Our Team

Jayson is an award-winning business economist specializing in industrial and technological change and is widely recognized as an influential policy advocate in Canada. He is an advisor to both private and public sector leaders and has counselled Canadian prime ministers and premiers as well as senior corporate executives and policymakers around the world.

Jayson has more than 25 years of experience building alliances among businesses, academic institutions, as well as community, labour, and advocacy organizations. Between 2007 and 2016, he served as President & CEO of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, Canada’s largest industry and trade association. He was also the founding Chair of the Canadian Manufacturing Coalition, Vice-Chair of Canada’s National Roundtable on Skills, and Vice-Chair of the Ontario and Great Lakes Manufacturing Councils.

Jayson studied at Queen’s University and the University of British Columbia in Canada, as well as at the London School of Economics and Oxford University in the United Kingdom. He has held appointments as a Research Fellow at Nuffield College, Oxford, and as a lecturer in politics, economics, and international studies at both Oxford and the University of Warwick.

Bilal is a senior finance executive with over 25 years of experience working at global multinational companies, operating in the information and communications technology, consumer packaged goods, and telecommunications sectors.

He has demonstrated ability in full-cycle Financial Accounting & Reporting, Strategy, Planning, M&A, Treasury, and Governance. He is focused on maximizing resources, cost optimization, and process simplification.

John joins NGen from the UK where he was responsible for setting the strategies and running high profile government R&D programmes at Innovate UK worth more than $8.5 billion across the automotive, aerospace and intelligent mobility sectors.

John held senior engineering and programme management positions at Visteon working with Ford, Honda, Mazda, Toyota, Suzuki and Volvo. At London Underground his brief was to deliver part of the Olympic Transport Strategy for the London 2012 games. He co-founded Appleseed Solutions, where he helped businesses across the transport sector achieve sustainable business growth, developed the UK Automotive Council’s Strategic Product Roadmap and was the architect and Technical Advisor for Nesta's Drones Flying High Challenge. He served as Launch Manager to set up Zenzic, a not-for-profit leading on R&D investment strategy in the connected and autonomous vehicles sector.

John holds a Bachelor of Engineering Honours Degree in Manufacturing Systems Management and a Diploma in Industrial Studies. He is an accredited IP advisor by the UK Intellectual Property Office. He is a Chartered Engineer in the UK and a Fellow of the Institute of Engineering and Technology.

Stewart brings over thirty-five years of diverse manufacturing and engineering leadership experience to the NGen team. Of particular relevance is his nearly twenty years of experience as the Chief Executive Officer of multi-site SMEs in the advanced manufacturing field serving customers in the aerospace, defense, automotive, energy, and biomedical industries.

Stewart’s companies were recognized leaders in the integration of advanced technologies into manufacturing operations, in conjunction with a strong underlying foundation in the principals of lean manufacturing and the theory of constraints. This was coupled with strong business and marketing principals to drive outstanding results. This broad business and technical background have helped Stewart to become an expert in helping companies, particularly SMEs, in the successful adoption and exploitation of advanced manufacturing processes and technologies.

Stewart has a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Arizona and a Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Structural Mechanics from the University of Southern California. He is the holder of two U.S. patents and is a registered Professional Engineer in the province of Ontario.

For over 30 years, Wendy has been a leader in technology and cyber security, bringing value as a business partner to innovation. Driven by security, she takes pride in bridging the balance between excellent operations, mitigating risk, and meeting the financial obligations of the business. Wendy recently worked in the utility industry where she contributed to the development of the Ontario Cyber Security Framework. She held a board position with CIPS (Canadian Association of Information Technology Professionals) and hold several certifications in Cyber Security.

As NGen’s Vice President of Data systems and security her goal is to support the growth of technology in Canadian manufacturing and raise the awareness of Cyber Security threats to our manufacturing industry.

Wendy currently resides in Brighton, Ontario with her family, enjoys the outdoors and supporting her community.

Robert Mastrotto, B. Mech Eng., joined NGen after 30 years in Operations Leadership roles across several global Manufacturing organizations. Robert was Vice President Operations at StackTeck Systems and prior to that was Vice President Operations (Americas) for Mold-Masters Ltd. In each of those roles, Robert specialized in leading Lean transformation, driving operational excellence, and championing the change toward world-class performance.

Robert also held senior Human Resources and Operation Leadership roles at Husky Injection Molding Systems Limited. Most recently, Robert led a successful consulting business that focused on helping to move People, Leaders and Organizations forward to achieve outstanding business results.

