In a series of short profiles, Capital Current introduces some of the people working hard to improve life in Ottawa.
Who is she?
Sueling Ching is the president and CEO of the Ottawa Board of Trade, an organization that advocates for local business interests in the community.
What’s her background?
Ching started her career in Brockville, where she spent six years as the CEO of the Brockville YMCA and five years as the executive director of the Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce. In 2016, the Kanata Kourier-Standard reported that Ching was named Executive Director for the West Ottawa Board of Trade, which consolidated operations with the Ottawa Board of Trade in 2018.
What is she known for in Ottawa?
Ching was named interim CEO at the Ottawa Board of Trade in October 2019. By March 2020, she had assumed the role permanently. Ching led the Ottawa Board of Trade throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The business community has demonstrated a tremendous amount of resilience and innovation throughout the pandemic,” Ching told the Ottawa Business Journal (OBJ). “Now we’re in a position where we can leverage the lessons that we’ve learned.”
The OBJ regularly features her perspectives on the health of local businesses in Ottawa. At the time of writing, Ching has contributed 27 pieces to the OBJ’s “Expert Blogs” section.
Beyond her work, Ching is also a member of 100 Women Who Care Ottawa. This group holds regular meetings of “women who want to make a difference.” At these meetings, attendees contribute $100 to a charity of their choice.
What do people say about her?
Diane Johnson, another executive member of 100 Women Who Care, said that she enjoys working with Ching.
“I think there is a certain charm to Sueling that encourages you to want to work with her, to listen to her and more importantly to get to know her. You get that from your first encounter,” Johnson said.
What’s a lesser-known fact about her?
Johnson said that Ching has always demonstrated work-life balance and is involved with activities and events at Roland Michener Public, her daughter’s school. Ching is also involved with the parent council at the school.
