City Hosting 2024 KDMA Conference

Jennifer Myshrall, Ministry of Northern Development Regional Economic Development Branch

Jenn has worked with the Ontario Public Service for the past 24 years in a variety of positions with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Ministry of Training, College and Universities, and most recently with the Ministry of Natural Resources. Most of this time has been spent in Northern Ontario, working and living in the communities that she loves. She is currently a Northern Development Advisor and works closely with the Township of Sioux Narrows Nestor Falls, and several Indigenous communities in the area.

Jenn is a proud mother of two children and partner to husband John Myshrall.  In their spare time they can be found enjoying the outdoors, fishing, skiing and enjoying their time at their cabin on McKenzie Island in Red Lake. 

Lucie Perreault, Executive Director, FedNor

Born and raised in Northern Ontario, Lucie Perreault is a Northerner at heart. She is a Certified Public Accountant and holds a Master of Business Administration and a designation in Project Management. Lucie has a broad range of experience having held positions in the private, public and education sectors. Fourteen years ago, Lucie accepted a position at the Federal Economic Development Organization for Northern Ontario initially serving as the Director of Policy and Corporate Services, responsible for Human Resources and Finance, among other things. Currently, she is the head of the Programs Unit, and as Executive Director for the Agency is responsible for the Northern Ontario programming with an economic development growth mandate.  

Brent Lundy, Manager of Program Delivery, FedNor

Brent was born in Sioux Lookout and grew up in Kenora. He is currently FedNor’s Manager of Program Delivery for the Northwest Unit – an area that covers all of the communities of the KDMA as well as communities and First Nations as far east as Manitouwadge. Prior to becoming manager, he was a FedNor Initiatives Officer, supporting economic development in the Kenora District. Based in Kenora, he is the current chair of the Lake of the Woods District Hospital Board of Directors. 

Leisel Edwards, Municipal Advisor, Kenora District, MMAH

Leisel holds the position of Municipal Advisor with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing for the Kenora and Rainy River Districts.  At the Ministry she provides advice, guidance and share provincial leading practices to municipalities. Having worked as an Economic Development Coordinator and Project Manager for rural communities she has effectively collaborated with various stakeholders, municipal personnel, and local councils to develop and implement projects and programs that foster long-term economic growth, social advancement, and good governance in Northern Ontario.

Outside of work, Leisel enjoys travelling, experimenting with vegan recipes and cherishing moments with her loved ones.

Jamie Kirychuk, Planner, Kenora District, MMAH 

Jamie was born and raised on the shoreline of Lake Superior, within the ancestral lands of the Robinson-Superior Treaty. With a deep-rooted connection to the natural beauty of the region, Jamie has dedicated the past decade to the field of the land use planning.

Over the years, Jamie has honed his knowledge in land use planning through experience at both the municipal and provincial levels in Ontario and Alberta. 

Currently serving as the District Planner for Kenora, Jamie is focused on creating vibrant and inclusive communities, with a keen interest in how the Province can actively support Municipalities in addressing housing challenges.

Nicole Brown, CEO and Managing Partner, FSET

Nicole is a strategic leader with over 15 years of experience in the healthcare industry and a diversified proficiency in information technology. She holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Cincinnati and an MBA from the University of Notre Dame. With a strategic mindset and strong leadership skills, Nicole proudly leads FSET as the MSP provider for organizations across a wide range of industries. By actively collaborating with these entities, FSET aims to empower communities through technology, fostering innovation and efficiency in their operations.   

Dave Brown, CBDO and Partner, FSET

Dave has more than 20 years of experience across Law Enforcement working within Information Technology, the majority of which was spent as a CIO. During that time he spent more than a decade as a member of the Ontario Police Technology Information Cooperative (OPTIC) Security Committee and is one of the founding members of the OPTIC Mobility Committee. His expertise and leadership have been instrumental in shaping IT policy and infrastructure at the national level, enhancing organizations across the country. As an inventor and patent holder this includes FSETs Private Community Cloud for Law Enforcement (PCCLE) and #ConnectedOfficer solutions. Guided by Dave’s vision, FSET actively engages with and supports local government, municipalities, and community organizations as their trusted MSP provider. These partnerships reflect FSET's dedication to fostering technological advancements that empower and uplift communities.

Joanne Jacyk, NWMO, Northwest Engagement Site Director 

Joanne is the Site Director, Ignace, with the NWMO. She joined the NWMO in 2009 and previously held the role of Manager, Environment Program. Prior to joining the NWMO, Ms. Jacyk worked for nearly 10 years in consulting, designing and leading environmental studies, monitoring programs, site investigations, remediation, and impact assessment across various sectors, including mining, waste management, and nuclear. Ms. Jacyk holds a degree in Biosystems‎ Engineering from the University of Manitoba and a Master of Environmental Science from the University of Toronto.‎ Ms. Jacyk is a registered Professional Engineer licensed in Ontario and is a Certified Professional Facilitator. She has presented widely across the Northwest as well as internationally to discuss the safe long-term management of used nuclear fuel and consent-based siting processes. 