Robert is a family-focused individual and enjoys spending quality time with his wife and daughters. Robert spends his spare time completing home renovation projects, tinkering with old cars, and playing goal in ice hockey.

Robert derives great satisfaction from NGen’s work and his personal goal is to bring long-term success to Canadian manufacturers and the Advanced Manufacturing Ecosystem in Canada.

Carol as Office Manager and EA to our CEO has a key role to play in ensuring effective direction and management of the organization through communication, coordination, and support for the Senior Leadership Team and direct responsibility for NGen office management.  With over 30 years of experience in professional office EA positions and a track record of strong performance in high-volume, high-pressure environments.

She is an expert in scheduling, correspondence, best practices, and bringing the organization into the office.  Originally from Dublin, Ireland, Carol immigrated to Canada in 1991.  She has worked with high-level executives in various businesses including Airline, Canada’s National Newspaper, Healthcare, and the Travel Industry, and provided top-level assistance.

She has 2 grown children that have graduated from University.  In her spare time, Carol volunteers with Big Brother Big Sisters and enjoys travel, cooking, flower arranging, and spending time with family.

With 20 years of experience in design, manufacturing, and international business development in Fortune 500 aerospace and automotive companies, Christy has been fortunate to visit and collaborate with companies all around North America, Europe, and Asia. From this experience, she brings to NGen not only a passion for manufacturing, but also for diversity and inclusion in the sector.

In her off-hours Christy can be found hiking in nature with her partner and two girls, or out in the bush with her portable easel, capturing the Canadian wilderness.

Being part of a small but mighty team means diversity in what Bridget brings to NGen and the Canadian manufacturing ecosystem. She plays a vital role in NGen’s Cluster Building Funding stream as well as her honed business development, creativity, and entrepreneurial skills to forge partnerships that deliver meaningful programs and value to advanced manufacturing stakeholders across the country.

Bridget has over 25 years of in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience of successfully building her own business – twice, as well as a machine learning start-up in the UK. Consulting for an SME manufacturer, in SW England, has made her aware of common challenges facing manufacturers everywhere. Her passion for manufacturing started at an early age as her father worked in a factory; she knows firsthand how manufacturing impacts Canadian families.

She loves to walk, doodle, watch rugby and work on her creative nonfiction compilation.

Robbie is a strategic thinker and communications specialist with experience in government and the non-profit space and expertise in innovation and strategic policy. At NGen, he is responsible for government & public relations, marketing, communications and supporting the Board of Directors as Corporate Secretary.

Robbie earned his BSc. at Carleton University where he completed his thesis in the field of nano chemistry and DNA aptamers with the DeRosa Lab. He obtained his MSc. in International Business Management from Ivey Business School at Western University where he completed terms overseas, obtaining his CEMS MIM designation from Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands, and consulting for Reckitt Benckiser Group in Heidelberg, Germany, and Teach for India in Pune, Maharastra.

Robbie is passionate about the outdoors, wildlife management, sports, cooking, music and history. A self-described jack of all trades, Robbie enjoys taking on new challenges and empowering those around him to do the same.

Frank Defalco is based in Ottawa and has extensive experience in both the public and private sectors. He is currently Director, Members Relations with Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen) and leads NGen’s Technical advisory boards for Additive Manufacturing and Automation & Robotics.

Previously, Frank established Canada’s Premiere Additive Manufacturing (AM) Network, Canada Makes. In his time leading Canada Makes he delivered the Metal Additive Demonstration Program introducing Additive Metal Manufacturing capability to over 200 Canadian companies and helping build AM capabilities awareness to Canadian industry. In this capacity, Frank developed a unique knowledge of Canada’s Additive Manufacturing ecosystem. Before that. He worked at the Canadian Museum of Civilization as the Web Public Service Officer. Also, in his time with Harris Corporation, Frank was part of the first manufacturing team in North America to successfully introduce just-in-time (Lean) manufacturing to the fabrication of printed circuit boards.

Frank is married, has three daughters, and is an avid baseball enthusiast with a love of old movies, history, and music.

Gillian Sheldon is Director of Investment Partnerships at NGen, Canada’s Advanced Manufacturing Supercluster, where she is responsible for developing funding partnerships with public sector agencies and private sector investors to support industry-led advanced manufacturing projects.

