Anna Buunk,

Niagara Precision Limited *

Industrial Member

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.  Anna sits on the NIA Board of Directors and actively engages on both the Membership Development and Workforce Development Committees.

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 endeavours.

Bailey Charles,

TD Commercial Bank *

Associate Member

Bailey Charles is a Senior Relationship Manager with TD Commercial Bank, bringing more than 10 years of experience supporting entrepreneurs and strengthening Niagara’s business community. She works closely with companies across the region to help them grow, compete, and succeed. Bailey currently serves as Chair of the Niagara Industrial Association Board, having been involved for 6 years in roles including Treasurer and committee chair. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Business Administration from Brock University, and a CPA designation, and was honoured as a Niagara 40 Under 40 recipient in recognition of her leadership and community impact.

Born and raised in Niagara, Bailey is proud to call this community home and is now raising her two children here. In addition to her work with NIA, she has served on the United Way Campaign Cabinet, reflecting her commitment to supporting the boarder community that surrounds and supports our industrial sector. Bailey is seeking re-election to continue building a strong, competitive industrial community that supports local businesses, local families, and future generations in Niagara.

Craig Chevrier,

Select Total Service

Industrial Member

Craig Chevrier is an owner-operator at Select Total Service in the beautiful town of Port Robinson. Select is a full-service equipment repair facility and rental centre and has been part of the industrial community in the Niagara Region for over 25 years.

Craig was born and raised in St. Catharines and currently resides with his family in Welland. He and many of his family members have enjoyed fulfilling lives thanks in part to the strength of the industrial sector here in Niagara. It is very important to him that industry in Niagara continues to thrive.

Craig is proud to be a member of the Niagara Industrial Association. He believes strongly in its mission, leadership team, and membership community, and would be honoured to serve the association if given the opportunity.

Don Cyr,

Brock University *

Associate Member

Don Cyr, PhD, MA, MBA, has lived in St. Catharines since 1995 and is a Professor of Finance at Brock University. Earlier in his career, he worked as a uranium exploration geologist and financial analyst with Shell Oil. At Brock, he has held roles including Director of Non-Credit Business Training, Associate Dean for Graduate Programs and Research, and Dean of the Goodman School of Business.

He currently serves as Chair of the Brock University Senate and is a member of the University’s Board of Trustees. His teaching and research focus on corporate financial management and international finance, with work featured in outlets such as The Globe and Mail and BNN.

An active Niagara Industrial Association member since 2014, Don has served on multiple committees and as both Vice-Chair and Chair of the Board. He is committed to Niagara’s economic well-being and the growth and sustainability of its manufacturing and industrial sector.

Bob D’Ambrosio,

Canada Perforating Inc.

Industrial Member

Bob D’Ambrosio is President and Partner at Canada Perforating Inc. and is seeking election to the Niagara Industrial Association Board of Directors to advocate for the region’s manufacturing sector.

With a background in foodservice equipment and industrial manufacturing, Bob understands the distinct pressures facing small and medium business owners today – from navigating the current tariff landscape and re-shoring opportunities to deepening and championing pride in Canadian manufacturing.

Bob offers the perspective of a niche B2B manufacturer. Because Canada Perforating serves an extremely diverse range of industries globally, he brings unique visibility into supply chain dynamics from both the supplier and customer sides. If elected, Bob aims to focus on championing Niagara’s industrial depth and attracting young talent for specialized roles. Niagara businesses face shared challenges that are often overlooked. Bob is committed to strengthening collaboration to address shared challenges and would be honored to have members’ support.

Alyson Gasperetti,

Fleet Canada Inc.

Industrial Member

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.

Ryan Hendricks,

Enlightened Material Handling Inc.

Industrial Member

Ryan Hendriks is the founder, owner, and operator of Enlightened Material Handling Inc., a boutique overhead-crane service company in Niagara. Since 2010, he has worked in the industry and identified inefficiencies in larger service organizations, leading him in 2022 to launch his own business focused on delivering high-quality, direct service. His model has proven sustainable, with steady growth and consistent customer results.

After joining the Niagara Industrial Association in 2023, Ryan quickly recognized the meaningful work of the organization and, since joining, has built strong professional and personal relationships through the NIA.

