Niagara Economic Summit 2024: Speakers

Keynote Speakers

N. Prasad Puttagunta

Vice President, Project Management, Asahi Kasei Battery Separator Canada Corporation

N. Prasad Puttagunta is the Vice President of Project Management for the newly formed Asahi Kasei Battery Separator Canada Corporation. In this role, Mr. Puttagunta is responsible for the overall execution of an expansion project to construct a new separator manufacturing facility in Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada that will create hundreds of jobs and deliver commercially approved products to the marketplace by 2027.

He brings extensive experience from his 18 years with the Asahi Kasei Corporation, having previously held leadership roles in Asahi Kasei’s plastics business as well as other corporate functions, including global supply chain, and manufacturing. Prior to joining Asahi Kasei, Mr. Puttagunta worked for The Dow Chemical Company for 20 years. Throughout his career, Mr. Puttagunta has worked in many regions of the world, including China, Japan, Singapore, India, Germany, Belgium, Canada, Mexico and various states in the USA.

Mr. Puttagunta hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and a Business Certificate of Management Excellence in Strategic Negotiations from Harvard University in Boston, Massachusetts, United States.

Speakers and Moderators

Ramsha Ahmed

Manager, ESG, KPMG Canada

Ramsha is an ESG Manager within KPMG’s Global Infrastructure Advisory team. She has 9 years of experience working at the intersection of sustainability, climate change and policy. She has supported the development of ESG and sustainability strategies and programs to advance low-carbon economies while working with businesses, policy-makers, not-for-profit organizations, Indigenous communities and local communities. She has a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences from McMaster University, a post-graduate certificate in Environmental Management and Assessment, certification from the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP) in Sustainability and Climate Risk (SCR) and is a Project Management Professional (PMP).

Jordan Beekhuis

Director of Sustainable Development, Rankin Renewable Power Inc.

Jordan brings extensive experience in renewable energy project management, including securing power purchase agreements, obtaining permits, and coordinating environmental studies for hydro, wind, and solar power developments. His role also involves the procurement of generating equipment and the ongoing management of operational facilities.

Jordan holds an MSc in Sustainable Energy Technology from Delft University of Technology and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Calvin University, where he co-founded the Renewable Energy Organization. He has a strong background in engineering, with hands-on experience in both research and fieldwork, including roles as a project engineer, laboratory assistant, and research assistant in the energy sector. Jordan’s international experience includes working in Belize on environmental and infrastructure projects aimed at flood prevention and city planning.

Rashmi Biswas

Executive Vice President, Lake and Associates

Rashmi has successfully led large teams, held profit and loss accountability, and gained extensive business experience within corporate and academic arenas in Canada, the USA and the UK. Rashmi specializes in designing and facilitating workplace learning solutions with a particular focus upon leadership development, and team performance. Rashmi is a skilled organizational development consultant and process facilitator working with public sector, social-profit, and private sector Clients in areas such as strategic planning, problem-solving, and decision-making. Rashmi holds a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management, from Sheffield Hallam University; a BSc (HONS) from Manchester Metropolitan University; a Postgraduate Certificate in Adult Education, Facilitation and Training from the University of Teesside; and a Diversity and Inclusion for HR Certificate from Cornell University. Rashmi is a member of the International Association of Facilitators (IAF), a Step II Myers-Briggs© Practitioner, and a certified facilitator in The Coaching Leader™ (Forrest & Company Ltd).

Rashmi is a program Facilitator with the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), at the University of Toronto, and currently serves as a Board Governor for Niagara College.

Jim Bradley

Chair, Region of Niagara

Jim Bradley was elected as Niagara Regional Chair in 2018. Previously, Chair Bradley served as a St. Catharines city councillor from 1970 to 1977 and a member of provincial parliament for St. Catharines from 1977 to 2018. During this time, he held roles as a provincial Minister of Environment; Transportation; Municipal Affairs and Housing; Tourism and Recreation; Community Safety and Correctional Services; and Seniors. Before entering politics, Chair Bradley was a teacher with the Lincoln County Board of Education. As an involved community member, Chair Bradley has also contributed to Niagara as a hockey and baseball coach, manager and referee, and as a long-time member of the Grantham Optimist Club.

Damian Goulbourne

Dean, School of Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts, Centennial College

Damian has served as Centennial College’s Dean of the School of Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts (SHTCA) since fall 2020. He brings more than 20 years of experience in higher education, having worked with Niagara College where he was the Associate Dean in the Department of Hospitality, Tourism and Sport from 2016-2020. From 1999 to 2016, he was an award-winning professor in Niagara’s Tourism program, where he led distance learning, applied research, internationalization initiatives and curriculum renewal projects. As part of his work, Damian collaborated on tourism-related development projects in India, Ecuador, Argentina, Chile, South Africa, China and Vietnam.

