Your NIA Team

x

Bailey Charles

Bailey Charles is a Senior Relationship Manager with TD Commercial Bank. Bailey is committed to fostering the growth and prosperity of Niagara’s entrepreneurs by providing connections, resources, and financial solutions to drive development and operational excellence.

Born and raised in St. Catharines, Bailey is a graduate of Brock University earning her Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours) degree. She holds her CPA, CMA designation, and prior to joining TD, spent 9 years with the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC). Bailey is actively involved in Niagara’s business community and has served on the NIA board since 2020.

x

Kevin Jacobi

Kevin Jacobi is a founder and Executive Director of CanadaBW Logistics Inc. in Niagara Falls, ON. His warehouse contains bonded and traditional storage solutions as well as manufacturing, e-commerce and export development.  He also owns 6 Squared Studios/Mecha Games that uses various 3D printers to produce components for the gaming industry.  With over 20 years of experience, Kevin has partnered with many local manufacturers to give them the resources to expand their ability to do business.  Kevin is an expert in trade policies and has organized inbound and outbound trade missions including a trade missions to China.  Kevin has volunteered on NIA committees and has been on boards including Welland-Pelham Chamber of Commerce, Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre, Niagara Foreign Trade Zone Task Force, and binational logistics group, ITGO. 

x

Shawn Rapone

Shawn Rapone is the Controller and co-owner of CMI Heavy Industries. He began working on
the shop floor as a Machinist, Welder and Millwright in 1996. Shawn completed his postsecondary education at Niagara College where he received his Manufacturing Engineering Technician and at Brock University where he received his Bachelor of Business Administration with Honours.

In 2007, Shawn alongside his three brothers obtained full ownership and together they have grown CMI from its former 28,000 square foot St. Catharines location with 14 employees to its current 120,000 square foot Stevensville location with >70 employees. As a lifelong resident of Niagara and owner of a manufacturing company, Shawn has a keen interest in helping the manufacturing industry in Niagara grow to its great potential.

x

Aaron Tisdelle

Aaron Tisdelle  is a lifelong Niagara resident and manufacturer. He is currently the third generation President of Girotti Machine. Girotti Machine has been a long time member of the NIA and Aaron is currently involved in the Workforce Development Committee.  Aaron is passionate about providing valuable directions to our young people as well as strengthening our trades. Aaron would like to bring new ideas into the association and help other Niagara manufacturers.

x

Alyson Gasperetti

Alyson Gasperetti, Plant Manager at Fleet Canada Inc., is committed to supporting Niagara’s industrial sector and advancing the shared goals that strengthen the region’s manufacturing community. Alyson’s leadership approach is grounded in hands on experience, collaboration, and a focus on helping people succeed.

Over an 18-year tenure at Fleet Canada Inc., Alyson has progressed from hands on technical roles to senior operational leadership within a long-standing aerospace manufacturer specializing in complex structural components and assemblies for commercial and defense platforms. As a graduate of Niagara College’s Mechanical Engineering Technology program, she has built expertise across fabrication, machining, programming, bonding, processing, and assembly.

As her responsibilities expanded, Alyson has moved into supervisory, management, and program leadership roles, contributing to new product introduction; customer relations; quoting; and contract negotiations. In her current position, Alyson oversees production operations, focusing on aligning execution with organizational goals, strengthening processes, supporting teams, and driving safe, consistent, and efficient performance.

x

Ania Piekarska

Ania Piekarska is a Senior Account Executive for North American & Global Markets at Nacora, a leading international insurance brokerage. With deep expertise in insurance, financing, export strategies and risk management, by leveraging Nacora’s global insurance capabilities, she provides innovative solutions to help businesses mitigate risks. She also assists clients to secure capital helping them navigate the complexities of cross-border operations with confidence and strategic foresight.

Ania is known for her commitment to building strong, long-term relationships with her customers. Her ability to develop strategic business solutions, coupled with a strong network of trade and finance professionals – including partnerships with government agencies and banks – has made her a sought-after advisor in the field.

Ania has been involved in the Niagara Region for over ten years and for the past two she has been a Board Member of the Niagara Industrial Association. She advocates for regional growth and innovation by actively supporting and promoting the region’s industrial and manufacturing sectors. She is a passionate advocate for the “Made in Canada” brand.

Previously, she spent over a decade as a Senior Account Manager at Export Development Canada, where she played a pivotal role in supporting Canadian entrepreneurs to expand internationally by structuring finance transactions, trade credit and political risk insurance policies, and bonding solutions.

Beyond her client work, you can often hear her speak at various events, presenting to business owners on strategies for risk mitigation, exporting and global market entry. She has been a guest speaker in Buffalo, NY, where she showcased the strength of Niagara Region’s manufacturing sector, and contributed her expertise as a volunteer on the Niagara and Hamilton Foreign Trade Zone Task Force.

