Meet our Team

Tom’s career in economic development spans three decades and includes numerous positions in the private, non-profit and public sectors, including all levels of government in four countries.

In March 2011, he became CEO of the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation. Prior to this, Tom was Director of International Business for FedNor - Industry Canada, Executive Director of the Community Development Corporation of Sault Ste. Marie & Area, and Project Manager for Morgan and Banks, a management and human resources consulting firm in New South Wales, Australia.

He also held positions at the Ontario Ministry of Northern Development and Mines, Department of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Mamaweswen (North Shore Tribal Council), U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Senate Budget Committee, and Iceland's former Economic Development Institute.

Tom’s wide range of experience gives him a distinct perspective on economic development, strategic planning, project management, negotiation and urban planning. He is particularly well versed in the unique challenges and opportunities in Northern Ontario, which led to him receiving the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce 2002 President’s Award, an honour that recognizes someone who makes an exceptional effort that goes “above and beyond the call of duty in any area of business and community development.”

Tom holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of West Florida, where he held a Graduate Public Administration Fellowship, and an Honour’s degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Waterloo’s School of Urban and Regional Planning. In 1984, he was awarded a U.S. Presidential Management Internship from the Office of Personnel Management.

Born in New Jersey, Tom has spent the better part of 36 years in Canada, mostly in Sault Ste. Marie where his wife is from and where they have raised two sons.

Kyleigh is currently enrolled in the Financial Planning program at Fanshawe College. In her SSMEDC role, she provides administrative support wherever needed. After graduating, Kyleigh plans on pursuing a Business degree at the university level.

Marc brings his background in writing and editing to the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation. He holds a Master’s degree in Journalism from the University of Western Ontario and an Honour’s degree in Political Science from the University of Windsor.

His news articles have appeared in various publications across the country, including The Toronto Star, Saint John Telegraph-Journal, London Free Press, Hamilton Spectator and Canadian Journal of Media Studies. Marc's previous employment was with The Sault Star, and he continues to write for a variety of news outlets in a freelance capacity.

At the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation, Marc's primary duties are writing and editing communications and marketing documents. He is also responsible for the production of the EDC's monthly newsletter, The Pulse. As well, his SSMEDC-related columns and feature stories can be seen in The Sault Star and other publications. Marc has recently delved into video communications, using his broadcast journalism experience to shoot and edit news segments for the corporation.

In a volunteer capacity, Marc serves as Director of Communications for the Sault Major Hockey Association, Communications Coordinator for the Soo Thunderbirds Jr. A Hockey Club, and a videographer for Shaw TV.

Born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Marc is thrilled to be back and hopes to be able to stay in his beautiful hometown permanently.

Terri has been with the SSMEDC since May 2008. Her main responsibilities include guiding local youth through the process of starting their own small business. She is also the front-line administrator for youth initiatives, such as the Summer Company Program, the Ontario Secondary School Business Plan Competition and the Canadian Youth Business Foundation Program. Additionally, Terri works closely with clients applying to the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation’s Young Entrepreneur Program. She is also responsible for co-ordinating various networking events that both cater to and showcase local young entrepreneurs.

Terri received an Honour’s Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Western Ontario, where she graduated in June 2007. She went on to complete post-graduate business certification in Human Resources Management at Seneca College in June 2008.

Matthew has been employed full-time at the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation since 1995. Previous to this, he co-managed a family business and was with the SSMEDC on various projects, including the launch of its World Wide Web Internet site. Sault Ste. Marie was the first Economic Development Corporations in Canada to develop its own website and the organization had one of the first online sites in the city. Away from the SSMEDC, Matthew likes to keep busy by investing in real estate projects and has recently purchased the local Pita Pit franchise, which employs 11 people.

Some of Matthew’s current duties at the SSMEDC are providing staff with computer training, along with hardware and software support. He is also the manager the organization’s website and manages all computer and office equipment. As well, Matthew provides the SSMEDC with administrative support. He’s a liaison to technology-based organizations and committees, such as the ICT, ADnet, Connect Ontario and the Telematics Advisory Group (TAG).

Matthew received his education from Sault College and Lake Superior State University, where he graduated in 1987 as a Business Computer Programmer. He has taken many computer and non-computer related courses since then, including Waterloo Year I and II Economic Development.

Lindsey is the newest member of the Tourism Sault Ste. Marie team. As Administrative Assistant, she prepares visitor packages, handles tourism inquiries and is the division’s primary customer service representative.

Born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Lindsey is a graduate of Algoma University, where she studied History, Geography and Languages. Her fourth-year history thesis on the early development of the Sault is a tremendous asset for her current position, as it allows her to inform visitors – and potential visitors – of the area’s rich and cultured past.

Lindsey’s knowledge of the French and Italian languages is also an asset, especially when handling tourism inquiries. This, coupled with her years of customer service in the retail sector, makes her a perfect fit for Tourism Sault Ste. Marie and the SSM Economic Development Corporation.

