science from St. Francis Xavier University and a Master’s in Public Administration from Carleton University. She resides in Ottawa with her husband Ron and their two daughters, Mairi and Emily. Additionally, she actively engages with community service as a member of the Board of Directors of her local hospital, a founding member of Women for Nature, and a Board member of the Terry Fox Research Institute.