With his nomination, Ryan hopes to join the board to contribute, grow, and support the Association. While new to board service, he is committed to learning and helping where needed. With strong connections to Niagara manufacturers, including non-members, he aims to strengthen relationships, support membership growth, and engage the next generation of professionals in the region’s manufacturing community.

Scott Hickey,

Airbus Helicopters

Industrial Member

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.

Laura Illingworth,

City of Welland

Associate Member

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.

Trevor Jewiss,

Lawrie Insurance Group

Associate Member

Trevor Jewiss is an Associate Broker at Lawrie Insurance Group, with nine years of experience across the automotive and insurance industries in sales, operations, and leadership. His career has focused on driving organic growth, reducing operational bottlenecks, and building team success.

A 2017 Bachelor of Commerce honours graduate from Guelph University, Trevor was born and raised in Hamilton and with the hope of one day settling in Niagara with his wife. He joined the Niagara Industrial Association in spring 2024, when he spearheaded the initiative for his organization to join the association. Through events and meetings, he has experienced the value of collaboration and community as members share best practices and challenges.

Trevor is committed to providing NIA members with strategic risk management insights, focusing on the impacts of innovation and global relations, to help the regional industrial community remain resilient and prepared for emerging opportunities.

Mina Johl,

Purple Wins

Associate Member

Mina (Min-na) Johl is Founder & CEO of Purple Wins and creator of Navetra™, an execution-risk intelligence and governance lens that helps leaders reduce delivery volatility by clarifying handoffs, decision rights, and capability gaps. She brings an interdisciplinary background in Civil Engineering, an MBA, and Cornell Executive Education in HR Strategy.

Mina has worked across North America, the Gulf, and Asia in operations, techno-commercial leadership, HR strategy, executive recruiting, and C-suite partnership. Her experience includes leadership development in highly regulated environments such as Bruce Power and executive search leadership across STEM sectors. A retired professional golfer from a family of architects, she brings a practical, disciplined, execution-first perspective shaped by both technical and business experience.

If elected, Mina will focus on strengthening leadership and workforce capability, reducing execution friction across organizations, and supporting programming that is measurable, relevant, and responsive to the operational realities facing Niagara’s industrial community and its members.

Kevin Langerak,

CPEG Oskam Steel Fabricators Limited

Industrial Member

Kevin Langerak is General Manager of CPEG Oskam Steel Fabricators Limited, where he has led sustained growth and strategic development through people-focused leadership and continuous improvement. His leadership has helped expand the company into global markets, with products shipped to every continent, while strengthening its customer base across power generation, oil and gas, mining, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical sectors.

A graduate of Niagara College with Executive Management studies at the Rotman School of Business, Kevin continues to invest in professional development through programs including the Harvard Supervisory Program, Six Sigma Black Belt, Dale Carnegie Training, and CWB Welding Supervisor certification. He also maintains his trade certification as a registered steamfitter.

Kevin is passionate about advancing the skilled trades, working with local schools and industry partners to support workforce development and inspire the next generation. He and CPEG Oskam Steel Fabricators Limited have been proud members of the Niagara Industrial Association since its inception.

Mark Marynowicz,

Siltech Corporation

Industrial Member

Mark Marynowicz is pleased to submit his nomination for a position on the Board of Directors of the Niagara Industrial Association. He is currently the Plant Manager at the Siltech facility in Fort Erie. With over 20 years of experience in chemical plant design and operations, Mark brings a balanced perspective that bridges safety, engineering, construction, commissioning, and now operations.

His professional background includes leading teams from preliminary concept through detailed design, procurement, and commissioning. He has since transitioned to overseeing the day-to-day operations of a new chemical manufacturing plant. This experience has given him a deep understanding of safety culture and the importance of effective communication and collaboration in successfully executing both small and large projects.

As a member of the Board, Mark would be committed to advancing the Association’s mission as a voice for the region’s industrial base, promoting development and industrial innovation, and sharing knowledge and industry best practices. He believes strongly in collaboration with member organizations to address common challenges and seize emerging opportunities. He would be honoured to contribute his experience, strategic perspective, and dedication to ensuring the Association’s future viability and the success of its members.

Dave Merritt, 

BDC

Associate Member

As a career Commercial Banker, Dave Merritt has supported entrepreneurs in accessing capital, strategic advice, and financial tools to grow and scale. His experience spans relationship management, credit structuring, and credit adjudication, working with business owners across diverse industries and developing a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities shaping Canada’s entrepreneurial landscape.