John is the Marketing Director for Business Sault Ste. Marie. He has been with the SSMEDC for more than 10 years. John fully implemented the Industrial Marketing Strategy and is now seeing evidence of those projects become a reality. John is now focused on attracting companies from outside the community and assisting in the expansion of companies from within. The overall purpose is to help the City of Sault Ste. Marie build upon its economic strengths and to focus its investment attraction initiatives on a select grouping of sectors that represent the best opportunity for investment attraction and retention.

John comes to us from the private sector, where he was President of a small business consulting group in Sault Ste. Marie. The group was heavily involved in business consulting, project management, and developing and implementing quality management systems. Prior to returning to Sault Ste. Marie in 1994, John held positions in Ottawa with the Canadian Space Agency and EH Industries in a program management capacity. While in our nation’s capital, John attended Algonquin College, where he completed his Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Technology studies. He also attended Carleton University, where he studied for a BA with focus on program and quality management. John is now working towards his Executive MBA.

John is a member of the Economic Developer’s Council of Ontario (EDCO), National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), World Economic Development Alliance (WEDA), Ontario's North, and Corporate Real Estate and Workplace Executive (CoreNet Global). He's heavily involved in the community and sits on a number of working committees. John is also a past Chair of the School Advisory Council at St. Mary’s French Immersion, past President of the Lake Superior Figure Skating Club, past President of the Canadian Cancer Society Algoma Region, and a past member of the ARCH Board of Directors. As well, he has coached in youth sports, primarily hockey a

Carole has been with SSMEDC since June 1991 as a Market Researcher and, following that, as part of the administration office in accounting and payroll. She has SuperHost training, taken a business preparation course and attended administration seminars. Carole also has AccPac Plus GL and A/R Quick Check training and has completed the Exceptional Customer Service Program. At the SSMEDC, Carole is responsible for the flow of information, correspondence, phone/computer messages and enquiries, courier services, and booking and cancelling meeting rooms. She utilizes all necessary tools, such as the phone, computer, facsimile and photocopier. Carole organizes and maintains the corporation’s files, both electronically and manually. She is also responsible for inventory control, the study and video library, purchase orders, cheque receipts, employee attendance records, office supplies, clerical support and data entry. Carole also performs other duties that may be assigned. In other words, she’s the “heart beat” of the SSMEDC.

Stephen brings over 25 years of experience in the tourism and hospitality industry to his position. Previous to being hired by the SSMEDC, he was the Sales Coordinator for the NorDev Group in Elliot Lake. Upon moving back to Sault Ste. Marie in 2005, he became the Sales and Marketing Manager of the Algoma Kinniwabi Travel Association. At the same time, Stephen sharpened his skills and reconnected with his old contacts by co-ordinating special events through his own consulting and event planning business. Some of his current duties include providing local sports organizations and event organizers with guidance in ways to secure sponsorship dollars and source event funding opportunities. He also provides marketing and event planning assistance.

Stephen graduated from Sault College in the Business Management and Entrepreneurship program. He continues to upgrade his skills through seminars and workshops relative to sports tourism and event management. Away from the SSMEDC, Stephen enjoys travelling with his wife and family and spends countless hours working at his log cabin on St. Joseph Island.

Debbie brings over 20 years of experience in economic development, tourism and administration. In her present position, she is responsible for managing human resources, providing support for the President, Board of Directors and CEO, as well as overseeing corporate administration, communication, reception and information technology. Debbie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Windsor and a certificate in Economic Development from the University of Waterloo. She has acompleted other professional development programs as well.

Tara is the newest member of the Tourism SSM team. Born and raised in Sault Ste Marie, she has been working in the hospitality industry for more than 10 years. Tara holds a Bachelor of Modern Languages (Honours) degree, specializing in both French and Italian, from Laurentian University and a Human Resources Certificate from the University of Toronto.

As the assistant to the Executive Director, Tara is responsible for the day-to-day administration of TSSM, as well as organizing databases and all TSSM Board and Committee meetings. She is also the first contact for tourism inquiries and co-ordinates the distribution of fulfillment packages through the 1-800 line and website.

Karen joined the SSMEDC in September 2004. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting from Algoma University and an Executive Office Administration diploma from Sault College. Karen brings with her more than 11 years of experience with various organizations in both the public and private sector. As Controller, she is responsible for managing accounts payables and receivables, annual budgets, cash flow forecasts, internal reporting to the Finance Committee and Board of Directors, the year-end audit working file, financial reports to various government funding agencies, and payroll/benefit administration. Also, Karen is currently working towards the Certified General Accountants (CGA) designation.

Ian McMillan was appointed the first Executive Director of Tourism Sault Ste. Marie in September 2001. He brings over 30 years of tourism marketing experience to the position. Ian spent 18 years as the Executive Director of the Algoma Kinniwabi Travel Association and followed that as a Product Manager for Cities, Attractions and Touring with the Northern Tourism Marketing Company. Raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Ian graduated from Humber College with an Honour’s Diploma in Public Relations and is a Certified Travel Industry Specialist.

