Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre Chief Executive Officer to Retire October 29, 2019 Thunder Bay, ON: - The Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre Board of Directors today announced the retirement of the organization’s Chief Executive Officer, Judy Sander. “With heartfelt appreciation for her 20 years of dedicated service to innovation in Northwestern Ontario, I announce the retirement of Judy Sander” says Board Chair, Eric Tribe.
Over the past two decades, Sander has guided Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre through some challenging times but also through times of great growth. In all of her decisions and actions, she has maintained one key priority; that innovative companies find the support and resources they need to succeed in the region.
Says Eric Tribe: “There is no doubt that Judy’s legacy will continue on in the priorities of the Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre and in the lives of innovators and entrepreneurs across the region. She has inspired the innovation eco-system and led the organization to deliver high quality business advisory services. The work that Judy has accomplished will continue to benefit the region for years to come.”
After an extensive search, The Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre also announced that Kendall Williams has accepted the position of incoming Executive Director. Kendall previously held the position of Program Coordinator with the Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre and has supported hundreds of innovators and start-ups to establish or grow their ideas over the past 8 years. In the role of Executive Director, Kendall will lead the organization to deliver programs that support increased innovation, and develop community partnerships across Northwestern Ontario.
Says Kendall Williams; “With this team –– this board – and this community – I am ready to take on the challenge of supporting and serving the needs of all innovative companies, and those that contribute to creating a world-class innovation system for Northwestern Ontario. I am honoured and excited to have been selected to lead the organization at this time.”
Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre launched a national Executive Director search in July, with a four-person selection committee which included representation from the board of directors.
Continues Tribe; “We are confident that Kendall’s talents and experience will continue the organization’s success for the generations to come.”
Williams will begin her tenure as Executive Director effective immediately.
