EDAC Annual Board Elections
Every year before the conference, we look to our members to choose who will fill any vacancies on the Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC) Board of Directors. Please take the time to read all the below information, including reviewing this year’s candidates bios, then cast your vote.
In accordance with By-Law 3.3.6, the enclosed ballot election materials are for your immediate attention. Three vacancies on the Board of Directors are to be filled for a two-year term, expiring Annual Meeting 2026. / Veuillez trouver ci-inclus, conformément à l’alinéa 6 du paragraphe 3 de l’article 3 du règlement interne, la documentation relative à l’élection du nouveau Conseil d’administration, et à laquelle nous vous prions de prêter votre attention immédiate. Trois postes du Conseil d’administration sont vacants et doivent être comblés pour un mandat de deux ans expirant à l’assemblée annuelle de 2026.
Nominees for these positions are listed alphabetically, accompanied by a photo and a brief biographical sketch. / Les candidats à ces postes, énumérés ci-après par ordre alphabétique, ont chacun leur photo accompagnée d’un bref profil biographique.
Procedures For Voting / Procédures du vote
- Only active members in good standing (dues fully paid) are entitled to vote and hold elected office. / Seuls les membres actifs en règle (ayant payé toutes leurs cotisations) ont le droit de voter et de remplir des fonctions soumises à une élection.
- Read candidates’ bios and then mark the online ballot. Vote for only three nominees. / Veuillez lire les profils des candidats puis remplir votre bulletin de vote. Ne votez que pour trois candidats seulement.
- All votes must be received by the EDAC office no later than Sept. 23, 2024/ Tous les bulletins de vote doivent être parvenus au siège social de l’ACDE au plus tard le 23 septembre 2024.
Learn about the Candidates
Please review each of the candidates below before casting your vote. Only EDAC Members are allowed to vote.
Manager Research
Canada Infrastructure Bank
Natasha is the Manager of Research at the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB), where she leads the development and execution of the CIB’s research agenda and serves as the CIB’s expert on emerging infrastructure financing trends and policy, both in Canada and globally. Prior to the CIB, Natasha held progressively senior policy and advocacy roles at Canada’s largest local chamber of commerce. Natasha also worked as a Senior Manager, Government Relations at Canada’s largest technology association and spent a decade in consulting roles related to economic development, market intelligence and enterprise risk planning consulting roles at BDO, IHS Markit, TD Bank and Deloitte.
Natasha holds a Master of Arts in Business Economics from Wilfrid Laurier University. She is also a Certified Economic Developer with Economic Development Association of Canada (EDAC) and is a Project Management Professional (PMP) with Project Management Institute (PMI).
I am very interested in giving back for the economic development community across Canada and support EDAC’s inclusive growth renewal agenda for cities.
Vice President, Corporate Initiatives & Intelligence
Calgary Economic Development
A strategic, results driven and collaborative leader, with a depth of economic development expertise spanning 25 years, and a passion to grow the profession. Privileged to have served on the boards of Economic Developers Alberta (EDA) and Economic Developers Association of Canada as the EDA Representative.
Actively provided leadership to high performing teams over the years focused on economic diversification, business growth and retention. Current portfolio includes innovative programming in workforce and talent development, commercial real estate support, economic intelligence, research & foresight studies, regional collaboration, and the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF).
Stewarded teams undertaking workforce initiatives addressing gaps in talent supply and industry demand. EDGE UP successfully delivered upskilling programs to 300 displace mid-career energy professionals transitioning into technology positions. The TalentED YYC program provides enhanced access to employers for student from eight Calgary post-secondary institutions seeking work integrated learning placements. OCIF has allocated resources to a variety of local organizations for the delivery of training and job creation initiatives, often with a focus on supporting under-represented communities. Finally, ongoing talent attraction programs have supported companies in accessing global talent with in-demand skills to augment local workforce capacity. With each program, collaborated with industry, government, and community partners to create meaningful results for long-term impact.
Senior Co-Ordinator, Investment Attraction and Economic Development
Destination Northern Ontario
Gord Knowles is the Senior Coordinator of Investment Attraction and Economic Development for Destination Northern Ontario, RTO13, whose service area stretches from French River north to the Manitoba border. He is a career economic developer; prior to his work at DNO, he served for more than a decade in Ontario-based Community Futures Development Corporations, from positions ranging from FedNor intern to Executive Director.
Since 2022, Gord has served as a Municipal Councillor for the Town of Atikokan. Additionally, he is a Past President of the Economic Developers Council of Ontario, as well as sits on the Board of Directors of the Atikokan Economic Development Corporation.
General Manager of Strategic Services
Town of Stony Plain
Brenda Otto is the General Manager of Strategic Services and member of the Senior Leadership Team with the Town of Stony Plain in Alberta, where she drives strategic initiatives aimed at fostering economic growth and community vibrancy. With over 20 years of experience in economic development, tourism and public policy, Brenda has a distinguished record of strategic planning and strengthening business development services and community placemaking, including receiving the EDAC Award in 2018 for the Stony Plain E-Newsletter. Prior to serving Stony Plain for the past 13 years, she was the Community Development Officer in the Eastern Ontario municipality of Trent Hills in Campbellford.
In addition to her role in municipal government, Brenda is committed to supporting organizations that elevate public service. She has served for 3 years on the Safe and Healthy Communities Committee with Alberta Municipalities, the association that represent and advocates for over 300 urban municipalities, and for 4 years as Director of Volunteer Recognition for the Project Management Institute Chapter for Northern Alberta.
Brenda holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Calgary. She has also earned Certified Economic Developer from the Economic Development Association of Canada in 2009 and Project Management Professional from the Project Management Institute in 2018. Brenda is excited about the opportunity to advance the economic development profession in serving EDAC colleagues on the Board.
Economic Development Officer
City of Moncton
Mohamed moved to Montreal in 2007 and has called Moncton home since 2010. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from UFA – Algeria and a Certificate in Administration Management from CCNB – Edmundston, NB. With over 14 years of experience, Mohamed is a highly organized, innovative, and bilingual professional, specializing in management, business administration, team building, strategic planning, financial management, Immigration and partnership development. His passion for economic development drives his work.
Mohamed’s bi-cultural background and commitment to community collaboration have opened doors to various opportunities and leadership roles. He is widely respected within the community for his professional achievements, ethical standards, and dedication to his clients’ success. Beyond his career, Mohamed is a family man who enjoys motorcycling, sports, and traveling. He believes in Canada’s potential as a place where dreams come true, making it an ideal country to live, work, and raise a family.
