Brijpal Patel

Brijpal Patel joined Tree Canada as Chief Program Officer (CPO) in September 2024.

In this role as CPO, Brijpal is responsible for the oversight and successful implementation of Tree Canada’s reforestation, restoration and greening projects, in both rural and urban settings.

Brijpal started his change-making journey as a young environmental leader in India. During his schooling years, he mobilized students to stop the City administration from cutting down a 100-year-old mango tree that provided shelter and food to both animals and humans. Since then, he has deepened his passion, gaining over 20 years of progressive leadership experience in the design and delivery of significant programs on climate change, natural resource management, and child and youth development.

In his previous leadership roles at Right To Play and the Center for Environment Education, Brijpal demonstrated strategic and operational leadership to deepen organizational impact and create operational efficiencies. At Right To Play, he provided program leadership and developed two new innovative program pathways of technical assistance and digital programs. He believes in the power of partnership to create change and has nurtured strategic relationships with all levels of governments, foundations, the private sector, academic and peer organizations, and UN organizations.

With his lived and professional experience in over 20 countries, Brijpal understands the complex interactions and relationships between culture and environmental sustainability. He believes that celebrating diversity and ensuring inclusion for everyone is at the heart of creating a sustainable future. Brijpal lives in Toronto with his wife and two children.