With 30 years of experience in economic development, both in the UK and Ontario, Gillian has an aptitude for connecting industry to advancement opportunities. Within the last 10 years, she has specifically been engaged in business development in the advanced manufacturing sector. Gillian takes pride in working to strengthen the competitiveness of Canada’s manufacturing sector through creating meaningful business partnerships to drive innovation and investment in advanced manufacturing technologies in Canada.

Gillian graduated from Glasgow Caledonian University with a master’s in business administration (MBA), and the University of Waterloo with a Certificate in Economic Development (Ec.D). Combined with growing up in a family-owned manufacturing service business, these achievements blend her lifelong passion for manufacturing with her aptitude for strategic business connections.

Outside of the work, Gillian enjoys photography, volunteering through Toastmasters International, and walking with her rescue dog.

As NGen’s Director of Project Development, Arthur brings to the team years of experience in innovation, science, and industrial policy, as well as a diverse career as a Professional Engineer and in international development.

Prior to joining NGen, Arthur was the Head of Science, Innovation, and Policy with the British Consulate-General Toronto, where he led the development of partnerships between the UK and Canadian companies and researchers in key sectors, like critical minerals, next-gen batteries, and zero-emission vehicles. During his time with the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade, Arthur also worked on various high-profile sector development strategies - namely in automotive, cleantech, and advanced manufacturing.

Outside of work, Arthur enjoys staying active in the community. He currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Empire Club of Canada, Parkdale Community Legal Services, and ProudPolitics Canada. In 2013, he was selected by CivicAction as a DiverseCity Fellow: a group of city-builders who are committed to creating solutions for the Greater Toronto Area’s most complex challenges. In 2006, Arthur was awarded the Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers.

Arthur graduated from the London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE) with a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree in Public & Economic Policy. He also received a Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.) in Systems Design Engineering from the University of Waterloo.

Stephanie has 17 years of experience leading teams and projects in the Steel Industry.  She loves connecting emerging technologies with existing manufacturing problems and believes the future of manufacturing is in the adoption of new ways of working. Stephanie holds a Bachelor of Applied Science – Chemical Engineering from the University of Waterloo, and a Master of Business Administration specializing in the Management of Innovation and New Technology from McMaster University. 

Outside of work, Stephanie serves on multiple boards for organizations that promote skilled trades and industry, and she mentors youth to see options in their career paths.  She also enjoys reading, weightlifting, and being in nature.

M. John Cigana, is a director for Project Development at NGen. John has been involved in supporting innovation, technology development and product commercialization, both in Europe and the Americas, for the past 25 years.

John has held numerous leadership roles at the National Research Council of Canada, namely Acting Director General, Senior Advisor and Director of R&D. He also worked for more than a decade for environmental technology manufacturer, Veolia Environnement. As such, he worked both in their North American business units as well as heading the Industrial R&D department of Anjou-Recherche, Veolia Environnement global R&D center, in France for 4 years.

John is a graduate from the École Polytechnique in Montréal, where he earned both is undergraduate and graduate degree. He obtained a certificate in governance from Université Laval (ASC title) with equivalent title (C.Dir.) from McMaster University. John has contributed to more than 100 technical papers and publications and secured two patents.

Peter’s experience in manufacturing and education has provided him with the appropriate background for his role as Director of Workforce Development Programs. The goal of this role is to advance the skillsets of manufacturers, and his knowledge and experience allow him to address the needs of the manufacturing workforce.

Based in Windsor, Ontario, Peter has spent over 20 years working in and with the manufacturing sector in that region, as well as Michigan. He has experienced many facets of manufacturing, from product development to production. He has also spent more than ten years in roles in post-secondary education as a professor and research director. This provided him with the experience of teaching and learning and applying new knowledge to primarily the manufacturing industry.

Peter’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Kinesiology from the University of Waterloo, a Master of Human Kinetics from the University of Windsor, and a Master and PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Wayne State University in Detroit.

George Mallin., is a +13-year MedTech leader with expertise in the design and development of medical devices, quality systems and regulatory strategies. George’s passion for device design was fostered during his time at the University of Minnesota where he was a graduate student at the Visible Heart Lab. Originally focused on cardiac ablation catheters and their delivery systems while at Medtronic, George’s expertise has expanded outside of cardiology to include Ophthalmology, Software as a Medical Device, AI, Diagnostics, IVDs, ENDS and Oncology.

George has accrued experience in all aspects of growing a medical device business. From early concepts to market access. Most recently, in his roles at Optina Diagnostics (QA/RA, Product Development, Production and IT), George created the architecture behind their certified QMS, designed and initiated clinical studies, secured non-dilutive funding and lead the team to FDA clearance. George believes in using his experience to support the development of ecosystems in Canada and sees his position as Program Director at NGen Canada as an opportunity to further enact positive change.

