WETechAlliance Announces New Board of Directors and Executive Committee for 2024-2025

WETechAlliance is pleased to announce the appointment of four new Directors to its Board of Directors for the 2024-2025 term. These new appointments bring a diverse range of experience and leadership to the organization, furthering WETechAlliance’s mission to help tech and innovation-based companies start, sell, and scale in Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent.

The Board of Directors consists of up to fifteen members, along with two ex-officio advisors, including the President and CEO of WETechAlliance and the Past Chair. This esteemed group of leaders works collaboratively to advance WETechAlliance’s vision of building a sustainable, diverse economy that attracts and retains top talent, businesses, and investment.

“The diverse experience brought by our new board members strengthens our dedication to realizing WETechAlliance’s vision of cultivating a sustainable and diverse economy in Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent,” said Hector Frias, VP Global Program Management at Aptiv PLC and Chair of the Nominating Committee. Their unique perspectives will play a role in our efforts to strengthen the region’s tech ecosystem, fostering growth in business, community, and talent.

• Steve Renaud, VP of Operation, CenterLine (Windsor) Limited
• Ana Friesen, Advisor, Tapona Foundation
• Neil Cesario, Chief Information Security Officer, Sterling Information Technologies
• Brian Hendel, Founder & President, Splice Digital

In addition to welcoming new Directors, WETechAlliance is proud to announce the 2024-2025 Executive Committee lineup: 

• Chair – Aisling Douglas – Business Operations, Volta Labs
• Co-Vice Chair – Sanela Stefanovski – Team Leader, Technology Operations, Rocket Innovation Studio
• Co-Vice Chair – Tom Schnekenburger – Director, Research Partnerships, University of Windsor
• Treasurer – Paul Mancini – COO, Ottit eCommerce Bookkeeping
• Past Chair (Ex-officio) – Barry Leavitt – Director (retired), ENWIN Utilities

The new Directors and Executive Committee will be join current WETechAlliance Board of Directors:

• Sheryll Westcarr, Manager – Career Services Advisors, Lighthouse Labs
• Dave Fortin, President, DataRealm
• Hector Frias, Vice President, Program Management, Aptiv PLC
• Karamjeet Dhillon, Director, Research and Innovation, St. Clair College
• Joe Goncalves, Vice President, Investment Attraction and Strategic Initiatives, Invest WindsorEssex
• Steve Truong, Small Business Specialist, Libro Credit Union
• Yvonne Pilon, President/CEO, WETechAlliance (Ex-Officio)

This leadership team will guide WETechAlliance in its ongoing efforts to support tech innovation and growth across the region.

“We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Barry Leavitt for his outstanding leadership as Chair since 2021,” said Aisling Douglas, newly appointed Chair of the Board. “His vision and dedication have been instrumental in supporting WETechAlliance’s management, ensuring strong governance, fostering its continued growth.This role requires a deep commitment to the organization, strong leadership qualities, and personal integrity, all of which Barry demonstrated throughout his tenure. We are excited to continue benefiting from his wisdom and experience in his new role as Past Chair and ex-officio advisor, and we look forward to working closely with him as we support Yvonne and her team in achieving continued success.”

WETechAlliance also wishes to extend its deepest gratitude to the outgoing board members for their years of dedicated service and invaluable contributions. Their leadership has been instrumental in advancing the organization’s mission and fostering a thriving tech ecosystem in the region.

• Larry Koscielski, Vice President, Process & Technology Development, CenterLine Windsor Ltd. (Past Chair – Ex-Officio)
• Claudius Thomas, CEO, Turaco Web (Vice-Chair)
• Wen Teoh, formerly University of Windsor
• Jordan Goure, Picsume  (Client Advisor)
• Moshood Saka, University of Windsor  (Student Advisor)
• Amanda Lewan, Bamboo (Cross-Border Advisor)

“As we welcome our new board members, we also express heartfelt thanks to our outgoing Directors,” said Barry Leavitt, outgoing Chair of the Board. “Their unwavering commitment and invaluable insights have helped shape WETechAlliance into the impactful organization it is today. We are immensely grateful for their service and wish them continued success in their future endeavors.”

Learn more about our Board of Directors at www.wetech-alliance.com/our-board