Communitech’s board members are dedicated leaders from Waterloo Region’s business community and have experience in a variety of technology areas and at all levels of business. They provide valuable organizational direction and support for Communitech’s many services and activities.
John Keating, Co-Chair
One of the leading CEOs in the region, John is an active board member, offering a key perspective on the aerospace sector – a strong and successful sector in the region´s tech industry.
John graduated in mechanical and production engineering at England’s Leicester Polytechnic. During the next 20 years, John filled a wide range of operational and management positions in high tech companies in England, Holland and Canada. He joined COM DEV in 1992 and held a number of positions in operations and business management, eventually serving as President of both COM DEV Wireless and COM DEV Space before acting as COO, then CEO in 2002.
A skilled leader and senior manager, he has successfully refocused COM DEV back to its core space activity, significantly increasing revenue, profitability and cash flow.
John sits on several boards and councils, including the Canadian Space Agency’s Advisory Council and the Board of Governors for Conestoga College Institute for Technology and Advanced Learning.
Gerry Remers, Co-Chair, President and COO, Christie Digital Systems Canada
Christie Digital Systems is a global leader in Digital Cinema and manufacturer of a wide range of digital projection technologies and solutions. Overseeing engineering, operations and global quality, Gerry has spearheaded research and development, successfully leading the Company’s rapid expansion into new markets for digital projection. Under his leadership, Christie has quadrupled in size since 2001, significantly increasing its manufacturing capabilities, and was recently ranked among the Financial Post’s 10 best employers to work for.
Previously, Gerry was President of Electrohome Projection Systems, where he negotiated the sale of the business unit to Christie, Inc. of California in 1999. He possesses over 20 years experience in finance, marketing, planning and product management through his various positions at Electrohome and, earlier, Nortel Canada.
Graduating with an MBA from York University (Toronto, Ontario, Canada), Gerry completed post-graduate work in finance at the University of Cologne, Germany. Finishing with an undergraduate degree in German and Philosophy from Wilfrid Laurier University (Waterloo, Ontario, Canada), he completed his Master of Arts degree in Philosophy from the University of Waterloo (Waterloo, Ontario, Canada).
Gerry is a strong contributor to the local technology sector and often speaks at various industry and community functions. He is passionate about fostering talent and innovation to help drive community and national prosperity and, as such, is actively involved in local organizations dedicated to innovation and the nurturing of tomorrow’s leaders; these include Chairman of the Board for Shad International and board member of Communitech and Renison College.
Ali Asaria, CEO, Well.ca
Ali Asaria is the CEO and founder of Well.ca, Canada’s largest online health and beauty store.
Ali grew up in Guelph and Toronto, Ontario. He studied Computer Engineering at the University of Waterloo.
In 2008, Ali was a recipient of the Top 40 Under 40 Award in Guelph. In the same year, Well.ca also won the National Angel Organization award for being the best Angel-funded startup in Canada.
Ali has been interviewed in the Globe and Mail, National Post, and the Toronto Star. Projects he has worked on have been featured in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Business Week, and GQ UK.
John Baker, President and CEO, Desire2Learn
Founded in 1999, Desire2Learn is headquartered in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario and with satellite offices in New Brunswick and British Columbia. John is a hands-on leader who creates the vision and plays an integral role in positioning the company as the premier provider of learning technology. Under John’s leadership Desire2Learn has become the enterprise market leader with more than 4 million learners worldwide and sustaining continued rapid growth. Desire2Learn was recently won a 2006 Deloitte Fast 50 Award as one of Canada´s fastest growing technology companies, with 2,117% growth during the years spanning 2001 to 2005.
John graduated with an Honors B.A.Sc. in Systems Design Engineering, with First Class Honours and an option in Management Sciences from the University of Waterloo in the year 2000. John is an active member of industry consortiums, peer-to-peer groups, contributes to standards and specifications bodies, and regularly speaks at conferences around the world.
Phil Deck, Extuple
Philip Deck was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Bank of Canada in October 2006. Born in Toronto, Ontario, Mr. Deck graduated from Queen’s University with an Honours BA in Economics in 1985.
Since 2001, Mr. Deck has served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of MKS Inc., a publicly traded enterprise software company based in Waterloo, Ontario. Previously, he was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Certicom Corp. from 1993 to 1999. A former managing partner with HSD Partners (a merchant-banking company), he also worked as an investment officer with Middlefield Ventures Limited and as an investment analyst with the Canada Life Assurance Company. Mr. Deck has served on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Opera Company since 1995.
