Board of Directors
The Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC) is governed by an independant Board of Directors. The members serve for a four-year term. The Commissioners receive formal proposals on projects that will contribute to economic development. They are empowered to respond quickly to new opportunities, enabling the undertaking of new initiatives, and attracting direct financial involvement from other levels of government and/or the private sector.
The members are as follows:
Paul Inksetter, an Engineer by training, has had a varied and distinguished career including Symphony General Manager (Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra), educator (teacher and then Vice President of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation) and Thunder Bay City Councillor for five years (including chair of the City's Planning Committee). He brings extensive government relations experience to the Commission.
Ed Schmidtke, a business professional, is the Manager of Business Development with the Thunder Bay International Airports Authority, which has generated new business in ways unique to the airport industry. In that capacity, he is an experienced practitioner of the skills required for economic renewal.
Roberta Simpson is past chair of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce and is very active in Thunder Bay's business community. Roberta has over 30 years experience as a banking professional in a range of roles, including her current position with BMO Bank of Montreal as Senior Commercial Account Manager. Roberta manages a variety of clients including private-sector companies, community organizations, municipalities and First Nations aboriginal agencies.
Jonathon Mamakwa was appointed to the Board of Directors on Jan. 26, 2009 by City Council in the capacity of Community Director. Jonathon Mamakwa has been serving on the Wasaya Airways Board for the past five years, as well as 11 years on the Executive Board of Wasaya Corporation. In 2001, Jonathan joined the Wasaya Airways Senior Management team in day-to-day operations, being appointed as Vice President.
Jim Howie is the Business Manager for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and had an extensive career with Thunder Bay Telephone. He has a strong understanding of labour, governance and brings to the Commission a realistic yet optimistic outlook on Thunder Bay's economy.
Dr. Brian Stevenson is currently serving as the President of Lakehead University. Throughout his career, Dr. Stevenson has built a stellar record of leadership in academia and government; he has held senior positions at a number of high-profile organizations and universities including the federal government in Ottawa, and the University of Alberta. Dr. Stevenson received his BA (Honours) and MA from the University of Victoria, and holds a doctorate from Queen's University.
Council Commissioners
Mayor Keith Hobbs
Councillor Brian McKinnon
Councillor Paul Pugh
Ex-Officio
Tim Commisso - City Manager for the City of
Steve Demmings - CEO for CEDC
