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New executive director named at the Kootenay Rockies Innovation Council

Sheelagh England was named as the new executive director for KRIC, and will remain in the Golden office.
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Sheelagh England

The region’s science, technology, and innovation council has found a new leader within their ranks.

Current program manager, Sheelagh England, has been named the new executive director of the Kootenay Rockies Innovation Council (KRIC), succeeding current director Larry Sparks.

England has been with KRIC since February, 2012, and is a critical part of the organization’s efforts to serve the East Kootenays’ technology and innovation-focused entrepreneurial community.

She brings a broad experience in process and project management, with a specialty in process improvement in technical and business environments to the role of executive director.

“I’m excited to be taking on a wider role with the organization, and continue working with the talented team that we have here at KRIC,” said England, who will continue working in KRIC’s Golden office on 10th Avenue South.

“I have been heavily involved in the development of KRIC’s keystone activities, and I am looking forward to seeing those, along with our Business Coaching and Venture Acceleration Programs, mature over the coming  years.”

Tara Penner, who has been with the organization since 2010, will be taking on England’s former role of project manager, and will continue to co-ordinate may of KRIC’s activities from Kimberley.

Sparks is leaving KRIC after two and a half years to pursue other opportunities.

“KRIC is evolving into a more mature organization, and I’m confident that the time is now to see the continued benefits of KRIC delivered by the team we all built, without me,” he said.

KRIC would like to thank Sparks for his years of dedicated service, and wish him all the best in pursuing his interests in startup and early stage projects.