After 14 years leading the CDC staff team with excellence and award-winning results, Wendy Timpano is moving on to another role within the County of Simcoe to further apply her knowledge and expertise in Economic Development. While the Orillia Area CDC Board of Directors wish to express their sincere appreciation to Wendy for her hard work, passion, and commitment that she poured into her tenure with the CDC, they are also excited to announce her replacement, Jim Fitzgerald. Jim is the successful candidate, after an extensive, 3-month process to search for the strongest leader to fill the role of General Manager.

Lynn Thomas, CDC Board Chair, was a participant on the interview panel that ultimately helped to select Jim as the number one candidate.

Thomas shared, “We had an extensive list of applicants that were educated and experienced in Economic Development, NFP (not-for-profit), and financial industries, and we were appreciative that so many excellent candidates were interested in leading our team at the CDC. It was a pleasure to be a part of narrowing the field down to finally offer Jim the role as we truly felt he brought the best, most well-rounded background, and leadership skills to lead us to a new season of success and growth in our region.”
Jim has shared that he is very excited to be taking on the role. “I am optimistic about the future of small business in Orillia and surrounding area and also the excellent staff team that is in place to achieve success.”

Jim stated that his first matter of business will be to thoroughly examine the CDC strategic priorities and mission statements recently rewritten by the Board of Directors in order to set goals for the future.

“I feel we are at a pivotal time post-pandemic to grow the business sector as many businesses from other parts of the province have realized the great potential to build success into their enterprises within the Orillia area with lower cost of living than in other urban centres, in particular the GTA (Greater Toronto Area).”

Fitzgerald’s background is perfectly suited for the role of General Manager. Jim shared, “With over 20 years of business and financial management experience, I bring a track record of success in project management, strategic planning, staff management and government relations.”

A summary of Jim’s experience includes:

  • Honours Commerce Degree (Finance and Accounting), McMaster University
  • Commercial Account Manager, RBC, achieving several awards
  • President of Alpine Way — Simcoe County, working on successful projects with Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital (OSMH), deputations for Mariposa House Hospice
  • To present position with six (6) years in a senior position as Finance and Operations Manager with CFS Counselling and Wellbeing — Simcoe County
  • Several key volunteer experiences that will be an asset to the role such as board member of Huronia Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic and current board chair, organizing committee of Charlee’s Run for OSMH to name a few

Fitzgerald will officially’ take the reins’ from Wendy Timpano on August 19, 2024. Please join us in welcoming Jim to the CDC team.

For more information on the Orillia Area Community Development Corp. (CDC) visit www.orilliacdc.com or contact 705-325-4903 x 101.

Source: Orillia Matters