In his current role as Senior Account Manager at BDC, he champions the success of Canadian businesses by delivering tailored financing and advisory solutions. This role has strengthened his expertise in supporting growth stage companies, navigating complex financial situations, and building long-term partnerships.

Dave has served on several boards, including industry associations and not-for-profit organizations, gaining governance insight and collaborative leadership experience. These experiences have equipped him with strong governance insight, collaborative leadership skills, and a commitment to the community. He aims to bring a balanced, business focused, and community-oriented perspective to the Niagara Industrial Association Board.

Verne Milot,

Growth Associates *

Associate Member

Verne Milot is a Professional Engineer and Ivey MBA with extensive business development experience spanning multinational corporations and small-to-medium enterprises. Twice as CEO, he led manufacturing and robotics businesses through “order of magnitude” growth, reaching staff sizes over 100 and annual sales of $40 million.

Verne founded Growth Associates, with offices in Pelham and downtown St. Catharines, providing advisory services to over 200 Niagara business owners and executives. He developed a Business Operating System application, implemented with clients and through certified implementers across Canada and the U.S., driving operational and strategic improvements.

His past appointments include Director of Bosch Rexroth Canada, Executive Officer at CAE Industries, Transition Director at Niagara Region Economic Development Corporation, Economic Development Ambassador for Burlington and Welland, Chair of Niagara College Program Advisory Committee for Business, Chair of NIA Government & Public Affairs, Vice-Chair of Welland Development Commission, Executive Committee member of Ivey Alumni Association, and past President of multiple local and national business associations.

Roy Rymer,

Niagara Composites International Inc.

Industrial Member

Roy Rymer is Owner/President of Niagara Composites International Inc. (est. 1974), Progressive Machinery Inc., and Deyang Progressive Machinery Inc. in China, all serving the global wire and cable industry. He studied Orthotics and Prosthetics at George Brown College and the University of Toronto, with additional focus on thermoset and thermoplastics.

Roy has extensive volunteer experience, including Scouts, Big Brothers, and veterans’ initiatives. A lifelong model aviation enthusiast, he served 15 years as Director of the Model Aeronautics Association of Canada, leading AGMs that saved significant costs, and continues on the Awards Committee as Chair of Public Relations for over 10,000 members. He helped launch a long-running fundraiser for McMaster Children’s Hospital and support a new fundraising organization. Roy has been Treasurer of the Niagara Region Model Flying Club for 19 years.

Ken Scholtens,

Scholtens Consulting

Associate Member

Ken is a site development specialist that has over a decade of experience in economic development.

As the Founder and Principal of Scholtens Consulting he has decided to take his years of experience and provide them directly to companies that recognize the importance of time when it comes to getting shovels in the ground, structures built, and the doors open. Prior to launching Scholtens Consulting he was the Manager of Economic Development for the City of Thorold for 18 months; the Manager of Business Development & Expedited Services at the Niagara Region for over five years; and worked as an Economic Development Consultant at MDB Insight (now Deloitte).

Ken currently sits on both the Industrial Development and the Advocacy Committees for the Niagara Industrial Association (NIA) where he brings his understanding of how the wheels of government turn to support Niagara’s industrial sector.

Spencer Sheldon,

Horizon Precision Inc.

Industrial Member

Spencer Sheldon is the Owner and Production Manager of Horizon Precision Inc., where he leads strategic operations, automation initiatives, and the development of disciplined quality management systems. Approaching a decade as owner, Spencer began his career as a machinist in aerospace and heavy industrial machining, building a diverse technical foundation that underpins his leadership at Horizon Precision Inc.

Today, he combines that hands-on experience with a strong focus on precision CNC manufacturing, system integration, and continuous improvement to drive scalable performance and production reliability. Spencer is committed to advancing automation, strengthening workforce capability, and supporting the long-term competitiveness of Niagara’s industrial sector. Having started through apprenticeship himself, he remains dedicated to creating meaningful opportunities for the next generation of skilled trades professionals.

