August 15, 2023, FREDERICTON (ONB) – The Board of Directors for Opportunities NB is pleased to announce the appointment of Traci Simmons as CEO for the Crown corporation. The appointment of Ms. Simmons as CEO occurred on June 15, 2023, by the Lieutenant-Government in Council following a recommendation from the Board of Directors and a competitive recruitment and search process.
Ms. Simmons has been serving as acting CEO since October 2022. Previously, Ms. Simmons was ONB’s Chief Operating Officer and Assistant Deputy Minister, having been with the organization since 2015.
“ONB plays a vital role in supporting our province’s growth,” said ONB Board Chair Michael J. Campbell. “With Traci’s passion for driving economic growth and her focus on results, she is the ideal person to lead the team at ONB and to ensure that New Brunswick’s businesses have the support they need to continue their growth journeys.”
Ms. Simmons has experience in strategic and business planning across a variety of industries and more than a decade of economic development experience. Under her leadership, ONB has been recognized annually for its award-winning culture focused on delivering results.
Ms. Simmons has proven effective in her role as Acting CEO and the Board looks forward to working with Ms. Simmons as permanent CEO, said Campbell.
“With momentum for New Brunswick on the economic front, it is an exciting time to take on the CEO role and lead the ONB team,” said Simmons. “I am looking forward to ensuring ONB services continue to be relevant for businesses in a post-pandemic period as markets and priorities change, and ensuring we remain positioned to help our clients invest, grow, scale, and tap into new markets for their products and services.”
The Opportunities New Brunswick Act specifies that the Chief Executive Officer is appointed by the Lieutenant-Governor in Council (LGIC) from among those nominated by the Board of Directors using a merit-based and objective process to ensure that nominees have the necessary skills and qualifications.
“Traci has demonstrated her ability to lead the ONB team and I am pleased the Board recommended her for this position,” said Greg Turner, minister responsible for Opportunities NB. “I look forward to working with her to ensure New Brunswick continues to be recognized as a world-class place to do business.”
Opportunities NB is a Crown corporation and the lead economic development agency for the province. It seeks to attract and support opportunities to stimulate economic growth and create jobs by providing support services for businesses.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Michel LeBlanc, communications, Opportunities NB, michel.leblanc@onbcanada.ca.
