President's Advisory Council on Economic Development

The President's Advisory Council on Economic Development for Simcoe County (PACED Simcoe) advises the President of Lakehead University of opportunities within the regional economic development ecosystem with a focus on strategic partnerships with local communities, municipalities, business, and industry to support innovation, economic development and the creation of highly skilled job-seekers in Simcoe County.

PACED Simcoe is comprised of up to twelve volunteers from the external community appointed by Lakehead University's President. They are selected from a broad spectrum of sectors relevant to the regions Lakehead Orillia serves.

Learn more about PACED Simcoe by reading its Terms of Reference. 

Learn some quick facts about Lakehead Orillia.

PACED Simcoe Membership (2024-2025)

Nathan Brown, Dealer and Principle, Thor Motors Ford Orillia
Karen Dubeau, Executive Director, Kingbridge Centre Innovation Hub
Donna Hewitt, Director of Corporate Services, Township of Oro-Medonte
Nancy Huether, Director, Economic Development & Airport Services, County of Simcoe
Robert Lamb, Chief Administrative Officer, Township of Tiny
Ryan Lay, Manager, Economic Development, City of Orillia
Will McGarvey, PACED Simcoe Chair, VP Partner Development, Shadowbox Learning Services Inc. 
David Ritchie, President, Simcoe County Federation of Agriculture, OFA
Matthew Setterington, President and Owner, Di Pietra Design
Carmine Stumpo, President & CEO, Orillia Soldiers Memorial Hospital

The University Economic Development Association has created a framework to guide how universities contribute to economic development through diverse programs, services, and activities.

This Venn diagram illustrates the activities occurring at Lakehead University (Thunder Bay and Orillia) that fall under the following pillars:

Talent: The spectrum of knowledge transfer activities by which universities educate people, developing human capital for the 21st century knowledge economy.

Innovation: Begins with basic research, but then builds on knowledge creation to encompass knowledge transfer and applications in ways that are useful and relevant to society.

Stewardship of Place: The many diverse ways in which institutions contribute to making attractive, competitive communities—places where people want to live, create and hold jobs, raise their families, participate in civic life, and age and retire.