GSDC Welcomes New and Returning Board Members

At its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on June 14, 2023, the Greater Sudbury Development Corporation (GSDC) welcomed new and returning members to the board and approved changes to the executive board.

“As Mayor and a member of the board, I am excited to welcome new members and to see Jeff Portelance continue as Chair of the GSDC,” said Greater Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre. “I look forward to working with these talented individuals as they share their perspectives and expertise in support of economic development initiatives across our city. I would also like to thank the outgoing members for their contributions and wish them well on their future endeavours.”

Portelance is Director of Business Development at the Walden Group. As a graduate of Laurentian University with an Honours Bachelor of Commerce in Sports Administration, he has worked in Business Development for over 25 years, helping grow market share and profitability for companies across several industries. 

The GSDC is also proud to welcome the following new board members:

• Anna Frattini, Manager, Business Development and Relationships, PCL Construction: Frattini is passionate about customer service and focuses on building and strengthening relationships. With more than 15 years of experience working with government, mining and power generation stakeholders in northern Ontario, she will bring valuable insights to the board.
• Stella Holloway, Vice President, MacLean Engineering: Holloway began her career with MacLean Engineering in 2008 and is currently the Vice President of Sales and Support Ontario Operations. She is responsible for the strategic direction of sales growth, business development and aftermarket support. Under her leadership, focus is centered on team collaboration that drives exceptional performance and delivers outstanding customer service, quality products and solutions.
• Sherry Mayer, Vice-President of Operations, Indigenous Tourism Ontario: Mayer is a proud Métis person with Algonquin-Mohawk heritage, from the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg territory in Maniwaki, the largest Algonquin Nation in Canada. Her career focus is on building sustainable, economic outcomes for communities across Ontario, with special attention on supporting Indigenous prosperity and reconciliation along with population attraction and communal growth initiatives, particularly within northern Ontario.

Members with terms that have ended include:

• Lisa Demmer, Past Chair, GSDC Board of Directors
• Andrée Lacroix, Partner, Lacroix Lawyers
• Claire Parkinson, Head of Processing Plants, Ontario, Vale.

“GSDC board members have a common goal to engage with partners and support economic growth in our community,” said GSDC Board Chair Jeff Portelance. “I want to welcome our new board members and thank our returning and retiring representatives for their support. I am very pleased to continue as Chair for a second term as we continue to foster a dynamic and healthy city.”

The GSDC is the economic development arm of the City of Greater Sudbury, consisting of an 18-member volunteer board of directors, including City Councillors and the Mayor. It is supported by City staff.

Working with the Director of Economic Development, the GSDC acts as a catalyst for economic development initiatives and supports the attraction, development and retention of business in the community. Board members represent various private and public sectors including mining supply and services, small and medium-sized enterprises, hospitality and tourism, finance and insurance, professional services, retail trade, and public administration.

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