Damian’s passion for tourism began when he operated his family restaurant in the late 1980s, leading to marketing supervisor and HR coordinator roles at Marineland then operating a small business consulting firm. He served two terms as the Mayor of Welland from 2003 to 2010. Damian also facilitated the development of sports/tourism facilities, green manufacturing and infrastructure renewal in Welland, as well as helped the Regional Municipality of Niagara create its first ever economic development plan. Damian holds a Business Communications degree from Brock University, and is a Certified Hospitality Supervisor by the American Hotel Lodging Association.

Ian Hamilton

President & CEO, HOPA Ports (Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority

Ian Hamilton is President & CEO of HOPA Ports (Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority). He assumed this role in 2017, after serving as the Port Authority’s Vice President of Business Development and Real Estate since 2008. Ian has been instrumental in developing working waterfronts in Hamilton, Oshawa, and Niagara by attracting new business and private investment, and creating an integrated marine network across Southern Ontario.

Ian possesses more than 25 years of experience in international transportation and logistics in Europe and North America, and has held progressively senior positions in the liner shipping industry, including Transatlantic Trade Director (Europe) for CP Ships and Business Development Manager for Hapag-Lloyd. Ian is Chairperson of the Association of Canadian Port Authorities, and holds positions on various other boards, including: the Chamber of Marine Commerce, the Hamilton Club, and Brigs Youth Sail Training.

Ian holds an MBA from Aston University (UK) and a BSc in business administration and economics from the College of Charleston, South Carolina.

Sean Kennedy

President, Niagara College

Sean Kennedy is a passionate advocate for applied education with over 20 years of leadership experience in higher education. Since January 2020, he has served as the president of Niagara College in Ontario, where he has been part of the senior leadership team since 2006. Prior to his appointment as president, Sean held key roles, including vice president of Student and External Relations, interim vice president of Academic, and senior vice president of International.
Throughout his career, Sean has been a driving force behind Niagara College’s branding, community engagement, and international growth. His leadership extended to managing enrolment, student services, and global partnerships. He previously held senior roles at Red Deer College and the University of Alberta, contributing significantly to student services and international education.

Sean is recognized for his expertise in student services and international education, serving on boards such as the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE). He has also been involved with numerous community organizations in the Niagara region.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Alberta, a Master of Public Administration from Queen’s University, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate at the University of Toronto.

Leilani Lee-Yates

CAO and Secretary-Treasurer, Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority

Leilani Lee-Yates is the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and Secretary-Treasurer of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA), taking on the role in September 2024. With over 20 years of experience in environmental planning, watershed management, and strategic leadership, she has been instrumental in shaping the NPCA’s programs since joining as Director of Watershed Strategies and Climate Change in 2021.

Leilani has spearheaded transformative initiatives, including policy development, grant acquisition, and the enhancement of restoration, stewardship, and monitoring programs. Her leadership has been pivotal in advancing NPCA’s strategic priorities, such as implementing climate resiliency efforts and transitioning under the Conservation Authorities Act.

Her career includes senior roles at Halton Region, Peel Region, the Town of Caledon, and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, where she managed large-scale environmental and policy planning projects that improved watershed management and community resilience. Leilani is a Member of the Canadian Institute of Planners and a Registered Professional Planner, recognized for her impact in the environmental sector.

Dan Pilon

CEO, Niagara District Airport

Dan Pilon is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Niagara District Airport, a position he has held since 2021 after serving as interim CEO since 2018. With over 20 years of experience in strategic communication and business support services for the Niagara Regional government, Dan has played a key advisory role to the Regional Chair and CAO, managing multi-million dollar budgets and working closely with various levels of government.

Dan’s leadership at the Niagara District Airport focuses on positioning the airport for future growth and enhancing its role in supporting Niagara’s business and tourism sectors. His expertise and strong regional connections are driving efforts to secure investment and optimize the airport’s infrastructure for increased service and opportunities.

Jordan Sherlock

Executive Director, Niagara Industrial Association

Jordan Sherlock is Executive Director of the Niagara Industrial Association. Previously, Jordan was VP, Strategic Initiatives with Stolk Construction, a general contractor based out of Port Colborne, and prior to that, President of North America Traffic, a heavy equipment manufacturer also based in Port Colborne. Throughout his career, Jordan has been a driving force in operational improvement, building leadership teams and product offering, as well as successfully expanding distribution supply chains internationally. He brings his manufacturing and construction experience to the NIA and is always searching for new ways of providing value to members. A graduate of Ryerson University, Jordan has been involved with the NIA as a member since 2008 and has served as a Director as well as Chair of the Board.

