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Appointee Biographies

Science North (Centre)

JAMES LUNDRIGAN

Chief Operating Officer of one of Canada’s largest Canadian owned mining contractors with 33 years in the mining industry. Volunteer roles included Big Brothers/Sisters, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Rayside Balfour minor hockey and Science North. Jim is the father of 3 with 1 grandchild and resides in Chelmsford Ontario with his wife of 32 years.

IAN MCMILLAN

Ian McMillan is an International Marketing Specialist for Destination Northern Ontario, and a former Executive Director for Tourism Sault Ste. Marie. His community involvement includes serving as member Board of Directors for Bon Soo Winter Carnival.

ALISON DE LUISA

Alison De Luisa is Associate Vice-President of Student and Employee Development at Cambrian College, and former Executive Director of Human Resources. In addition, she is the former Manager of Human Resources and Manager of Leadership Development at Xstrata Nickel. Ms. De Luisa's community involvement has included being a member of the Cultural Industries Ontario North Board. She holds a Master of Industrial Relations degree from Queen's University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Industrial Relations from McGill University.

KEVIN ESHKAWKOGAN

Kevin is an Anishnabek and is a member of the M’Chigeeng First Nation on Manitoulin Island and a recognized in the Indigenous tourism industry. He has provided leadership to countless individuals throughout Ontario, across Canada, and beyond. Kevin is a mentor and visionary works tirelessly to unite Indigenous tourism providers, grow market reach and bring meaningful employment opportunities to the region. In 2015, Kevin was named the Tourism Champion of the Year by the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario. He has also been recognized by numerous media outlets for his accomplishments within the industry. Kevin sits on a variety of boards including the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) and has also helped establish ITO, Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC), Northeastern Ontario Tourism, Destination Northern Ontario, the Manitoulin Hotel and Conference Centre, and many other tourism organizations and businesses.

HELENA DEVINS

Helena Devins is a Farmers’ Market/Special Events Coordinator for the City of Kenora, and a former Recreation Activities Coordinator for the City of Ottawa. Her community involvement includes serving as a Vice-President of Sponsorship/Fundraising for Making Waves Ottawa Chapter.

HEATHER GROPP

is the Community Development Officer for the Township of Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls. Her specialties include tourism development, marketing, and communications. Prior to her current role, Ms. Gropp was the Tourism Development Officer for the City of Kenora. She has also held positions with CIBC- Commercial Banking, the Manitoba Children's Museum, as well as instructional positions with both Confederation College and Seven Generations Education Institute. She has served on the board of directors for Destination Northern Ontario for 8 years, serving in the capacity of Secretary Treasurer. A graduate from the University of Manitoba, Ms. Gropp holds a Bachelor’s degree in History and a Master's in Business Administration.

RAYMOND MANTHA

Ray Mantha has had a long and distinguished career within the Ontario Public Service serving at the Assistant Deputy Minister level at both the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and at the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario, as its Chief Engineer and Provincial Highways Management Executive Director, responsible for a broad range of policies, standards, and investment strategies for Ontario’s roadways. He is past president of the Transportation Association of Canada. In 2013 then Governor General David Johnston, patron of the YMCA in Canada made Ray a Companion in the YMCA Fellowship of Honour. He served on the Canadian Mining Innovation Council, and on the US Standing Committee on Research. He has had a long-time involvement with the YMCA, serving locally in North Bay, 10 years on the National Board, three as Chair and 4 years on the World Alliance of YMCAs as an executive committee member. He served on Engineers Canada Public Affairs and Advisory Committee from 2012 and was its chair from 2015 through 2021 He also served as the Executive Director of the Transportation of Canada Foundation from 2018 to 2022. He has served on the Board of Directors of Morrison Hershfield, Consulting Engineers since January 2013 as an External Director and completed his three-year term as Chair in January 2020. Ray was appointed, through Oder-in-Council to the Science North Board in 2020 and currently serves as the Chair of the Business Affairs Committee and sits on the Executive Committee and Nominations and Governance Committees. Ray was elected to the board of the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE) in 2022 and continues in that role.

MARETT MCCULLOCH

Marett McCulloch is currently the General Sales Manager for Sudbury Wolves Sports and Entertainment. Prior to joining SWSE, Marett worked for CTV Northern Ontario as the General Sales manager. With her longstanding career, she has earned a reputation for commitment and support for the community. Marett has extensive experience serving on the Board of Directors for many local organizations spanning several decades, including the YMCA, Sudbury Theatre Centre, Pond Hockey on the the Rock and Cinefest. She is currently involved with the Greater Sudbury Development Corporation (GSDC), Cinefest, Cultural Industries Ontario North (CION), and YES Theatre.

STELLA HOLLOWAY

Stella Holloway joined ABS Manufacturing and Distributing in Timmins as an Account Manager. Over the next four years she was able to work her way from the ground up, layering a strong foundation for a career in mining. Stella was drawn to mining and supply service sector due to its prevalence in Timmins but stayed with it due to the supportive culture of innovation and growth she saw available to her in the field. Her experience led her to Sudbury, Ontario where she began her career with MacLean Engineering in 2008 as an Account Manager for Northern Ontario. She has held roles including Aftermarket Manager and Operations Manager before being appointed to General Manager for Northern Ontario Operations in 2017. Stella is a former Director of Women in Mining Northern ON, a not-for-profit organization that creates awareness and provides opportunities for mentoring women in mining, mineral exploration, and support services. It is her belief that all women in the mining industry have a personal responsibility to encourage other women to understand that benefits of entering non-traditional roles. Stella is a proud member of the mining community and wants to share her passion and encourage all women consider a career in mining. She feels it is a tremendous industry to be a part of, with a diverse range of career opportunities.