Dereck Whitmell's new job

NEWS RELEASE

SAULT STE. MARIE
INNOVATION CENTRE

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SSMIC names new Board chairperson

The Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre (SSMIC) today announced that its board of directors has appointed Dereck Whitmell as the new Board chairperson.

Dereck has served with the board for eight years and moves from the role of Secretary to assume this position.

“I am very happy to take on this accountability and continue to work with such a strong board of directors, and the extremely professional staff at the SSMIC. Tom and his team have delivered much benefit to the Sault and region over the years. Knowing the exciting economic development initiatives that are currently underway and on the horizon I see those benefits continuing in the future.” said Whitmell.

Dereck has worked in the Information Technology industry for over 25 years.

Throughout his career, Dereck has worked in a variety of roles, delivering business solutions, systems development, enterprise technology architecture development, enterprise information management, and in implementing organizational changes and improvements to efficiencies of the Information Technology department at OLG.

After starting his career in Calgary working for companies providing computer and data services to the oil industry, he joined the Ontario Lottery and Gaming (OLG) Corporation in Toronto.

Dereck moved back to Sault Ste. Marie, and is currently the vice-president accountable for technology delivery for Lottery, Enterprise Information Management, and internet Gaming.

He works closely with partners in the business lines to determine and assess business solutions and in delivering these solutions. 

He has significant exposure to the lottery and gaming industry through participation on committees, including lottery organizations across Canada and associations of lottery organizations from across North America.

”Dereck brings a wealth of corporate management and information technology experience to the Board of Directors,” said Tom Vair, executive director, SSMIC. “He has been a strong supporter of the Innovation Centre and we look forward to working with Dereck in his role as chair as we continue to expand the science and technology sectors in the Algoma District.”

SSMIC would like to extend thanks and best wishes to Chris Wray, outgoing Board chairperson, who served on the organization’s board for over 10 years and recently moved to take on the CAO role with the Township of Muskoka Lakes.

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