Wendy Landry, NOMA President

Wendy is currently serving her 4th term as President of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association. She is also in her third term as the Mayor of the Municipality of Shuniah. Last year, Wendy began a position at confederation college as Vice President  of Indigenous Leadership, Partnerships and Strategies. Wendy was born in Nipigon Ontario, and is a Member of the Red Rock Indian Band. The list of committees she has volunteered on and continues to lead is extensive. She has been recognized with many leadership awards and continues to be a strong advocate for NWO.

Tom Gervais, Police Services Advisor, Solicitor General’s Office

Tom is the Police Services Advisor, Inspectorate of Policing, for the Ministry of the Solicitor General. Tom joined the Ministry as a Police Services Advisor in 2002. His duties include monitoring police services, providing information and advice to boards and chiefs of police, inspections and reviews, delivering board member training, and internal ministry assistance on policing matters. Tom was assigned to north Ontario 2004 to 2012 and returned January 1, 2020. His service area is the equivalent of OPP Northeast and Northwest Regions. Tom has served as primary Advisor to over 32 municipal police services and their boards and over 65 OPP s.10 boards. Tom's prior career experience as a police officer with the Windsor Police Service for thirty years in multiple roles and retired with Inspector rank in 2002.

Hon. Greg Rickford, Member of Provincial Parliament

Greg Rickford was first elected to the Ontario Legislature as the MPP for Kenora-Rainy River on June 7th, 2018. On June 2nd 2022, Greg was returned to the Ontario Legislature by the voters of Kenora-Rainy River. 

Greg, his wife Janet and two young girls, live in Keewatin Ontario. Greg has lived and worked in many capacities in northern Ontario during his professional career. He is a former Member of Parliament for the federal riding of Kenora. He has worked as a nurse in many of Northern Ontario’s northern indigenous communities. He owned his own business, holds degrees in common and civil law from McGill University and an MBA from Université Laval.

Greg is proud to represent the constituents of Kenora-Rainy River and brings a strong, experienced voice intent on delivering results for northwestern Ontario and beyond. He currently serves in Premier Doug Ford’s cabinet with responsibilities for the portfolios of Northern Development and Indigenous Affairs.

Source: https://gregrickfordmpp.ca/about/

Hon. Eric Melillo, Member of Parliament

Born and raised in Kenora, Eric is proud to call northwestern Ontario home. Since being elected as a Member of Parliament in October of 2019 and having been re-elected in September of 2021, Eric has been honored to serve as the Kenora riding’s voice in the capital. In Ottawa, Eric has been appointed Conservative Shadow Minister for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario. He has also been selected to serve on the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security. 

Charles Cirtwill, NPI President

Charles is the founding President and CEO of Northern Policy Institute (NPI). He joined NPI in September 2013 after twelve years with the Atlantic Institute for Market Studies. An alumnus of Dalhousie University, he earned a BA in Political Science, an LLB, and an MPA focusing on quantitative and qualitative assessment of public policy and programs.

A resident of Thunder Bay, Charles has spent the last decade building NPI into the go-to think tank for information and analysis about the many regions of Northern Ontario. He continues to travel regularly throughout Northern Ontario. This allows him to meet with individuals and groups to directly discuss the issues that affect them and their communities.

As President of NPI, Charles has served on multiple ministerial and regional public policy initiatives. Recent initiatives include the Minister’s Northern Transportation Task Force, the CSA Technical Committee on Indicators for Rural Community Well-being, and the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association Economic Development Working Group. Charles was also heavily involved in the community engagement efforts of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada during the design and implementation of the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot. His commentary on critical policy issues also appears regularly in local, regional, provincial, and national publications.

He has worked tirelessly to make NPI not just an independent, evidence-driven voice on public policy but also a direct contributor to building human capital in Northern Ontario. One of his proudest accomplishments is Experience North, NPI’s summer placement program. The program has “graduated” 78 participants in the last decade, 90% of whom are still working and thriving in Northern Ontario.

Allan Luby, Niiwin Wendaanimok (Four Winds) Partnership

Megan Dokuchie, Economic Development Officer, City of Kenora

Megan graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Wilfrid Laurier University, and she holds a Master of Arts in Economics from Dalhousie University. She has over 15 years of experience in community economic development working in both municipal and federal government positions. In her role as Economic Development Officer with the City of Kenora, she focuses on supporting business investment in the community and delivering key strategic infrastructure projects. Megan is co-chair of the Regional Economic Development Group, comprised of business and economic development professionals from across the Kenora and Rainy River Districts. Megan is also a Director on the Northern Ontario Angels Board.

