The International Authority is a joint Canada-Michigan governance entity established to oversee and approve key steps in the P3 procurement process for the new Windsor-Detroit bridge crossing. It is also responsible for monitoring compliance of the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) with the Crossing Agreement signed by Canada and Michigan.

The International Authority consists of six members with equal representation from Canada and Michigan. Two members are appointed by Canada, one appointed by the WDBA and three appointed by Michigan. The appointment terms for members of the International Authority will last until one year after the bridge opening.

Mrs. Kristine Burr and Mrs. Geneviève Gagnon have been appointed by Canada and Mr. Michael D. Hayes, Mrs. Birgit M. Klohs and Mr. Matt Rizik have been appointed by Michigan. Mrs. Burr will serve as the Chairperson. A third Canadian member will be selected by the WDBA in the near future.

Mrs. Burr has had a distinguished career with the Government of Canada over the past 40 years, most recently as Assistant Deputy Minister, Policy for Transport Canada. She previously held positions with the Solicitor General of Canada, the Privy Council Office and the Treasury Board Secretariat.

Mrs. Gagnon has been the President of XTL Transport Inc., one of Canada’s leading transportation, logistics and distribution services companies since 2012. She has a MBA from Université du Québec à Montréal and a BA from McGill University.

Mr. Hayes presently serves as President and CEO of the Midland Center for the Arts. He previously founded Main Street Consulting, specializing in community relations and economic development following his retirement as vice president of Executive Relations with Dow Chemical.

Mrs. Klohs is the President and CEO of The Right Place, Inc., the regional economic development organization for the retention, expansion and attraction of business in the West Michigan area. During her career, she has worked with the Prince Corporation, the Berrien County Economic Development Corporation, and the Michigan Department of Commerce.

Mr. Rizik is the Chief Tax Officer for Rock Ventures LLC, the umbrella entity formed to provide operational coordination, guidance and integration to a portfolio of more than 40 businesses ranging from sports and entertainment to innovative internet start-ups. Prior to joining Rock Ventures, he was a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers for more than 30 years.

July 2014