Marty Hiemstra is an accomplished executive whose career has spanned more than three decades at the forefront of Canada’s resource sector. With a foundation in forestry and extensive leadership across related industries including, engineering, and natural resources, Marty has consistently demonstrated the ability to align operational excellence with long-term strategic growth. His professional journey is defined by a deep commitment to safety, innovation, and continuous improvement, as well as a genuine desire to develop people and strengthen organizations from the inside out.
From the very beginning of his career, Marty displayed an aptitude for combining technical expertise with strong leadership qualities. He entered the forestry sector following studies in forest resources technology, later advancing his education with a Bachelor of Science in Forestry and an Executive MBA. These academic experiences provided him with both the analytical rigor of science and the broader perspective of business strategy. This dual foundation allowed him to contribute meaningfully to operations while also envisioning the larger trajectories of the companies he would go on to serve.
Marty’s early professional years were spent with Northwood Pulp and Timber and subsequently Canfor Corporation, where he held supervisory and leadership roles in harvest operations and planning. His responsibilities ranged from overseeing large-scale forest tenures to introducing corporate cut control strategies and leading supply chain redesign initiatives. During his time at Canfor, Marty facilitated Kaizen events, achieved SAFE Company certification, and gained a reputation for his ability to bring Lean principles into practical and measurable outcomes. His contributions not only improved safety and efficiency but also instilled a culture of innovation and accountability that benefited teams across the organization.
In 2012, Marty transitioned to Clusko Logging Enterprises as Director of Operations and Safety. Here, he played a crucial role in strengthening management practices and mentoring the next generation of leaders as part of a family succession plan. His leadership focused on cultivating a robust safety culture while maintaining high levels of productivity. This balance of care for people and attention to results became a hallmark of Marty’s management style and a cornerstone of his reputation within the industry.
Marty then joined Lo-Bar Log Transport, where his career progressed rapidly from Operations Manager to Business Manager. In these roles, he oversaw dozens of employees and managed vast volumes of annual forestry production, often exceeding one million cubic meters of harvest and transport. His achievements at Lo-Bar included acquiring and staffing new logging camps, integrating cable harvesting systems, and establishing training programs that enhanced driver safety and skill development. Under his leadership, the company saw notable improvements in safety performance, operational efficiency, and employee engagement, setting a new standard for organizational resilience in a demanding industry.
In 2020, Marty accepted the role of General Manager at Mercer International, where he was tasked with building and leading a new company: Mercer Forestry Services. Over the years, he has successfully grown the organization by developing strong customer relationships, expanding operations, and fostering a workforce deeply engaged in both safety and service excellence. Among his many accomplishments, Marty established a chip hauling business from the ground up, introduced winch-assisted harvesting techniques to diversify operations, and modernized equipment fleets to improve productivity. His leadership was instrumental in reducing total recordable incident rates from over 16 to just 1.82, a remarkable achievement that positioned Mercer Forestry Services as a finalist in the 2023 Canada’s Safest Employer Awards.
Beyond his executive accomplishments, Marty has been actively involved in numerous professional and community organizations. He has contributed to groups such as the Trucking and Harvesting Advisory Group, the Interior Loggers Association, COFI, and others. His service on church boards, including time as chair, reflects his dedication to community leadership and governance beyond the corporate world. Through public speaking engagements and industry conferences, Marty has shared insights with audiences of hundreds, inspiring peers and future leaders alike with his vision for a safer, more sustainable resource sector.
At the core of Marty’s leadership philosophy lies a commitment to continuous improvement—not just in systems and processes, but in people. He is a strong believer in mentoring, coaching, and equipping others to succeed, understanding that the long-term strength of any organization is built upon the development of its people. His background in human resources, negotiation, and conflict resolution allows him to bring balance and fairness to decision-making, while his strategic mindset ensures that growth and innovation remain central to organizational goals.
Today, as Marty looks toward the next chapter of his professional journey, his focus is shifting toward board service. With decades of operational, strategic, and governance experience, he is well-positioned to contribute at the highest levels of decision-making within organizations. His aspiration is to transition into roles that apply his knowledge and insights to boards and committees, particularly within the natural resources, forestry, mining, engineering, and energy sectors. This pursuit reflects not only his professional expertise but also his personal commitment to leaving a lasting positive impact on the industries that have defined his career.
Marty’s story is one of steady growth, principled leadership, and enduring influence. From his early days managing forest operations to leading major organizations through transformation and safety excellence, his career has been marked by a consistent ability to balance operational demands with strategic foresight. His journey underscores a larger mission: to contribute his knowledge, integrity, and vision in ways that strengthen both organizations and communities, paving the way for a more sustainable future in the resource sector.
Character:
Marty exemplifies character through his unwavering integrity, commitment to safety, and dedication to both people and performance. His leadership has always balanced accountability with compassion, fostering trust among colleagues, employees, and stakeholders alike. He demonstrates resilience in challenging environments, consistently standing by his values while leading teams toward success.
Knowledge:
With more than three decades of experience across forestry, mining, and natural resources, Marty’s depth of knowledge is both technical and strategic. He possesses a rare blend of operational expertise and business acumen, enabling him to bridge the gap between day-to-day execution and long-term vision. His ongoing engagement in professional associations and continuous learning reflects a lifelong commitment to expanding his knowledge base.
Strategic:
Marty is a forward-thinking leader who thrives on aligning operational realities with overarching strategic goals. He has successfully guided organizations through growth, diversification, and modernization while ensuring long-term sustainability. His ability to anticipate industry trends and adapt strategies accordingly has made him a valuable leader in every stage of his career.
Communication:
As a seasoned public speaker and mentor, Marty communicates with clarity, confidence, and authenticity. He has presented to audiences of hundreds, influenced teams across multiple organizations, and cultivated strong customer and stakeholder relationships. His communication style is rooted in transparency and respect, enabling him to inspire trust and foster collaboration at every level.
