Team
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Judy Sander, ManagerWhen Judy isn't cross-country skiing, canoeing, playing hockey, enjoying time spent with her family, she is managing the Innovation Centre. Judy provides overall leadership and financial accountability. In addition, Judy takes a lead role on managing innovative projects and applying to various funding programs. |
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Heather MacDonald-Craig, Office ManagerHave you heard Heather's beautiful bagpiping skills? Well, when Heather isn't playing the pipes for the Thunder Bay Police Pipes and Drums, she is managing the day to day operations of the Innovation Centre. Through her position as office manager, Heather is also responsible for online and direct training in the areas of software development, project management and financial controls. |
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James Ellard, Business Development OfficerJames is a recent graduate of Lakehead University through their business program majoring in Information Systems with a minor in Human Resources. At the office James takes on many tasks that often include government and private research, web administration, event coordinating, project development, and anything else that lands on his desk. |
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Nick Kolobutin, Commercialization SpecialistNick brings seven years worth of marketing experience working with businesses ranging from small start-ups to large multi-national corporations. An MBA graduate from McMaster University specializing in marketing strategy; Nick is here to assist entrepreneurs obtain market acceptance of your products and get them into the hands of buyers. In addition, he also holds a Human Resource certificate and a minor in Economics. Nick has a keen eye for emerging technology, is an avid sports enthusiast, and world traveler. |
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Kendall Kerbashian, Community Initiatives OfficerA graduate of the International Business program at Confederation College and a recent BBA graduate from Okanagan College in Kelowna, BC, Kendall joins the team as a Community Initiatives Officer. Her days at the Innovation Centre are spent helping with client engagements, providing support to innovator members, coordinating events, and working on a variety of projects or anything else where she can lend an extra hand. |
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Melissa Gorrie-McClement, Special Projects CoordinatorMelissa is pleased to be back at the Innovation Center as the Special Projects Coordinator. Melissa has been employed with the Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre since 2000, and has filled many positions over the last twelve years! She is very excited to be back at the Innovation Centre coordinating different projects and activities and looks forward to getting reacquainted with The Centre and meeting with new clients. |
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Jaquelyn Holm, ICT Initiatives OfficerA recent graduate of Lakehead University’s Masters of Business Administration program, Jaquelyn is excited to begin working with organizations throughout Northwestern Ontario. With an emphasis on GIS and ICT, Jaquelyn’s focus is on improving accessibility and utilization of technology by small and medium size businesses in the community. |
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Terry Smith, ICT CoordinatorTerry brings his experience as a CTO and software developer from five previous start-ups to the Innovation Centre as the Geek In Residence (otherwise known as ICT Coordinator). He is responsible for advising start-ups and businesses on their technical endeavours, providing training, and generally fostering Thunder Bay's IT sector. When not at the office, you'll usually find him outdoors (and out of cell phone range) camping, fishing or skiing. |
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Rick Prior, Executive in ResidenceRick brings his extensive business background of over 30 years includes sales and management experience in both the retail and wholesale sectors.He served previously as the Northern Ontario Vice-President for Ontrac Equipment Services and has lived and travelled in the region for over 25 years. Rick is an avid all-season outdoorsman enjoying all that nature has to offer from hunting and fishing to alpine and cross country skiing. He focuses on working directly with businesses seeking growth through innovation. |
