Spark Centre Call For Board of Directors Nominations

Spark Centre is looking for skilled and dynamic leaders to join our Board!

Spark Centre is looking for energetic business professionals to fill open positions who can provide strategic guidance and other specific skill sets while working with other members of the Board and its Committees to contribute to the success of the Spark Centre.

Individuals are to be elected by the Spark Board of Directors at the 2021 Annual Meeting on October 28, 2021.

Spark Centre is a non-profit business incubator dedicated to building and scaling sustainable, globally competitive companies and giving early-stage and rapidly growing innovation and technology companies the highest probability of long-term success. Located in Durham Region, the Spark Centre provides advisory services, office space, and day-to-day operational support.

Under strong leadership, we are excited to execute Spark Centre’s Vision. We are looking to add new Board members to help Spark Centre move ahead in this exciting new chapter. 

These are unique volunteer positions that provide an opportunity to represent a fast-growing organization in an innovation-backed community and impact the economic health of the Durham Region, the Eastern Corridor, and beyond.

Spark Centre is looking for individuals of diverse backgrounds who want to be actively involved and engaged in this growing organization. This is an extraordinary opportunity for an individual passionate about Spark’s Vision to expand the tech ecosystem in Durham Region, Ontario, and beyond.

Board Members will have achieved leadership stature in technology, business, finance, human resources, government, or the non-profit sector and demonstrate a commitment to Spark’s stakeholders and members.

Board Members will have strong strategic and decision-making skills, excellent communication skills, sound judgment, and a natural affinity for cultivating relationships and building consensus among diverse individuals. They also possess personal qualities of integrity, dependability, accountability, a strong work ethic, and a passion for supporting the non-profit sector. They will be willing to devote the time and energy to the Board and management team as needed.

The current Spark Centre Board consists of:

Gary Jarosz, Chair

John Russell, Secretary, and Treasurer

Thomas Jankowski, Director

Dror Nir, Director

Chris Aleong, Director
 

The Nominating Committee is tasked with recruiting a slate of qualified candidates for election that can fill one or more of the following positions:

Director at Large – Technology/ Innovation/ Start-Up Proficiency – with any combination of one or more of the following competencies:

• Current or former senior executive role within or leading a tech-based start-up.
• Experience in securing venture capital.
• Contacts within the VC, Angel Investor community.
• Experience in bringing new innovation to market & IP commercialization.

Director at Large- Finance Proficiency and Potential Audit Committee Chair – with any combination of one or more of the following competencies:

• Current or former role in accounting, audit, or finance industry (CFO).
• CA/CGA/CMA/CPA designation preferred.
• D designation preferred.
• Internal or external auditing experience.
• Good understanding of risk management.
• Professionally skeptical and can provide an independent point of view.

Director at Large-Human Resources Proficiency and Potential HR Committee Chair – with any combination of one or more of the following competencies:

• Current or former senior executive role running HR.
• CHRO, CHRP designation preferred.
• D designation preferred.
• Private or public experience.

Director at Large – International/ Government/ Governance Proficiency – with any combination of one or more of the following competencies:

• Current or former role in Government.
• Understanding of Provincial government programs, grants, funding availability to SMB’s.
• Proven knowledge in International markets and economic development.
• Demonstrated a track record of effective governance experience.
• D designation preferred.

Meetings:
Spark Centre Board Members meet once a month virtually or in-person (when COVID restrictions allow).  Board Members can also serve as liaisons to Spark Centre Committees and Working Groups and as such, provide leadership and guidance to these Committees on an ongoing basis.

Term of Office:
The Board of Directors is elected to a three-year term commencing immediately following the adjournment of the 2021 Annual Meeting. 

If you meet these requirements, offer some of the key competencies, and are interested in contributing your expertise to our progressive and innovative organization, please send a resume and statement of interest no later than September 17, 2021, to Gary Jarosz, Chair Spark Centre Board Nominating Committee, at the address below.

Gary Jarosz, Chair

Spark Centre Board Nominating Committee

Email address: [email protected]

Inquiries for additional information about the Spark Centre Board of Directors should also be directed to the Chair of the Nominating Committee as noted above.

Spark Centre Nominating Committee:

Gary Jarosz, Chair

John Russell, Secretary, and Treasurer

Sherry Colbourne, Member at Large