Board & Staff

Contact Us

About The Board

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.

Board of Directors:

  • Sean Hughes – Chair
  • Bob Bernie – Vice Chair
  • Tracy McDonald – Treasurer
  • Angela Kuchma
  • Matt Wilkie
  • Sheri Gentes

Our Staff

Ryan Reynard

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]

Hayden Findlay

Hayden was born and raised in Kenora and left for St. Catherines, Ontario to study at Brock University in 2019. While attending Brock University, Hayden earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management & Business. During his time in Southern Ontario, Hayden volunteered with various hockey teams in hockey operations and interned at a scouting agency, analyzing and reporting on future professional hockey players.

Following his University life, Hayden moved back to Kenora, Ontario to start a position as an Economic Development Intern at the City of Kenora. Unbeknownst to him, Hayden would become very passionate for the economic and business world. After completing his internship with the City of Kenora, Hayden moved even closer to the business world, finding a position as the Manager of the Northwest Business Centre, providing guidance and advice to business owners and entrepreneurs across the Northwestern Ontario region.

Hayden joined LOWBIC as the Business Analyst in 2025. Hayden is responsible for advising and guiding businesses in the right direction and providing day-to-day loan analysis. Hayden adheres to corporate policies and procedures while assisting in the deliverance of the board’s strategic vision. Hayden also provides assistance in the maintenance of the Investment Loan Fund Portfolio, designed to attract, maintain and create new businesses and jobs.

Phone: (807) 467-4651  |  Email: [email protected]