Cierra Parkhill, Manager Northwest Business Centre

Cierra has extensive experience working with entrepreneurs throughout the Kenora-Rainy River District. She has a Business Administration diploma from McMaster University. Originally from Winnipeg, she has called Kenora home for almost ten years. Her first role in Kenora started with Head Start in Business, a program focused on instilling entrepreneurial characteristics and skills to youth in Northwestern Ontario. She is now the Manager of the Northwest Business Centre, a Small Business Enterprise Centre covering the Kenora-Rainy River District.

Cierra is well versed in business start-ups and encouraging those to see entrepreneurship as a viable career opportunity, resulting in the development of a more prosperous, vibrant and innovative Northern Ontario economy.

Josh Nelson, Tourism Development Officer, City of Kenora

Josh graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Commerce from Lakehead University. He started with the City of Kenora in 2008 as an intern and is currently the Tourism Development Officer for the municipality. Josh has over 15 years of experience working with local, regional and national tourism operators and organizations to advance Kenora and Lake of the Woods as a premier destination. In his role as Tourism Development Officer, he works collaboratively with internal and external stakeholder to deliver on initiatives outlined in the Tourism and Economic Development strategy. Josh has worked with industry partners on award winning campaigns that highlight Kenora and Lake of the Woods.

Stace Gander, Director of Economic Development and Tourism, City of Kenora

Stace graduated with degrees in Commerce and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics with the University of Manitoba. Stace started in 2001, with the City Kenora’s municipal owned telephone company KMTS which was later purchased by Bell Aliant. During his time there, he had roles of Sales and Marketing Manager, Manager of Operations and Engineering, General Manager and the Director of the Bell Canada/Bell Aliant Relationship Division. He also has five years with the Advisory Division of the BDC as a Senior Client Partner where he helped businesses scale and increase profitability.   

Michelle Spencer, CAO and District Administrator, District of Kenora Home for the Aged

Caring for seniors within our community has been a passion of Michelle's since her introduction to Pinecrest Home in 1988 through volunteering. In 2005, she started her career with Kenora District Homes in Human Resource Management, throughout this career she has grown within the organization holding the position of Assistant Administrator in 2019 and most recently the position of CEO and District Administrator in July of 2023.   

Dr. Kit Young Hoon, MOH, NWHU 

Dr. Young Hoon is the Medical Officer of Health for Northwestern Health Unit She has been with NWHU since 2014 and is a Public Health and Preventive Medicine specialist certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. She was trained at McMaster University and her qualifications include a Master of Science from McMaster University and Master of Public Health from Lakehead University. She has worked for public health units in Hamilton, Toronto, Niagara Region and Waterloo Region. She has also worked clinically in Ontario, the United Kingdom and the Caribbean.

Dr. Young Hoon can often be found with her family participating in the many arts, culture, and recreation opportunities within the City of Kenora, and giving of her time and expertise on many provincial health care and public health working groups.

Marilyn Herbacz, CEO, NWHU

Marilyn is the Chief Executive Officer for the Northwestern Health and is fueled by ambition, motivation and a forward-thinking attitude. Marilyn has a strong belief in the health and well-being of the people within communities and works hard to project that in her work, in her personal life and within her family. 

Marilyn comes with over 30 years financial and human resources experience. Her educational background comes from various sources, the latest accomplishment is from the CEO Institute where she achieved CEO certification status CertM. Other accomplishments are through University of Fredericton – Disability Management and holds multiple certifications through the National Institute of Disability Management and Research - Certified Return to Work Coordinator designation and a Payroll Compliance Practitioner designation from the Canadian Payroll Association.

Marilyn’s experience includes seven years working alongside the Board of Health (BOH), partaking in the review and revision of the BOH constitution. As a member of the BOH executive committee, she has reported on organizational risk and has ensured internal controls are in place ensuring the organization is compliant, accountable, and transparent. She has been instrumental in creating a new systems and structures within the NWHU ensuring alignment with the strategic direction, operational and individual work plans and, and supporting organizational excellence. This includes implementing systems focused on organizational efficiencies, finding ways to eliminate duplication of work, and reducing paperwork. Marilyn recently guided her team through the development of a new strategic plan for the NWHU. She is dedicated to ensuring health unit employees have equal opportunities for growth and success in a safe and supportive environment.      

Born and raised in Kenora, Ontario, Marilyn appreciates all that the region has to offer. In her spare time you will find her enjoying the outdoors, reading and enjoying family.

Henry Wall, CAO, KDSB

Henry Wall is the Chief Administrative Office at the Kenora District Services Board.