Brad Beyak
Co-Chair
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
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
Marie Seymour
Director
Marie is a member of the Wauzhushk Onigum First Nation in the Treaty #3 Territory and is a graduate of Carleton University with honours in Sociology and Law and has received her Certification as an Indigenous Leader (CIL) and Financial Administrator (CAFM) through AFOA. She is the Executive Director for Shooniyaa Wa-Biitong which is the employment and training agency for the Treaty #3 territory and has been in this position since 1992. She lives in Kenora with her husband and son and in addition to volunteering for NTAB, is a volunteer director for the Lake of the Woods Regional Community Foundation and President of the Kenora Anishinaabe KWEG.
Sector: Indigenous
Company: Shooniyaa Wa-Biitong
Title/Position: Executive Director
Community: Treaty 3 Communities
Nicke Paddock
Director / Secretary Treasurer
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
Tracy Oshie-Horton
Director
Tracy is a member of Rainy River First Nations (RRFN) and currently works for the First Nation as the Training and Employment Coordinator. Tracy has worked for the First Nation for several years in different capacities ranging from manufacturing, managing the restaurant at the Historical Centre, working within the Ontario Works Program and administration. Her main focus during the last few years has been training and employment. Tracy represents the Indigenous Sector.
Sector: Indigenous
Company: Rainy River First Nations
Title/Position: Training and Employment Coordinator
Community: Rainy River First Nations – Fort Frances
Heather Johnson
Director
Heather is the Executive Director for the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce starting in March of 2020. The Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce is a voluntary, member-driven organization of individuals and businesses working together to advance the commercial, financial, and civic interests of the Fort Frances community. Heather also sits on the downtown Fort Frances BIA (business improvement area). Prior to joining the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce, Heather was employed by RBC Royal Bank retiring after 40 years in 2016, a career move led her to the Insurance Industry where she was employed for 2.5 years as background clerical until 2019. Heather has always volunteered in the communities she has resided in and since moving back to Fort Frances in 2008 as Branch Manager for RBC, she has been a board member for Canadian Mental Health Association, Ethics Committee, Fort Frances Branch, Northwest Community Legal Clinic and an auxiliary member and active volunteer for the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #29. Heather enjoys gardening, sewing, reading and most of all time spent with her grandchildren.
Sector: Business
Company: Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce
Title/Position: Executive Director
Community: Fort Frances
Shannon Wogenstahl
Director
Shannon is the Executive Director for PACE (Patricia Area Community Endeavours) located in Dryden. PACE is a Community Futures Development Corporation funded by the Federal Government (FedNor) that assists small and medium businesses with access to capital, business advice, counselling, support, and information. They also provide regional community economic development and strategic community planning and development. The catchment area includes Dryden, Ignace, Machin, Pickle Lake, Sioux Lookout, Eagle Lake First Nation, Lac Seul First Nation, and Wabigoon Lake First Nation. Shannon started at PACE in 2005 and in 2010 was employed for the Royal Bank of Canada returning to PACE in 2022. She has many years of experience in financing and business support for entrepreneurs and is a small business owner herself operating a bait business and tourist outfitters business.
Sector: Small and Medium Business Support
Company: Patricia Area Community Endeavours
Title/Position: Executive Director
Community: PACE is Located in Dryden but Serves a Catchment Area (See Above)
Natasha Stoyakovich
Director
Natasha is the Project and Communications Manager at FSET Inc., an information technology and managed services provider that delivers progressive and forward-thinking solutions within the public and private sectors. A strategic leader recognized by the Northwestern Ontario Visionary Awards, she believes that the greatest chance to succeed is in strengthening what you naturally do best and doing more of it; whether that be as an individual or organization. As a multifaceted business-oriented professional, she is inspired by the future and what could be. Relocating from Southern Ontario to Kenora in 2018, she has become passionate about finding ways to connect and collaborate with the community she now calls home. Currently she serves on the Executive Board for the Kenora and District Chamber of Commerce and on the Board of Directors for the Northern Policy Institute. Prior to NTAB she volunteered as an Executive on The Young Professionals Network of Kenora, the Kenora Sustainability Advisory Committee, and as Treasurer on the Kenora Harbourtown BIZ. A self-directed individual, enthusiastic about business development, community improvement and ongoing education, she capitalizes on every opportunity to learn and grow, and is currently working towards her Ec.D. designation and Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
Sector: Information Technology
Company: FSET Inc.
Title/Position: Project and Communications Manager
Community: Kenora
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
This Employment Ontario program is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.