Leah Elliott, Lawyer, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
Leah Elliott is an associate in the Waterloo office where she practices in corporate commercial contracts, commercial real estate transactions, leasing, secured mortgage financing and the purchase and sale of business franchises. Leah’s major clients currently include a national grocery chain, several Schedule 1 financial institutions and real estate developers.
Leah was admitted to the Bar in 2006 and graduated from the University of Windsor law school in 2005. She also has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Law and Society from York University. Prior to attending law school Leah worked as a parliamentary assistant at Queen’s Park in Toronto and later interned at the Parliamentary Research Branch working for the Senate and House Committees studying such areas as anti-terrorism legislation. This led to a position in the Privy Council Office where Leah applied her legal research skills to the preparation of a report on new normative approaches for addressing poverty and exclusion. Leah commenced her work with BLG in the Ottawa office where she worked as a student in the summer of 2004, and completed her articles in 2005.
Tim Ellis, COO, Accelerator Centre
As COO of the Accelerator Centre, Tim has responsibility for oversight over the management and financial operations of the AC, and serves as a senior business advisor and mentor to early stage technology companies. A seasoned entrepreneur, technology industry veteran, and expert in the cultivation of early-stage companies, Tim brings to the technology commercialization marketplace more than 17 years of experience, honed through participation in more than half a dozen start-up ventures.
Ted Hastings, President, Cyberplex
As President, Ted is responsible for development and execution of strategic vision for the Organization. Prior to joining Cyberplex, Ted was the acting President and CEO of Tsavo Media. Ted joined Tsavo in October 2007 from Geosign where he served as President. Prior to Geosign, Ted was CEO of GBG (Global Beverage Group). During his five yearsr at GBG, Mr. Hastings led the acquisition of nine direct competitors, increasing revenue 10x during his tenure that ultimately led to the sale of the company to 3M. Prior to GBG, Mr. Hastings spent five years at Deloitte and Touche where he earned his CA and CPA designations.
Dave Jaworsky, Senior Director, Corporate Relations, Research In Motion
Dave Jaworsky is the Senior Director of Corporate Relations at Research In Motion, the designer and manufacturer of the BlackBerry® smartphone. Dave and his team manage global corporate citizenship, and BlackBerry sustainability & accessibility initiatives for RIM.
Dave serves on the boards of the Ottawa Centre for Research and Innovation (OCRI) and the Greater Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. He is a former board member of the Centre for Communications and Information Technology (CCIT, part of the Ontario Centres of Excellence organization). He is an active volunteer in his community, working with Capacity Waterloo Region, the Chamber’s Health Care Council, the Airport Business Advisory Committee, as well as minor sports.
Dave has been working in the Canadian high-tech sector for 25 years, in roles ranging from software development to corporate sales. Dave joined RIM over 10 years ago, and he holds a Bachelor of Mathematics degree in Computer Science from the University of Waterloo. Dave lives in Waterloo, Ontario, with his wife and two sons.
Iain Klugman, President and CEO, Communitech
Iain Klugman is the President and CEO of Communitech — one of the leading enabling organizations in North America. Iain has overall responsibility for operations of the organizations that cover regional, provincial and national mandates with innovation programs from entrepreneur development and support to big tech company support – including a national focus on digital media and mobile computing.
Previously, Iain was the CEO of a Crown Corporation, Executive Director of Communications with the CBC, Director of Global Branding and Advertising for Nortel, and held numerous roles with the Privy Council Office and Industry Canada. Iain began his career as an entrepreneur and has never lost his passion for tech and startups. He sits on numerous local and national boards that include the business, academia and social sectors.
Iain holds an MBA from Laurier University, an MPA degree from Dalhousie University, an HBA from Laurentian University, and has completed the Advanced Program in Human Resources at the Rotman School of Management.
Carol Leaman, CEO, 17Muscles
It’s rumoured that Carol has overthrown hostile governments and climbed Everest single-handedly, but she doesn’t like to talk about it. She has worked in the management consulting, virtual reality, and software industries, but identifying great opportunities and helping companies achieve their potential is where she really works her magic. (We like to think we fit both categories.) Despite having a Masters in Accounting, Carol is no mere bean counter. Whether it’s building up new companies or helping turn around those experiencing struggles, Carol’s unique blend of strategic skills and hands-on operations management is pure alchemy.
Wayne Martin, Senior VP and CIO, Canadian Division, Manulife
Wayne Martin is Senior Vice President and CIO, Canadian Division. This position has overall responsibility for Application Development, Support, IT Infrastructure and the Office Services functions within the Canadian Division. This role is responsible for integrating technology strategy across the business.
