North Forge Technology Exchange is pleased to announce that Teresa Dukes is joining the company as General Manager and Interim President in early January 2019.

Teresa joins North Forge after 21 years in the public sector, most recently as Senior Advisor, Strategic Innovation for the Deputy Minister of Education and Training. “We are thrilled that Teresa has joined North Forge. Teresa is bringing to the table years of innovation leadership and administration experience as well as a fresh perspective on the opportunities before us,” said Stuart Henrickson, Board Chair. “She is coming to North Forge at a great time to sustainably grow our innovation-based economic development strategy. As we engage in strategic planning, we will be assessing the most effective leadership structure to meet our long-term goals.”

Jeff Ryzner, President of North Forge with Teresa Dukes, Suzanne Braun, Manitoba Open Innovation Challenge Project Lead and Chris Johnson, North Forge Director in November 2018.

Jeff Ryzner, current President, is leaving North Forge at the end of January 2019 to join a local company that previously graduated from North Forge’s start-up program. “Jeff’s unique combination of entrepreneurial spirit, style, and leadership has helped grow North Forge into Manitoba’s powerhouse for innovation and entrepreneurship, winning multiple Startup Canada Awards along the way,” said Henrickson. “Under Jeff’s leadership, North Forge has helped launch 89 innovation-based businesses fueling 892 new jobs in the Manitoba economy. We wish him all the best in his new role, and are pleased to advise that Jeff will continue to mentor startups at North Forge.”