Proudly serving Elgin, Middlesex, and Oxford counties since 1997
Debra Mountenay, Chair
As a former Executive Director with the Elgin Middlesex Oxford Workforce Planning and Development Board (WPDB), Deb worked with a cross-section of employers, community organizations, educational institutions and levels of government to address workforce issues across the London Economic Region. Over the twenty-three years with the WPDB, there were numerous projects and partners involved in all of the activities of the organization at the local level. Deb was also active at the regional and provincial levels representing the Boards on a number of committees.
Since stepping down from that role in 2022, Deb has been involved in smaller local projects related to workforce development as a private consultant. She now serves as a business representative from Elgin County with a specific interest in work with the private sector to address skilled trades needs.
Jean-Pierre Cantin, Vice-Chair
Jean-Pierre Cantin retired as the Executive Director of Carrefour Communautaire Francophone de London, a community organization serving the Francophone community in London and the surrounding areas.
Previously, he was the Programs and Services Director for the Central South-West Region for Collège Boréal, in charge of Employment and Immigration Services.
Doug Butler, Secretary
Doug currently volunteers with various community groups in the Elgin-St. Thomas area. He previously worked with the United Way Elgin Middlesex as a Community Impact Coordinator after volunteering on the Board of the United Way Elgin-St. Thomas, including two terms as President.
Doug has worked in the automotive manufacturing sector, for the Southwest Economic Alliance as an Outreach Coordinator, and with the United Way Waterloo Region as a Workplace Development Officer.
As a Hermie Kreuger Memorial Award winner, Doug’s passion for bettering the lives of our communities is recognized. As an honours graduate of the Addictions and Community Services Program at London’s Everest College, Doug is familiar with the needs of various populations. His community commitment was established through two decades of volunteering with a wide range of groups and on various projects that supported community building.
Abdoulaye Sako, Treasurer
Abdoulaye Sako is the Regional Director of Collège Boréal in London, Ontario, where he oversees programs that support adult learning, employment, language training, and immigration services for newcomers to Canada. With a strong commitment to community collaboration and the socio-economic integration of immigrants, Abdoulaye plays a key role in expanding access to quality services that promote integration and professional development for newcomers to Canada.
He holds an MBA and has been with Collège Boréal since 2021. He previously worked for the Government of Nunavut’s utility corporation and in the finance industry.
Kim Whitehead, Director
Kim began her role as Operations Assistant at the Woodstock Chamber of Commerce on April 1, 2024. Before her semi-retirement, she served as General Manager for the Woodstock District Chamber of Commerce for seven years, demonstrating her leadership and commitment to fostering business connections.
As a graduate of Fanshawe College, Kim brings diverse professional experience, having worked in the newspaper, printing, and human resources industries. Her passion lies in connecting businesses with the community and advocating on their behalf.
Sharon Devries, Director
Sharon Devries is a secondary school teacher with the Thames Valley District School Board. She works as the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) recruiter to promote the apprenticeship pathway to students who are interested in the skilled trades.
As an OYAP Learning Coordinator, Sharon works with students, parents, cooperative education teachers, technology teachers, guidance counsellors, employers, trade organizations, community colleges, and employment training consultants from the MLITSD.
She holds a Master’s Degree in Education and has worked in education for 25+ years. Sharon lives in Elgin County, and prior to her role as the OYAP Recruiter, she worked as a cooperative education teacher at East Elgin Secondary School.
Natalie Surridge, Director
Natalie Surridge is the Program Director of Workforce and Community Development at Community Employment Services, where she has dedicated over 32 years to fostering economic growth and social development in Oxford County. With a deep understanding of local workforce and training issues, Natalie has built strong community partnerships through her leadership in initiatives like the Oxford Workforce Development Partnership (OWDP), a collaboration of key stakeholders from various sectors, including municipal leaders, employers, Employment Ontario providers, and post-secondary institutions.
Her work has earned provincial recognition for its innovative, collaborative approach to addressing the needs of both businesses and job seekers. A passionate advocate for youth employment and community-driven solutions, Natalie leverages her extensive network to create opportunities and develop strategies that support sustainable community development and workforce vitality across the region.
Joel Van Bynen, Director
Joel Van Bynen is the Associate Dean at Fanshawe College, St. Thomas/Elgin Regional Campus where he provides academic leadership and strategic oversight across multiple programs. A certified Red Seal Electrician, Joel brings a wealth of hands-on experience from many years in the skilled trades and industry. His transition into postsecondary education was driven by a passion for developing responsive, future-ready learning environments. Known for his collaborative leadership and commitment to student success, Joel continues to bridge the gap between industry and education through innovative program development and workforce alignment.
Laura Cornish, London Regional Employment Services Representative
Laura Cornish, as the Manager of Community Partnerships and Employer Engagement with London Regional Employment Services, focuses on building relationships with employers and interest holders across the region of London, Middlesex County, St. Thomas, Elgin County and Oxford County.
Laura believes in the strength and importance of collaboration and understands that data and continuous improvement are key components of building user-focused systems where job seekers and employers can thrive.
Laura holds a Masters Degree in Public Administration and over the past 25+ years has worked in a variety of roles supporting individuals and families affected by poverty, housing instability, homelessness, addiction, mental health and trauma.
Who We Work With