He rejoined Manulife in August, 2006. Prior to joining Manulife he spent 6 years at Symcor (joint venture owned by Royal Bank, TD Bank, and Bank of Montreal) as SVP Technology Services and 4 years at CIT / Newcourt Credit Group as SVP & CIO of the global I.S. function.
Since taking over the leadership of Canadian Division Information Systems, Wayne has been focused on identifying areas where the Division can capitalize on economies of scale and leverage IT. Divisional strategies and standards are being defined to reduce on-going costs and to make more effective use of our IT Infrastructure. Standard I.S. talent management strategies are being developed to attract, develop, and retain high performing I.S. professionals. Going forward we will be launching additional global resourcing initiatives for Application Support and Development in order to leverage these external, low cost, skilled labour pools and to increase our development capacity.
Mr. Martin earned his BASc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Toronto in 1983 and a Masters of Business Administration degree in Finance from Queen’s University in 1985.
Rod McNaughton, Associate Director, Research and Academic Partnerships, Conrad Centre for Business Entrepreneurship & Technology
Rod B. McNaughton is Eyton Chair in Entrepreneurship and Director of the Conrad Centre for Business, Entrepreneurship and Technology at the University of Waterloo, Canada. He holds PhDs in Marketing from the Lancaster University Management School, and in Economic Geography from the University of Western Ontario. His specialty is international marketing strategy, especially the rapid entry into overseas markets by knowledge-intensive new ventures. Rod’s research on export channel selection, industrial clusters, internationalization, the software business, and the venture capital industry are published in numerous refereed journals and books. Prior to joining the faculty at UW, Rod was Professor in Marketing at the University of Otago School of Business in New Zealand.
Kevin Newman, Digital News Evangelist, Bell Media
A journalist for more almost 30 years, Kevin Newman is one of Canada’s legendary news anchors.
Kevin Newman was the executive editor and anchored Global National since it first aired in September 2001 up until 2010. He has been a journalist for almost 30 years, reporting from the front lines of the war in Iraq and anchoring live coverage of the September 11 attacks. With ABC News and Global National, Kevin Newman has reported from the front lines of the war in Iraq, anchored live coverage of the September 11 tragedy, and interviewed the likes of Jimmy Carter. Having worked as a journalist on both sides of the border, Newman presents a clear picture of the cultural differences between Canadian and American viewers. He takes audiences behind-the-scenes of the news business, and addresses the influence of advertising and profitability on news reporting. In addition, he explores the idea of journalists as truth seekers.
Nick Oddson, SVP Research and Development, Open Text Corp
Olga Pawluczyk, President, P&P Optica
Olga obtained an MBA degree from Wilfrid Laurier University in her home town of Waterloo. She also holds a Master’s degree in Medical Physics from the University of Toronto, where she specialized in medical imaging, with particular focus on mammography techniques to predict risk of breast cancer. She still continues this work by collaborating with Ontario Cancer Institute. Olga holds a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Systems Design Engineering from the University of Waterloo.
Olga joined P&P Optica, her family’s business, in 2001 as the Vice President of Product Development. In June 2004, she became the acting President of the company and shifted her focus to the strategic development of P&P Optica as a manufacturer of high performance optical spectrometers. P&P Optica develops the most sensitive non-scanning optical spectrometer available on the market today; Olga being the key innovator. With P&P Optica’s spectrometer, you no longer have to imagine a world where you can wave a portable device over someone’s skin and get all the information that blood tests provide.
Olga’s passion for research and development comes naturally. Her father, Romek, has devoted his career to spectroscopy and continues to work alongside his daughter. Volume Phase Holographic gratings are the core component of P&P Optica’s transmission-based optical spectrometer, and enabled sales in a wide variety of biomedical, industrial research applications. Their determination to push the envelope in this highly-specialized field led to the development of their breakthrough technology.
Olga has led the strategic, marketing and sales efforts, bringing the P&P Optica spectrometer to market. She is the co-author of the firm’s seminal patent on transmission based, multichannel optical spectrometers and she was recently named to the Board of Directors at Communitech. In 2011, Olga moved P&P Optica offices to Waterloo, Ontario and transferred grating production to the brand new, state of the art lab in the Waterloo facility. In the current year the company has tripled in size from six employees to a staff of eighteen and sales have more than doubled.
Mate Prgin, CEO, Avvasi
Mate is responsible for the overall management and strategic direction of the company. Prior to Avvasi, Mate held several business management roles at LSI Corporation. LSI acquired VideoLocus, an H.264 fabless semiconductor company where Mate was the co-founder and CEO. Prior to VideoLocus Mate held several engineering roles at PixStream, a video networking systems company that was acquired by Cisco Systems. Mate has a Bachelor of Applied Science in Systems Design Engineering from the University of Waterloo, and an MBA from Richard Ivey School of Business.