As Executive Director of TSSM, he is responsible for working closely with its tourism industry partners and the Tourism Sault Ste. Marie Management Committee to co-ordinate and implement the annual business plan. Ian is a member of a number of provincial and national committees and boards, including: Attractions Ontario, Great Lakes Cruise Coalition, Ontario Tourism's Northern Committee and Town and Country Committee, the Canadian Association of Conventions and Visitors Bureau, and the Sault College Hospitality Advisory Committee. Positioning Sault Ste. Marie as a four-season vacation destination and a major gateway to Ontario is a strategic priority for Ian and his staff in the TSSM division.

Dave was born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie. He has previous work experience with the Bank of Commerce in Yellowknife, Bechtel Corporation in Fort McMurray, the Government of Alberta in Edmonton, and the Government of Ontario in the Sault.

Academically, Dave has an MBA from the Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario in London and a Business Degree from the University of North Dakota, where he attended on a hockey scholarship after playing locally for the Soo Greyhounds.

In 1988, Dave coordinated the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation's very first program and has since been involved in the development and coordination of numerous NOHFC private-sector programs, as the corporation’s allocation from the provincial government has increased from $30 million to $60 million to $70 million to $80 million to $90 million as of April 1, 2010.

A former National Hockey League draft pick of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Dave continues to volunteer as a goaltending coach for Sault youth. He is married to his college sweetheart of 35 years and has a son who is a medical doctor.

Born in Sault Ste. Marie, Andrew attended high school at Sir James Dunn C&VS and completed his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (Honours) from Algoma University. He joined the Enterprise Centre in January of 2007 and brings with him eight years of experience in the retail industry.

As the General Manager of Enterprise Centre, Andrew is responsible for cultivating small business and developing new small businesses within the Algoma District. Additionally, he and his staff work towards delivering programs for the Ministry of Small Business and Consumer Services in the Algoma District and Chapleau. Andrew and his team also promote programs for the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation.

Andrew currently Chairs the Alumni Council at Algoma University, is a past President of the Algoma University Student Union, and a former Board Member for the Sault International Youth Association.

Born in the Sault, Randy graduated from Bawating High School. In Halifax, he received a BA from Saint Mary’s University and an MPA in Government Organization and Structure at Dalhousie University. Randy worked for Algoma Steel and the City of SSM prior to going to university.

Randy has a wealth of experience as a 33-year federal public servant in N.S., P.E.I., N.B., Nfld., Ont. and Alta. He conducted management audits in several federal departments across Canada. Randy was also a Special Advisor to the Deputy Minister of Labour Market Development in Ottawa and drafted agreements and policies for this directorate. He was a member of the National Labour Market Development Agreement Working Committee and negotiated labour market agreements for Alta., N.S. and P.E.I. In 1988, he joined FedNor-Industry Canada as Senior Advisor to the Director General and managed a large number of economic and business development projects, SME Conferences and Info-Fairs, Innovation Summits in Northern Ontario, and the Citizen Engagement Forum in the Sault.

Randy gained invaluable world-wide experience in international relations while organizing and managing the Operations Centre for the Halifax G7 Summit in 1995, which was renamed G8 when Russia joined. He broadened this experience more recently as Director of International Relations & Global Logistics with EDC's Business SSM division.

Randy changed careers and started a private consulting firm that specializes in economic development and project management. He has been a very active 10-year member with the SSM Chamber of Commerce and completed a six-year term as an Executive Board Director. Randy also served as 2nd Vice-President on the Government Relations, Awards, Membership & Retention, Immigration Strategy, and the Doctors Recruitment Retention Committees. Presently, he an active member of the Canadian Italian Business Professional Association. Randy is the proud father of a son Andrew Tallon who attends Ottawa University.

Margaret joined the SSMEDC in December 2002. She brings with her 12 years of experience in office administration from Sault College of Applied Arts & Technology. Margaret was previously the Administrative Assistant for Building an Extraordinary Community (BEC) and the Clients Services Coordinator for the Algoma Crisis Pregnancy Centre. As a former operator of a local Mike’s Mart, she brings finance experience to her position.

Margaret’s current duties are to provide staff with support in daily financial matters related to accounts receivables and accounts payables. She also provides the SSMEDC with administrative support and sits on the Finance/Audit/Administration Committee. Margaret graduated from the Executive Secretarial Program in 1983 and the Architectural Technician Program in 1990. She is currently working towards a degree in Business Administration, majoring in Accounting.

Zoltan joined the SSMEDC in 2009 and will be championing the promotion of youth entrepreneurship. He manages and delivers youth-related programs under the Ministry of Small Business and Consumer Services such as Summer Company, Ontario Secondary School Business Plan Competition and Young Entrepreneurs Strategy.

Covering the Algoma region and Chapleau, Zoltan facilitates and organizes various presentations and workshops relating to business functions. Focusing on youth business start-ups and expansion he delivers seminars on business development to individuals and groups.

Zoltan is originally from Toronto, Ontario, where he worked in various fields, including trades, media and performing arts. He also spent nine years in a support staff position at Seneca College, two of which were as a student advisor. Zoltan has a diploma in Audio/ Visual Productions. In 2004, he made the move to Sault Ste. Marie to attend Algoma University, where he completed a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (Honours). Zoltan now calls Sault Ste. Marie home. He is proud to be a part of the Enterprise Centre and looks forward to helping the Algoma region youth explore, build and expand their businesses ventures.