Allyson Pele
Co-Chair
Allyson is an Economic Development Officer with the City of Kenora and is thrilled to be working with local businesses to support retention and expansion opportunities. Previously, she was the Manager of the Northwest Business Centre for over nine years where she created initiatives and programming to foster the development and growth of new and existing businesses across the Kenora and Rainy River districts. She has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Mount Royal University and is passionate about supporting business and community development. She co-chairs on the Northwest Training and Adjustment Board, co-chairs the Regional Economic Development Group in the Kenora and Rainy River districts and sits on the EDCO (Economic Developers Council of Ontario) Conference planning committee. In her free time, Allyson spends time on Lake of the Woods and with her miniature dachshund, Annie.
Sector: Business
Company: City of Kenora
Title/Position: EDO
Community: Kenora
Nicke Paddock
Director / Co-Chair
Nicke is the Executive Director for Northern Community Development Services (NCDS) in Fort Frances. Prior to this position she was the Director for Riverside Foundation for Health Care and the director of Communications for Riverside for 3.5 years. She has a passion for community and business development. Nicke represents the Education/Training Sector. She has an advertising/marketing diploma and has been the founder/owner of previous businesses in the past.
Sector: Education / Training
Company: Northern Community Development Services
Title/Position: Executive Director
Community: Fort Frances
Brad Beyak
Secretary-Treasurer
Brad was born in Atikokan, Ontario and has resided in Northwestern Ontario his entire life. After graduating from Atikokan High School, he attended Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ontario completing a Bachelor of Arts Degree (Psychology), Honours Bachelor of Physical Education Degree and a Master of Science Degree. Throughout his education he has specialized in studying human behaviour, motor learning/behaviour and human factors. Once completed his education he worked with the Atikokan and District Association for Developmental Services, the March of Dimes, St. Joseph’s Care Group prior to permanently relocating to his home town of Atikokan, Ontario with his family. He is currently employed by the Atikokan Economic Development Corporation as an Employment Counsellor, managing the programs available through the Atikokan Employment Centre. Brad is a registered health professional in the province of Ontario as a Registered Kinesiologist with the College of Kinesiologists of Ontario. Regardless of where he has resided, Brad has always been an active community member serving with various boards, groups and organizations. On a personal note he enjoys spending time with family and in the outdoors fishing and camping especially in the area of Quetico Provincial Park.
Sector: Employment & Training
Company: Atikokan Employment Centre
Title/Position: Employment Counselor & Manager
Community: Atikokan
Syed Ali
Director
Syed is a dedicated Primary Care Paramedic proudly serving Atikokan and neighbouring communities across Northwestern Ontario, including Fort Frances, Rainy River, and Emo. A graduate of the Paramedic Program, the Police Foundations Program, and the Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Program, Syed began his frontline career in Thunder Bay before answering the call to serve smaller, rural towns where community bonds run deep and healthcare challenges are unique.
Grounded in a commitment to rural service, Syed holds the position of Vice President for C.U.P.E Local 9106, Northwestern Ontario CUPE Council in Fort Frances and sits on the Board of Directors for Community Living Atikokan. His dedication and courage in the line of duty have been recognized with the Ontario Medal for Paramedic Bravery – one of the province’s highest honours awarded to first responders.
Born in Dubai and raised in Scarborough, Syed brings a diverse perspective to his work in the North. When he is not working, he finds peace in the natural beauty of Northwestern Ontario, spending time hiking, fishing, and embracing new challenges such as learning to swim. A lifelong cricket enthusiast, he has played competitively with the Toronto District Cricket Association and toured internationally with the Toronto Police Service Cricket Team.
Rooted in service, Syed continues to advocate for accessible, compassionate healthcare and strong community connections in Northern Ontario.
Sector: Broader Sector / Healthcare
Company: District of Rainy River Services Board
Title/Position: Primary Care Paramedic
Community: Atikokan
Bowen Alcock
Director
Bowen is an Economic Development Consultant at Graham & Graham Consulting, where he leads a portfolio of projects focused on housing, digital infrastructure, and labour force development. He holds a Master of Public Health and is in the final stages of his Master of Business Administration at Lakehead University. Outside work, you’ll likely find him on the golf course or enjoying Lake of the Woods with family and friends.
Sector: Indigenous
Company: Graham & Graham Consulting
Title/Position: Economic Development Consultant
Community: Treaty #3 Area
Nathaniel Anderson
Director
Nathaniel Anderson is the Chief Operating Officer at Oshtugon Computers, where he leads daily operations, financial oversight, and strategic growth initiatives. With a strong background in accounting, operations management, and business development, he focuses on improving organizational performance and supporting sustainable economic development in Northern and First Nation communities. Nathaniel holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) in Accounting and a Master of Science in Management from Lakehead University. He is actively involved in community initiatives and serves as Secretary on the board for NPTBDC Indigenous Housing and as a board member for Kasabonika Community Development Corporation (KCDC), while also supporting youth development through coaching competitive High School Hockey in Sioux Lookout. Outside of his professional work, he is passionate about building opportunities for youth and contributing to the long-term success of his community.
Sector: Retail Technology / Furniture and Appliances
Company: Oshtugon Computers
Title/Position: Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Community: Sioux Lookout / Dryden
Leah Stus
Director
Leah Stus is a Health and Safety Consultant with Workplace Safety and Prevention Services, where she supports businesses across northwestern Ontario by promoting healthy and safe workplaces through consulting, training, and practical health and safety resources. Prior to this role, Leah worked with the Town of Atikokan in Human Resources and as Deputy Clerk, experience that strengthened her passion for community engagement. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce from Lakehead University and a Human Resources Diploma from Fleming College, and is currently pursuing her Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) designation. Leah is passionate about supporting the continued growth, safety, and well-being of northwestern Ontario communities. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors, fishing, and exploring the region she proudly calls home.
Sector: Workforce Development/Health and Safety
Company: Workplace Safety & Prevention Services
Title/Position: Health and Safety Consultant
Community: Atikokan
This Employment Ontario program is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.