George Spezza

Director, Economic Development, Niagara Region

George Spezza is a community builder with over three decades of experience in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. As Director of Economic Development for Niagara Region, George leads and unites efforts across 12 municipalities to build a strong and sustainable regional economy. Prior to his current role, George held a number of positions in Toronto focused on the growth of Canada’s largest city. As a Senior Advisor for the Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit project, George strengthened business and stakeholder relationships critical to this transformative transit initiative. During his tenure as Director of Business Growth Services at the City of Toronto and Vice President of Investment Attraction for the Greater Toronto Marketing Alliance, George led a wide range of initiatives to increase business investment and job growth.

George has received professional designations from the Economic Developers Council of Canada and the International Economic Developers Council along with completing the Canada School of Public Service’s Executive Leadership Program.

George was an Instructor at Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Urban and Regional Planning, Community Economic Development Program. He is a member of the IEDC International Advisory Committee and a Board Member of the Consider Canada City Alliance.

Marika Swain

Senior Business Advisor, Niagara, Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

Marika has served at the the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade for six years — and thoroughly enjoys the challenge and the opportunity to work with manufacturers across Niagara to support their growth. Her prior experience includes 7 years as the Business Development Manager for Fleet Canada, a Tier One aerospace structures manufacturer in Fort Erie. Se was also at Niagara Parks Commission for 5 years and the Constituency Assistant for Walt Lastewka for 13 years.

In her current role, Marika spends everyday helping manufacturers in Niagara to grow, innovate and succeed. That includes finding funding, connecting with stakeholders, and developing business plans. The highlight of her work is getting to visit companies and see what they are doing and making everyday.
Marika has an undergraduate degree and a Master’s of Business Administration degree; both from Brock University. She currently sits on the Niagara College Program Advisory Committee for the Business and Environment Programs.

Marika and her husband, Jamie, live in St. Catharines with their furry kid, Ryder.

Dr. Arja Vainio-Mattila

Provost and Vice-President, Academic, Brock University

Dr. Arja Vainio-Mattila was appointed Brock University’s Provost and Vice-President, Academic in July 2024 after a global recruitment process. With nearly 30 years of experience in institutional development and global leadership, she has worked extensively across Africa and Asia, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams in education, natural resource management, and infrastructure development.

Prior to joining Brock, Dr. Vainio-Mattila held significant leadership positions, including Dean of the School of Arts and Social Sciences at Cape Breton University and Provost and Vice-President, Academic and Research at Nipissing University. She previously served as an assistant professor in Brock’s Environmental Policy Institute from 1996 to 1998.

Dr. Vainio-Mattila holds a PhD in Geography from the University of Turku in Finland, a Master of Philosophy in Geography from the School of Oriental and African Studies in the U.K., and a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology and Geography from University College London.

Steph Vivier

Morning Show Host, Newstalk 610 CKTB

Steph Vivier began her radio career with CKTB in 2008 as a fill-in host and was immediately drawn to the station, the charm of the Niagara Region, and its loyal listeners. A graduate of the Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts in Detroit, Michigan, Steph has brought her vibrant energy to the airwaves across the Niagara region, Windsor, London, and Ottawa.

As the host of “Niagara in the Morning,” Steph fills her listeners’ mornings with essential news, community stories, and a dash of humor, aiming to create a lively and engaging start to the day. Outside of broadcasting, she is a business owner in the construction industry, combining her love of problem-solving with entrepreneurial skills.

Neil Wilkinson

Associate Director, Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre, Niagara College

Neil Wilkinson has been a leader in applied research management since 2014, specializing in guiding small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) toward achieving their innovation goals. As the Associate Director for WAMIC at Niagara College, Neil has overseen over 60 applied research projects, offering solutions in the fields of industrial internet of things, software development, and marketing, across sectors like agriculture, advanced manufacturing, and digital health.
With a diverse career background that includes laboratory work, entrepreneurship, marketing research, and software programming, Neil brings a unique perspective to his work. He is passionate about supporting SMEs on their journey to commercial success and mentoring early career professionals to become future leaders.
Neil has successfully secured more than $21 million in research grants and is actively interested in connecting with Canadian start-ups seeking investment and mentorship.

He holds an MBA in Innovation Leadership from the University of Fredericton, an Ontario Graduate Certificate in Research Analysis from Georgian College, and a BSc in Applied Biochemistry from Liverpool John Moores University in the UK.

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January 24, 2025 | Daily Update

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