July 20, 2022 – The Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC) Board of Directors are pleased to announce the appointment of Jamie Taylor as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Thunder Bay CEDC. Jamie will officially join the team on August 22, 2022. Eric Zakrewski, the outgoing CEO will be assisting Jamie and the Board with integration and implementation of a succession strategy to ensure the effective transition of the CEDC’s programs, projects and stakeholder priorities.

“On behalf of the Board and staff, I would like to welcome Jamie Taylor to the Thunder Bay CEDC, and look forward to working together for the benefit of Thunder Bay’s economic development,” says Peter Marchl, Chair, CEDC Board of Directors. “Given a smooth transition of leadership is absolutely critical, we’ve been able to coordinate a transition period for Eric and Jamie to work alongside each other. Eric and Jamie have an established productive working relationship and I know Eric is 100% committed to ensuring Jamie’s success, and that of the CEDC staff and the organization as whole.”

Jamie comes to the CEDC with approximately 20 years of economic development experience. She has extensive stakeholder and Indigenous Community consultation and engagement experience and a proven track record of managing large, complex and politically sensitive projects. Jamie’s career has progressed rapidly within the Federal and Provincial Public Service, and most recently as the Senior Manager – Regional Services & Relationships for the Ministry of Transportation. Before her time at the Ministry of Transportation, Jamie held roles as Manager, Thunder Bay Area Northern Development and Mine, Manager of Program Delivery for FedNor and Program Officer for Indigenous Affairs and Northern Development Canada. Jamie holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce from Lakehead University and IVEY Executive Leadership Program Certificate.

“I am honoured with the trust and faith the CEDC Board of Directors have placed in me with the opportunity to lead and guide the CEDC and its talented staff forward, stated Ms. Taylor.   We are in an exciting period of economic growth potential in Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario and while there are certainly many challenges, I am looking forward to working with all of our stakeholders and partners to advance our economy and tourism.  I appreciate the efforts Mr. Zakrewski has put forth in building a strong team and brand with the CEDC and look forward to creating positive, impactful results for our community”. 

On the hiring of Ms. Taylor, Mr. Zakrewski commented “I could not be more pleased with the Board’s recruitment of Jamie Taylor as my successor.   As I am wrapping up the CEDC’s new strategic plan for 2023 to 2025, I am confident Jamie will be a strong leader who can advance the strategic directions our numerous partners and stakeholders have identified as our priorities going forward.   Over the past three years, I am most proud of building a better, more capable team of economic development, project management and tourism professionals at the CEDC whom are more recognized than ever for their ability to create positive, impactful results for the community.   Our biggest achievements over my term have to include the emergence of Thunder Bay as premier destination for cruise ships; being a catalyst for major waterfront development opportunities at Pool 6; the incredible success of the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) to provide skilled workers to local businesses; and, our collaborative work with industry to map out the employment and business opportunities associated with the mining exploration and development boom being experienced in the region”.