John Ruffolo, CEO, OMERS Ventures
In his role as Senior Vice President and Head of Knowledge Investing, Mr. Ruffolo is leading the build-out of OSI’s world-class Knowledge Investing management team. He serves as Co-CEO of Inkef Capital, an international joint venture in life-cycle technology investing and is also playing a leading and supporting role in other OSI led initiatives.
Prior to joining OSI, Mr. Ruffolo was a Partner at Deloitte, as well as the Global Thought Leader, the Global Tax Leader and the Canadian Industry Leader for Deloitte’s Technology, Media and Telecommunications (TMT) practice. He was also a member of the firm’s Tax and TMT Global Leadership teams and a member of Deloitte’s Board of Directors.
Mr. Ruffolo has over two decades of experience advising public and private companies around the world. He has extensive experience providing strategic advisory services to Canadian and foreign-based TMT companies. Mr. Ruffolo has also been recognized as one of the country’s leading clean-tech advisors. In addition, he has worked closely with a number of North America’s leading venture capital and private equity firms and has advised many of the companies in which they invest. Mr. Ruffolo serves as Chair of the Canadian Venture Capital and Private Equity Association’s Tax Policy Committee and the David Suzuki Foundation Friends of Ontario. He is also a member of the Corporate Fundraising committees for Sunnybrook Foundation and the Art Gallery of Ontario and is a member of the Toronto chapter of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO).
Prior to joining Deloitte, Mr. Ruffolo was a partner with Arthur Andersen LLP and has also spent time as an instructor for both the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants and York University’s Schulich School of Business.
Steve Woods, Site Director, Google Waterloo
Steven Woods joined Google in 2008 as the engineering site director of Google Canada in Kitchener-Waterloo, where he is responsible for building and fostering a creative culture of innovation, engineering, and product delivery.
Steven leads a team of engineering and product innovators in delivering projects relevant to Google’s worldwide mission. Locally lead initiatives include advertising products that manage well in excess of $1B in annual advertising spend, strategic initiatives in commerce applications and services such as mobile product search, offers and shopping; in key person-to-person application areas such as Gmail and other related social and messaging areas; and a strategic initiative in Chrome and ChromeOS focused on creating a hardware and software platform specifically optimized for bringing touch-based experiences to the web.
Prior to returning to Canada with Google, Steven founded several companies in Silicon Valley including NeoEdge Networks – an in-game advertising company acquired by Double Fusion; Kinitos – a company dedicated to enabling creation of radically inexpensive and powerful consumer services; and Quack.com – an interactive voice portal service acquired by AOL/Time Warner. Steven has extensive experience in building and leading highly creative and successful teams – in consumer service invention and development, and in large-scale software engineering. Steven has received numerous engineering and academic awards and patents including the University of Waterloo’s prestigious J.W. Graham Medal for Computing and Innovation. He holds a Ph.D and a Masters degree in Mathematics (Computer Science) from the University of Waterloo – and an undergraduate degree from the University of Saskatchewan.
Michael Worry, President and CEO, Nuvation Engineering
Michael is a Canadian engineer that moved to Silicon Valley in 1997 to join the technology boom. A serial entrepreneur, Michael is CEO of Nuvation Engineering. Nuvation is a global leader in Electronic Design Services (EDS), providing project-based chip, board, and software design services for the embedded systems industry. Nuvation offers a full spectrum of systems engineering, including FPGA and ASIC design, Board (PCB) design, Signal Integrity analysis, Firmware for MCU, DSP, and NPUs, and turnkey Product Development. Nuvation has offices in San Jose, California and Waterloo, Ontario.
Michael also contributes to Canada being known as a world leader in the sport of combat robotics.
Michael captains a robotic combat team that competes at events like BattleBots, RoboGames and Combots. Ziggy, the team’s 340 pound pneumatic flipper has been the #1 robot in the heavyweight class for three years running. Ziggy is sponsored by Freescale and uses a 9RS08 processor to time pneumatics that throws opponents 10 feet in the air! Texas Heat is the team’s 60 pound titanium flamethrower robot. Sponsored by Texas Instruments, microprocessor millisecond timing is needed to achieve the correct fuel to air ratio for reliable ignition of the six foot flamethrower!
Nuvation is also the keeper of the Digital Moose – a life size moose which is the mascot of the Digital Moose Lounge! The Digital Moose can often be seen cruising the roads as it enjoys the fresh air and Nuvation takes their moose friend to many parties and events! Michael lives with his wife Maureen and two daughters, in a house affectionately known as “The Moose Mansion”.