About CFWO

Gillian has been the General Manager of Community Futures South Georgian Bay (CFSGB) since 2016. Prior to joining CFSGB, Gillian was the Manager of the South Georgian Bay Small Business Enterprise Centre and collectively brings over 14 years of experience working with small businesses, providing mentoring, resources, and advice during all phases of business start-up, development, and growth. She has also participated in numerous economic development initiatives that have supported community and business growth.

Gillian has extensive project management, economic development, and management consulting experience. She has worked with organizations throughout the United States, as well as in the U.K., Germany, and Sweden. Gillian has consulted for the public and private sectors, including the automotive, manufacturing, financial services, insurance, and real estate sectors.

Gillian graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University with an Honours Bachelor of Business Administration degree and has completed the two-year Economic Development program offered by the Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC) and the University of Waterloo.

David became General Manager of Community Futures Chatham-Kent in 2024, following more than 20 years in the financial industry, primarily in banking. His expertise in financial management and client support now serves local entrepreneurs and small businesses, helping them access the resources they need to grow and succeed.

An active community leader, David has served as a Trustee with the St. Clair Catholic District School Board for seven years, where he is currently Vice Chair, and as a Director on the Chatham-Kent Workforce Planning Board. On the CFWO Board of Directors, he brings strong financial acumen, governance experience, and a deep commitment to building resilient communities across Western Ontario.

Rose has been an integral part of the Saugeen Economic Development Corporation since 1990, serving in roles ranging from Loans Officer to General Manager. With a professional background in finance, marketing, and teaching, she brings decades of expertise and a strong commitment to fostering small business success and rural community development.

Beyond her work, Rose is an active community volunteer through her local Legion and is dedicated to her family, including her two children, five grandchildren, and her dog, Simon. On the CFWO Board of Directors, she contributes invaluable firsthand experience from the Community Futures program, combined with a deep passion for strengthening rural economies across Western Ontario.

Barb brings a lifetime of experience in public service, community leadership, and volunteerism to the Board. A former MPP, Kincardine councillor, and Bruce County council member, she has also served with organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce, Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority, Canadian Council for the Status of Women, and Women’s House Serving Bruce and Grey. Through her work with Bruce Community Futures, Barb has supported countless entrepreneurs and helped strengthen the region’s economic resilience. Her dedication to community, paired with her passion for helping others succeed, continues to shape the growth and prosperity of the area.

Kevin has built a leadership career spanning banking, sales, business and financial management, IT service, and operations management, including 20 years with BMO and three years as Executive Director of FSESO in Orillia. He holds a Mathematics and Economics degree and an MBA from Laurentian University. With over two decades of not-for-profit leadership experience, Kevin has served as President of Deerhurst Summit Lodge 51, Executive Director of FSESO, and as a minor hockey coach and director. On the CFWO Board of Directors, Kevin contributes broad financial expertise, operational leadership, and a passion for strengthening rural communities.

Jim joined the Orillia Area CDC as General Manager in 2024, bringing over 20 years of experience in business and financial management. His expertise spans project management, strategic planning, personnel management, and government relations. At the CDC, he oversees loan administration, community development, government liaison, and employee relations. As a member of the CFWO Board of Directors, Jim brings strong financial acumen, proven leadership, and a collaborative approach to advancing rural economic development across Western Ontario.

Brandon is a Collingwood-based entrepreneur with 20 years of experience working with businesses in more than 15 countries, from small enterprises to Fortune 500 companies. He is the founder of The Collingwood Foundry, now home to over 250 entrepreneurs and remote workers, and has established multiple coworking spaces across Canada.

He has served on several municipal task forces, including the Collingwood Mayor's Advisory Team for Economic Development and the Economic Recovery & Support Task Force during the pandemic. In 2016, he represented Canada at the G20 in China, contributing to international policy development on youth entrepreneurship.

Through his experience building entrepreneurial ecosystems, Brandon brings to the CFWO Board a strong focus on innovation, collaboration, and the creation of supportive spaces where small businesses and entrepreneurs can thrive.

Suzanne is a multi-award-winning IMPACTpreneur, Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), and Founder of the YouMeWe Social Impact Group & Foundation. With 25 years of international experience, she has trained leaders and teams across five continents in conscious leadership, persuasive communication, and purpose-driven growth. She is also the author of Make Your Contribution Count for You • Me • We and is widely recognized for her work amplifying voices and advancing sustainable impact.

On the CFWO Board of Directors, Suzanne brings global insight, a passion for inclusive economic development, and expertise in leadership that inspires innovation and sustainable growth in rural communities.

A former newspaper journalist turned software developer, technical consultant, and CTO, Clark brings a unique blend of storytelling, technology, and leadership to his work. He is passionate about supporting entrepreneurs, recognizing them as the builders of our communities, locally, provincially, and nationally. Believing that Canada’s prosperity, security, and sovereignty depend on thriving entrepreneurship, he is committed to helping the Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) leverage technology effectively. With a focus on both the opportunities and risks, Clark aims to ensure the CFDC community can harness innovation to strengthen the future of business and community development.

Tauri joined GEBC in October 2014, bringing with him nine years of experience as an Instructor in the Faculty of Business at Brock University, where he taught Marketing, Strategic Planning, and Business Communications. In addition to his academic work, he operated a boutique consulting firm specializing in business planning for new ventures. Outside of his professional role, Tauri serves as President and Technical Director of a community volleyball club, where he is also actively involved as a coach for a representative team.