WASHINGTON, D.C., MAY 23, 2025 — The Canadian American Business Council (CABC) is proud to announce the expansion of its Board of Directors with the addition of two new members.
David Rheault, Vice President of Government and Community Relations at Air Canada
David Rheault currently serves as Vice President of Government and Community Relations at Air Canada. He is responsible for the company’s relationships with all levels of government and has been involved in many complex regulatory and policy matters. David is also responsible for Air Canada’s community partnership program, which has supported over 350 events and developed partnerships with 250 organizations from the aviation, tourism, and business sectors.
A lawyer by training, he joined Air Canada in 2007 as Counsel, litigation. David represented Air Canada before courts and administrative tribunals and advised the company on various litigation files in Canada and foreign countries.
Mr. Rheault currently sits on the Board of the National Airlines Council of Canada, the Canada China Business Council and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. He has previously been on the Boards of the Quebec Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Tourisme Montréal, where he was also a member of the Governance Committee.
John Lenhart, Vice President of Global Government Affairs at Walmart
John Lenhart is Vice President of Global Government Affairs at Walmart, where he works with the company’s international markets to develop strategies to support business priorities and the communities in which Walmart operates.
John joined Walmart in January 2017 as Director of Global Government Affairs, supporting Walmart’s Asian markets. He now leads a team of government relations professionals that work across Walmart’s global retail markets. In September 2023, John took the additional role of Head of Corporate Affairs for Walmart China, leading a team covering communications, government relations, and regeneration for Walmart’s operations in China.
Prior to Walmart, John worked at the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI), leading initiatives and policy analysis for the Asia-Pacific region. From 2011-2015 he worked at the U.S.-China Business Council (USCBC) as head of their Beijing office. At USCBC, John led a government affairs and public policy team that represented American companies with the Chinese and U.S. Governments and worked with the leadership of major U.S. brands to improve their operations in China. Through his career, John has lived and worked abroad for 12 years, focusing on commercial policy issues and public relations.
“We are excited to welcome these new members to our Board of Directors. Both come with extensive experience in international affairs and public policy. I look forward to having their expertise and input as we continue the CABC’s mission of guiding the U.S.-Canada relationship” said Beth Burke, CEO of the CABC.
“The two new additions to our growing Board of Directors are most welcome. Their perspectives and experience will help bolster our efforts of strengthening dialogue across the border and promoting opportunities for collaboration,” added Nancy Ziuzin Schlegel, Chair of CABC’s Board of Directors.
