It didn't take former Ladysmith mayor Aaron Stone long to land a new position.
South Island Prosperity Partnership (SIPP), Greater Victoria’s economic development alliance, announced that Stone has been hired as its new chief executive officer. Stone announced this month that he is stepping down from his third term as mayor of the Town of Ladysmith to accept the SIPP position.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the talented team at SIPP,” Stone said. “When I decided last year that I would not seek political office in the future, I began to contemplate post-elected life and explore new opportunities. Nothing really ignited the fire in me until I discovered that SIPP was seeking a new CEO, a role that leverages my 25 years of experience in technology, marketing and public service combined with my passion for economic development. The South Island is a vibrant region with immense potential. I am committed to working with our partners and stakeholders to deliver on this potential through continued collaboration and innovation.”
Along with serving as mayor of Ladysmith, Stone founded Uforik Computers, served as president of the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce and as chair of both the Island Coastal Economic Trust and the Cowichan Valley Regional District. He was previously vice-president of Business Development for Global Media and director of Interactive Technology and Marketing for the Vancouver Grizzlies.
“After an extensive nationwide CEO search, with hundreds of candidates, we’re very pleased how Aaron’s skills, passions and network align to SIPP,” said SIPP’s board chair Terry Gunning. “Aaron’s collaborative approach and strong commitment to sustainable economic development will accelerate SIPP’s mission to build a more innovative, diversified, inclusive and sustainable South Island economy.”
Stone succeeds former SIPP CEO Emilie de Rosenroll. Dallas Gislason, currently SIPP’s Interim CEO, will continue in the role until Stone takes over the position on Oct. 7.
“Over the course of the selection process, I had the opportunity to converse with Aaron on several occasions," Gislason said. "I was immediately impressed by Aaron’s innovative and ambitious economic development vision for Greater Victoria and his passion for working collaboratively with SIPP’s members, including the region’s municipalities, First Nations, private sector, post-secondaries and non-profits. Working across these diverse stakeholder groups takes a special skill set, and I believe Aaron is the right CEO to build on SIPP’s momentum as we expand key initiatives."
For more on some of the initiatives, visit COAST, the Indigenous Prosperity Centre and the Victoria Rising business and essential talent attraction platform.
