What's My Story? 

I moved to Guelph in 1999 as a graduate student at the University of Guelph. I started my journey here as a scientist, but before long I found myself building businesses, supporting community initiatives, and helping bring people together to solve problems. Throughout it all, I’ve remained committed to making Guelph a more innovative, resilient, and connected community.

My career has centred around economic development, innovation, research, and community-building. I’ve spent years working at the intersection of business, government, academia, and the nonprofit sector, helping people and organizations navigate change, build partnerships, find resources, and turn ambitious ideas into practical results.

As CEO of Innovation Guelph, I helped grow the organization from a small startup into a major regional innovation hub supporting entrepreneurs, researchers, startups, manufacturers, and growing businesses across the region. During that time, we expanded programs and partnerships, helped attract investment, supported job creation, and contributed millions of dollars to the local economy.

It was also where I put into practice a philosophy that continues to guide my work today: Business as a Force for Good. I believe economic success, social progress, and environmental responsibility can and should work together.

I had the opportunity to work closely with many of Guelph’s key institutions and partners, including the City of Guelph, Wellington County, the University of Guelph, Conestoga College, the Guelph Chamber of Commerce, local nonprofits, business leaders, and community organizations. Together, we developed initiatives supporting economic growth, research and innovation, workforce development, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and community resilience.

My work has also involved helping organizations and municipalities secure funding, align strategy with community needs, and respond to larger forces shaping the future, including advances in artificial intelligence, robotics, biosciences, agritech, environmental sustainability, and rapid economic and social change. I believe municipalities need leadership that understands these shifts and can help communities adapt thoughtfully and responsibly.

As a local entrepreneur, I’ve also experienced Guelph from the ground level. I’ve owned and operated a Main Street business in Guelph and Barrie, worked directly with startups and employers, and seen firsthand where municipal systems support people trying to get things done and where they create unnecessary frustration. I believe City Hall works best when it listens carefully, communicates openly, removes unnecessary barriers, and focuses on practical results.

Community involvement has always been important to me. Over the years, I’ve served on local boards, advisory groups, and community initiatives, including as a member of the Mayors’ Task Force in both Guelph and Barrie, Chair of the Guelph Water Alliance, Chair of the Guelph Manufacturing Alliance, Chair of the Guelph Innovation Network, a board member of the Guelph Youth Music Centre, and a founding partner of the Elevator Project. I also continue to support Guelph’s creative community through programs like Press Play and through my work as a musician and recording artist.

After a short time in Barrie, my partner and I recently returned home to Guelph. I’m excited for this next chapter. I have the experience, relationships, and time to give back to a city that has given me so much, and I want to put those things to work for the people who live here.

I'm back and I want to help.

  Want to know more about my business and professional experience? Visit www.doranstrategic.com

Experience

Work Highlights

• President and Principal Consultant, Doran Strategic Consulting
• Executive Director, Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship, Georgian College
  • Led a $3.6M+ research, innovation, and entrepreneurship portfolio and a 30-person team focused on applied research, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and industry partnerships.
  • Helped secure over $10M in funding for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship programs.
• CEO, Innovation Guelph
  • Helped grow the organization from 2 to 17 staff and more than $2.2M in annual revenue while building one of Ontario’s top-performing Regional Innovation Centres.
  • Designed and led Innovation Guelph's Speedway Program and Fast Lane.
  • Supported local companies in creating more than 600 jobs and attracting over $30M in investment.
  • Secured more than $8M in program funding and led the development of major innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives.
• Founder of Main Street businesses in Guelph and Barrie, including Freaky Wizard, with firsthand experience navigating local business challenges, municipal systems, and community building.
• Advisor to municipalities, colleges, nonprofits, and organizations across Canada on economic development, innovation, funding strategy, entrepreneurship, and future-focused community development.

 Community Involvement Past and Present

• Member of Mayor's Task Force: City of Guelph (2009–2015) and City of Barrie (2019–2023).
• Board Member, Guelph Youth Music Centre and currently leading the Press Play program supporting local musicians and community connection through the arts.
• Chair, Guelph Water Alliance.
• Chair, Guelph Manufacturing Alliance.
• Co-founder and lead contributor of the Guelph Innovation Network.
  • Helped strengthen regional collaboration around innovation, economic development, sustainability, and entrepreneurship.
• Founding Member, Elevator Project and the Rhyze Program.
• Led the development of community and business-focused programs including, Speedway, Fast Lane, Rhyze, B-Corp Bootcamp, and the Bigger Picture Series.