Jean-Francois (JF) Champagne
CAE, AAiP

JF joins Tecker after more than 16 years as a chief executive of Canadian trade associations — a perspective shaped by the seat Tecker’s clients sit in. He has led organizations through strategic repositioning, governance redesign, executive transitions, and the practical adoption of technology and AI in member-driven environments.

Most recently, JF served as President & CEO of the Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA Canada) from 2015 to 2025, and previously as Executive Director of the Canadian Security Association (CANASA) from 2009 to 2015. Following his tenure as CEO, he continued at AIA Canada in an advisory capacity as Senior Advisor to the CEO into 2026.

A committed volunteer leader within the profession, JF is Past Chair of the Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE), the national body for the association sector in Canada. He has also served on the boards of the Automotive Business School of Canada and NiUG International’s Canada Chapter.

JF is the Founder of Champagne Leadership & Consulting, his independent advisory practice focused on governance, leadership, and technology in the association sector. His engagements through Tecker draw on the firm’s broader team and methodology where that combination best serves the client.

JF is a regular speaker at association and industry events across Canada on emerging trends, governance, and the impact of AI on how associations operate and deliver member value.

He recently completed the Association AI Professional (AAiP) designation — a credential recognizing applied expertise in deploying AI within the association sector — complementing his Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation.

Born in Montreal, JF has lived and worked in Toronto and now makes his home in the National Capital, Ottawa.