- +1 807 467 4640
- Mon to Thu 8:30AM - 4:30PM
LOWBIC functions with a volunteer Board of Directors who are elected at the Annual General Meeting of the corporation which is usually held in the fourth week of April each year. Members are drawn from the private sector, non-profit organizations, municipalities, education, labour sectors and First Nations.
The Corporation has adopted a policy of rotating membership calling for three-year commitments by each director. In concept, four directors are replaced each year; however, a director may step down before his/her term is completed. The policy allows for a new director to be appointed by the Board during the year to fill a vacancy created by a departing director.
The policy also suggests that the Corporation would like to have equal gender representation; however, the Board is not bound to have a 50/50 male/female representation. New directors are recommended for acceptance by a nominating committee of the Board and are selected for skills that relate to the work of the corporation, their interest in business development, experience on other boards and the desire to have certain communities represented on the Board.
MBA – Executive Director
Ryan was born and raised in Kenora until Hockey and School took him to Colorado Springs, Colorado. While attending Colorado College on a full hockey scholarship, Ryan earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics. He also holds a Masters Degree in Global Management. Ryan played professional hockey for 1 year after graduating college. During his time in Colorado, Ryan worked in the hi-tech industry. Colorado was home to Ryan for nearly 10 years until he and his family decided to return to Northwestern Ontario, where he worked for Weyerhaeuser.
Ryan joined LOWBIC as the Executive Director in early 2006. Responsible for providing strategic leadership and controlling the day-to-day affairs of the corporation, Ryan ensures adherence to corporate policies and procedures while delivering on the board’s strategic vision. Oversees the operation and maintenance of a $12M Investment Loan Fund Portfolio, designed to attract, maintain and create new businesses and jobs.
Ryan is currently Chair of the Northwest CFDC Regional Network and has served as President of the Northwestern Ontario Development Network (NODN). Ryan also resides as the volunteer Chairman of the Kenora Airport Authority.
Ryan and his wife Michelle have two wonderful daughters – Natalina and Isabella!
Phone: (807) 466-3637 | Email: [email protected]
Business Development & Lending Officer
Ally has lived in Kenora most of her life. She completed her Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Guelph. After a short period of travelling, Ally moved back to Kenora and began working in the accounting field, where she continued her education and started her career. Ally first started with LOWBIC as the Community and Business Development Coordinator; in 2015, she moved into the role of Business Development and Lending Officer.
Ally has the pleasure of working with many small businesses in Kenora and the surrounding area on a daily basis. Ally sees all the great things this area has to offer and is happy to be able to raise her family here, while continuing to call Kenora home!
Phone: (807) 467-4651 | Email: [email protected]
Projects Lead
Jack was born and raised in Kenora. He pursued his secondary education at The University of Southern Maine in Portland, Maine, and later at Northland College in Ashland, Wisconsin. There, he focused on English and Education, all the while playing NCAA Division III hockey.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, he returned to Kenora and transitioned into online classes at The University of Manitoba. During this time, he embarked on a creative endeavor, founding a golf clothing company known as Old Kourse Clothing. This business eventually led Jack to Kelowna, British Columbia, where he resumed his education at Okanagan College, and played for the Okanagan Lakers in the BCIHL.
Returning to Kenora, Jack has joined LOWBIC as a Project Lead. He is excited to learn more about LOWBIC and make a positive impact.
Phone: (807) 407-3395 | Email: [email protected]