Ania’s academic credentials include a Master’s in International Relations and Global Economics from McMaster University, a Specialized Honours Degree in International Studies from York University (Glendon College), and a Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations from the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, Austria.

x

Anna Buunk

Anna Buunk is a manager at Niagara Precision Limited in manufacturing and holds the position of Chief Operating Officer at Jaide Products Inc. in the healthcare sector. She holds her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Brock University.Anna actively engages with the Niagara Industrial Association, volunteering at various events and assumed the role of interim operations manager for a period.

Beyond her commitment to advancing trades in the Niagara region, Anna is passionately dedicated to improving the quality of life for seniors in the community. She initiated a not-for-profit organization within the healthcare industry in the Niagara Region with the aim of bridging the gap between hospital and home care, ensuring comprehensive healthcare plans are accessible to everyone.

Anna has pursued executive certificates with the Toronto Region Board of Trades, demonstrating her commitment to continuous learning in both the trades and healthcare sectors. Her focus on fostering genuine connections and upholding the highest standards of honesty and trustworthiness reflects in all her business endeavors.

x

Kiara Taylor

Kiara Taylor has extensive experience in manufacturing and construction, a track record of leadership, and a deep commitment to advancing our industry.

As Human Resources Manager at Airbus Helicopters Canada, she has expertise in workforce development, talent acquisition, workforce planning, change management, organizational development, labour relations, compliance, and innovation. Her leadership has contributed to significant workforce growth and the achievement of key company initiatives.

Beyond her professional success, she is actively engaged in industry initiatives including promotion of skilled trades development, women in trades advocacy, workforce coalition discussions and newcomers to Canada integration. Her ability to collaborate, develop strategic solutions, and champion industry progress aligns well with the mission of the Niagara Industrial Association.

x

Laura Illingworth

Laura Illingworth has over 15 years of experience in sales, marketing, and business development within advanced manufacturing and construction industries across Canada, specializing in pre-engineered metal buildings and industrial development. Her past work with Butler Manufacturing, contractors, and trades has given her practical insight into moving industrial projects from concept to completion.

In her current role in economic development for the City of Welland, Laura leads investment attraction and promotion across Niagara, leading marketing initiatives and managing the Made in Welland platform. She collaborates with manufacturers, developers, and institutional partners to support business expansion, workforce attraction, and regional competitiveness, all while understanding the challenges faced by industrial operators.

Laura has been active in the Niagara Industrial Association since 2013, including co-chairing the Marketing and Communications Committee. She has also served on the Marketing Committee for the Canadian Sheet Steel Building Institute. Laura brings industry expertise, regional perspective, and a strong commitment to Niagara’s industrial community.

x

Mike Kubes

Mike Kubes is the General Manager of Kit Steel, a leading rebar fabricator in Welland. As one of the largest purchasers of rebar in Niagara, he has deep insight into market conditions, steel and commodity pricing, and their impact on local projects. Kit Steel has strong ties with Niagara’s construction industry, supplying rebar for major projects like the Canada Summer Games Walker Sports & Abilities Centre in Thorold and the Chestnut Park Affordable Housing Project in Port Colborne.

As a member of TEC 267, Mike is well-connected with local business leaders and stakeholders. A third-generation steel fabricator, he brings a wealth of industry knowledge and a passion for strengthening Niagara’s industrial sector.

x

Scott Hickey

Scott Hickey currently serves as the Director of Manufacturing at Airbus Helicopters, where he has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a strong commitment to continuous improvement, including active participation in significant internal initiatives. His professional background, which includes leadership in manufacturing and operations, makes him a worthy candidate to contribute to the NIA’s mission.
 
In his role, Scott manages key manufacturing processes and is deeply involved in strategic planning, offering a perspective that would be highly valuable to the Board, particularly in areas concerning operational excellence, workforce development, and industrial innovation within the Niagara region.

His dedication to the local industrial community and his extensive experience in a major regional employer would be a significant asset to the Board. He is a forward-thinking leader who understands the challenges and opportunities facing our local sector.

x

Terufumi Yamaguchi

Terufumi Yamaguchi is Secretary and Director of Administration at Asahi Kasei Battery Separator Canada, leading administrative, legal, communications, and governance functions for the company’s $1.6-billion project to build Canada’s first wet-process lithium-ion battery separator facility in Port Colborne. He coordinates with government, manages stakeholder relations, and ensures alignment with Canadian regulatory and community expectations.

With more than 20 years at the Asahi Kasei Group, Teru has held leadership roles in Japan, Southeast Asia, and now Canada, including establishing regional headquarters, leading multinational HR and governance functions, and supporting major industrial start-ups. He holds an MBA from EDHEC Business School in France and brings deep expertise in organizational development and global operations to Niagara.

Teru leads a growing local team and works with partners to create high-quality jobs, strengthen supply chains, and support Niagara’s role as a hub for advanced manufacturing and clean-energy innovation, contributing to long-term regional economic development.