Economic Development Veteran Ron Gaudet is the New CEO of Enterprise Saint John
SAINT JOHN– Enterprise Saint John has announced its new CEO Ron Gaudet, an economic development veteran who has led organizations and initiatives in Ontario and New Brunswick.
Gaudet will replace Steve Carson, who announced he would be leaving the regional economic development agency back in May to take on a role with the City of Saint John.
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“I am delighted to have the opportunity to return to New Brunswick and to work with the excellent Staff, Board and Community Partners of Enterprise Saint John. The Saint John region is a critically important part of the Province’s economic fabric. I am thrilled to build on that heritage while focusing on an exciting, relevant and robust economic future that supports an outstanding way of living,” said Gaudet, in a release.
Gaudet has spent the last seven years leading a number of economic development agencies including Windsor- Essex, Region of Waterloo and has done project work with several Ontario communities including the City of Guelph, West Lincoln and Huron County. He also served as a special advisor on Innovation Strategies for the University of Windsor’s, Innovation Centre and Industrial Courtyard.
He is originally from New Brunswick and prior to his move to Ontario, he was the President and CEO of the Greater Moncton Economic Development Corporation (GMEC), and served as Vice President of Advancement at Crandall University. In 2007, he was named the Canadian Economic Developer of the Year by the Economic Developers Association of Canada, as well as one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40, and one of Atlantic Canada’s Top CEOs.
In June, a hiring committee was created made up of ESJ board members and the Chair of the Regional Oversight Committee, City of Saint John Mayor, Don Darling. Gaudet was chosen after a lengthy search, with more than 50 candidates applying from many provinces and the United States.
“[Gaudet’s] passion and drive for economic development has been recognized across the country. We are thrilled he has chosen to come back home to New Brunswick and bring that passion and drive to the Saint John region,” said Enterprise Saint John Board Chair, Martin Chiasson.
Ron is expected to begin his new role as Enterprise Saint John’s CEO November 1.