[Durham Region, ON] – Spark Centre today announced that Sherry Colbourne, who has served as President & CEO since 2017, has made the decision to step down from her role effective January 31, 2025. Under Sherry’s leadership, Spark Centre has achieved significant milestones, including driving innovation and entrepreneurship in the Durham Region, attracting key international businesses and entrepreneurs in high-impact industry sectors, accelerating the electrification of the automotive industry, securing vital investments for the region, and leading the development of an ecosystem of partners to support business leaders across the Eastern Ontario Corridor.
Reflecting on her tenure, Sherry shared, “Leading Spark Centre has been an extraordinary journey, and I am incredibly proud of the work we have accomplished together. The growth of entrepreneurship, the attraction of global companies, and the investment we have brought into the region have positioned Durham as a hub of innovation. Spark Centre’s mission to support entrepreneurs will continue to thrive, and I am confident in the organization’s future success.”
The Board of Directors has implemented a comprehensive transition plan to ensure continuity and maintain momentum. Key elements of the plan include:
- Interim Leadership: Gary Jarosz, past Chair of the Board of Directors, has assumed the role of Interim CEO.
- CEO Search Process: Over the next few months, the board will conduct an extensive search, engaging stakeholders and working to identify a leader who aligns with Spark Centre’s strategic vision and growth objectives.
- Commitment to Continuity: Spark Centre remains dedicated to providing unwavering support to entrepreneurs and advancing its core mission of fostering innovation and economic development in Durham Region and beyond.
Hari Sambasivam, Chair of the Board of Directors, stated, “On behalf of the Board, I want to extend our deepest appreciation to Sherry for her visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to Spark Centre’s mission. Her contributions have been instrumental in positioning Spark Centre as a leader in the innovation ecosystem. We look forward to celebrating her achievements and building upon the strong foundation she has established.”
Spark Centre will provide updates on the leadership transition process as they become available. For media inquiries, please contact Kailee Rembosz at [email protected].