Leo Tiberi,

Niagara College

Associate Member

Leo Tiberi is an accomplished leader with more than 32 years of experience connecting education, industry, and workforce development. He held senior leadership roles at Niagara College, including Dean of Media, Trades and Technology, and served eight years as Vice-President Academic and Research at Sault College. He provided strategic oversight, strengthened industry engagement, and advanced programs aligned with labour market needs.

Throughout his career, Leo has collaborated with numerous industry partners across manufacturing, skilled trades, and technology to expand workforce training, secure funding, and build sustainable talent pipelines. He also brings private sector experience in economic development, construction, and security advisory roles, offering practical industry insight and strong governance perspectives.

With deep roots in Niagara, Leo brings collaborative leadership, executive governance experience, and a results-driven mindset. As Senior Advisor at Niagara College, he delivers targeted, strategic services connecting industry partners with the College and is committed to strengthening Niagara’s industrial competitiveness and supporting long-term regional growth.

Aaron Tisdelle,

Girotti Machine *

Industrial Member

Aaron Tisdelle is a lifelong Niagara resident and manufacturer, past NIA Chair. He is currently the third generation President of Girotti Machine. Girotti Machine has been a long time member of the NIA and Aaron has been Vice Chair of the Workforce Development Committee since 2017 and has developed deep relationships with our educational partners across Niagara to establish direct connections for our young people to become our future workforce. Aaron has also been involved in the creation of workforce development funding with both the YMCA, Workforce Collective, and the NIA. 

Aaron is passionate about the success of Niagara Industry and the continuance of our leading role and proud heritage in Canadian industry and manufacturing. 

Kurt Vos,

HOPA Ports

Industrial Member

Kurt Vos, Manager of Commercial at HOPA Ports, brings hands-on experience supporting the industrial community in the Niagara region. Kurt led the early development of the Thorold Multimodal Hub, helping businesses access key transportation assets, including marine, rail, and highway connections. His key contributions include reactivating the formerly abandoned Hayes Dana automotive plant by attracting more than five industrial tenants to Niagara, including flagship tenant High Strength Plates & Profiles.

For the past two years, Kurt has served on the Niagara Industrial Association’s Industrial Development Committee, sharing his perspective and experience to help guide initiatives that benefit the local industrial sector.

With his understanding of regional industrial operations and practical experience connecting businesses to essential infrastructure, Kurt is well-positioned to contribute to the NIA board. His insight and collaborative approach will help support the association’s ongoing mission to strengthen Niagara’s industrial community.

Max Waldes,

TradeLink International Ltd. 

Associate Member

Max Waldes is Director of Operations at TradeLink International Ltd., a Niagara-based freight forwarder and long-standing NIA member. With 12 years in supply chain and logistics, including a decade in PepsiCo’s marketing equipment department, he brings a blend of hands-on operational experience and strategic perspective. At TradeLink, Max leads data integration, supplier relationships, daily operations, supply chain management, and long-term business and financial planning, as he works toward an eventual transition into the CEO role

Max’s career includes leadership in SOP design, KPI development, and technology integration. He led TradeLink’s ISO 9001 implementation, developed a proprietary end-to-end freight forwarding platform, and built the company’s strategic and KPI framework. Known for fostering collaboration, breaking down silos, and creating practical, data-driven solutions, he emphasizes accountability and innovation.

Max seeks to serve on the NIA board to support Niagara’s industrial growth, strengthen logistics partnerships, and advance members’ competitiveness domestically and internationally through technology, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Terufumi Yamaguchi,

Asahi Kasei Battery Separator Canada

Industrial Member

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.

Wes Youngs,

BVGlazing Systems

Industrial Member

Wes Youngs has more than 25 years of experience in the glass and curtain wall industry. Raised in Beamsville, he began working summers in his father’s local glass shop before attending college in Toronto and building his career in the GTA alongside leading contractors. Over time, he earned a strong reputation managing multi-million-dollar curtain wall scopes on major construction projects across Canada and the United States.

After starting a family in 2012, Wes returned to the Niagara Region and joined BVGlazing Systems (BVG), where he spent a decade managing over $200 million in high-profile projects, primarily in New York City and Washington, DC. Wes’ current role at BVG is Business Development Manager, securing curtain wall contracts on some of the largest construction projects across Canada.

With deep Niagara roots, strong industry relationships, and extensive strategic experience, Wes brings valuable insight and leadership that would make him a valuable addition to the NIA Board.