Joanne joined NGen as Senior Project Coordinator in November 2019. She has worked in the Manufacturing world for three decades with Project Management, Purchasing, and Inside Sales experience spanning two continents.

Summer is her favourite Season and walking and enjoying the outdoors is where she is happiest. Traveling, socializing, and dancing are also on the top of her “fun” list. In her downtime, you will find her, Kobo in hand, reading on the deck. Among many things she is grateful for, are her family and friends and most of all recently becoming a Grandmother for the first time.

Marie-Christine is an expert in contract negotiation, international trade, and compliance. She has more than 20 years of experience in the legal field with proven experience in defense and aerospace.

She has worked for more than 15 years in major law firms in Montreal as a Paralegal and for international groups for 5 years as Group leader – Compliance, international trade and transport. She excels in international contract negotiation and compliance related to national security and cybersecurity.

Throughout her career, Marie-Christine has been able to develop great skills in drafting legal documents, corporate governance, great expertise in risk analysis, a great understanding of the laws and regulations governing national security, regulations of the international export control, such as, but not limited to, Canadian export, ITAR and BAFA.

Ashley Leung is a Financial Claims Analyst of Next Generation Manufacturing Canada. With her financial experience in the automotive industry and non-profit sector, she demonstrates an ability to deliver results through financial analysis, budgeting, and management reporting. Her financial roles have included business partnering, data analysis, project execution, and process improvement and automation. With the combination of her technical skills and positive attitude, she strives to deliver her best results.

If you catch Ashley outside of work, she can be found baking, gardening, exploring coffee shops, and travelling, with the dream to go coastal foraging in Southern California one day.

Nelson joined NGen in 2020 as our Digital Marketing Manager. He is a multidisciplinary creative and brings extensive expertise in corporate brand identity, and digital marketing strategy.

At NGen, he is responsible for defining and managing the overall brand (from typography to tone), producing marketing collateral to support NGen initiatives, promoting projects and programs, and overseeing external design/development agencies.

Nelson graduated with a B. Tech in Graphic Communications Management from Ryerson University, he then followed this with a Master of Marketing and Sales Management degree, offered through EAE Business School.

Prior to joining the team, Nelson was the Omnichannel Content Strategist at LOEWE in Madrid, where he managed and designed the content for LOEWE.es.

Kim D’Souza as Client Engagement Manager plays a pivotal role in developing and nurturing working relationships with a wide range of external stakeholders, allowing for mutually beneficial initiatives and programs in support of NGen and the advanced manufacturing community. 

Additionally, she is the main liaison for the Chief Technology Officer’s activity, including the key point of contact for clients and other external partners.  With over 20 years of experience working in high-performing business development teams, Kim enjoys working with both the organizations and innovation partners to support the achievement of each others’ goals.  

Outside of the office, she has an interest in reading, flower arranging, a keen aptitude for event planning, and spending time with family and friends.

Aakash brings to NGen nearly a decade of mixed expertise in academia R&D, aerospace, and natural gas industries in holding roles in design, project engineering, program launches, and end-to-end program management. He has worked with global stakeholders in the private, public, and defence industries.

As part of the Project Development group at NGen, Aakash works with companies to develop their projects from concept stages to mature project plans, commercialization plans, risk management strategies, financial forecasts, and other key areas that help set the projects on a path to success.

Aakash holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons.) and a Minor in Business from the University of Victoria, and is a licensed Professional Engineer in British Columbia.

Adam joined the NGen team in June of 2020 and comes with nearly 4 years of experience with government funding and within the grants ecosystem, following his completion of post-secondary studies (B.E.S, Honours, Co-Op) in 2015.

At NGen, Adam works directly with clients, prospective and successful, in providing direction, support, and reviews on project financials/budgeting, eligibility, and general program information. Adam also brings expertise through his environmental studies and working experience, allowing for the identification, assessment, and KPI collection of positive environmental impacts of NGen supported projects.

Prior to joining NGen, Adam worked with the Ontario Centre of Innovation (previously Ontario Centres of Excellence), where he was responsible for business development, supporting client applications & intake, and funding administration across over 20 separate funding programs.

These programs' focus was over several industries and sectors, business stages, and were mandated through a number of provincial Ministries, with funding varying from $10,000 to upwards of $5M.