New executive director appointed at KRIC

James has over 20 years of experience and is looking forward to enhancing the organization's image in the region.

by Keith Powell — December 22, 2015

James Umpherson, new executive director of The Kootenay Rockies Innovation Council. — Photo courtesy Twitter feed

New appointment, new direction. The Kootenay Rockies Innovation Council (KRIC) is pleased to announce the appointment of James Umpherson as the new Executive Director, effective immediately.

“We are very pleased to announce this appointment,” reported Cori Barraclough, KRIC’s Board Chair. “James will bring effective organizational leadership and a strong understanding of economic development to KRIC’s clients, communities, and our Region’s innovation and technology sector. James has been an educator, practitioner, and adviser to small businesses, economic development organizations, and First Nation communities at the executive and leadership levels. His breadth and scope of perspective and experience will serve KRIC and its clients well.”

James has over 20 years of experience in the field of economic development, organizational planning, administration, fund development, and program development and delivery. He has a master’s degree in local economic development and has also completed his doctoral work on the impact of policy and institutions on economic development. James has taught the seminar Advancing Economic Development Opportunities: First Nations Development Projects and Impact Benefit Agreements for the University of Waterloo LED Program and the Economic Development Association of Canada Economic Development Certification Program.

According to Mr. Umpherson, he is “looking forward to supporting the Region’s business development opportunities and to continue to build on KRIC’s innovation and leadership in the technology sector”. “My goal is to enhance the organization’s image in the Region, establish productive connections with our strategic partners, and formulate a process to achieve long-term impacts on the innovation and technology sector in the Kootenay Rockies region.”