Lyle Richard (Rick) Kohler , BA / 70

Rick Kohler has dedicated his career to furthering Canadian interests internationally through the Canadian government’s foreign service. A specialist in trade and economic issues, Kohler has managed trade, investment, science and technology and economic programs in a number of capitals including Paris (twice), Bucharest, São Paulo, Sydney, Los Angeles and Bangkok.

In Ottawa, Kohler held several positions including director of Personnel, Trade Commissioner Service; director, Trade Relations, Africa/Middle East; and chief information officer and director general, Information and Communications Technology Bureau. In 1998 Kohler was re-assigned to Brazil as ambassador to the Federative Republic and returned to Canada in 2000 to become chief of protocol of Canada. In 2003 he returned to Australia as consul general of Canada, in Sydney. In 2007, Rick retired from the foreign service and accepted the position of assistant deputy minister (International Relations) and chief of protocol, MIA, Government of Ontario.

Kohler has a bachelor’s degree from Carleton and a management diploma from York University. In 2002 he was awarded the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal in recognition of significant contribution to Canada.