London, ON. August 15, 2024 – TechAlliance is proud to announce the appointment of Michael Schmalz, former President of Digital Extremes, as the new Chair of its Board of Directors, alongside the addition of esteemed new board directors, Meaghan Daly, President of Forward Vision Games and Kim Parker, President and CEO of Food Security Structures Canada.
Our team is thrilled to welcome new Directors to TechAlliance’s Board, including a new Chair. Michael, Meaghan, and Kim each bring a wealth of expertise and a shared passion for our innovation economy that align deeply with our moonshot of building Canada’s top tech ecosystem. Their collective knowledge and leadership will be instrumental in driving our mission forward, fostering growth, and amplifying the impact of our tech community.
With decades of leadership in the digital media sector and the interactive entertainment industry, Michael Schmalz brings a wealth of experience to his new role as Board Chair. As the former President of Digital Extremes, he led the company to become a billion-dollar global enterprise known for its progressive studio culture and high-profile game titles, including the award-winning titles Warframe, Bioshock, Unreal, and Halo franchises. Michael’s strategic leadership and advocacy for the gaming industry have significantly contributed to the scaling of Ontario’s video game industry.
The growth and potential of the London tech community have been impressive these past years. I am honoured and excited to take on the role as Board Chair of TechAlliance to help this amazing ecosystem grow to its full potential over the next two years.
Adding to diverse founder’s journeys represented on the TechAlliance Board, Kim Parker and Meaghan Daly will help to radically reduce obstacles and increase speed to success for the most promising startups and the highest potential scale-ups, truly championing TechAlliance’s mission to fuel Canada’s innovation economy.
President of Forward Vision Games, a financial simulation gaming company that teaches essential financial skills, Meaghan Daly has a career as a former Senior Equity Trader on Bay Street. With firsthand experience in managing financial risk, she is determined to revolutionize the way finance is taught, delivering financial simulation games in high schools and post-secondary schools as well as skills training programs across four Canadian provinces. Her work and passion align in three key areas – contributing to the capital markets and driving positive changes towards economic reconciliation; improving financial inclusion; and advancing the economic agency of women.
Kim Parker, President & CEO of Food Security Structures Canada, has more than 20 years of leadership in sales, marketing, and media. Her passion for sustainable food solutions and community leadership is rooted in her Métis heritage and upbringing on a small family farm. A TechAlliance Limitless 2023 People’s Choice Award winner, Parker and her work with FSSC positions her as a valuable addition to the TechAlliance Board.
Having been a member of TechAlliance for the past four years, I am deeply honoured to join the Board now. I've witnessed firsthand the significant impact TechAlliance has on supporting tech and innovation ventures in London and the surrounding area. I'm eager to bring my perspective as an agri-tech business leader as we continue to foster growth and support within the Canadian tech sector.
I am thrilled to join the esteemed Board and look forward to contributing to accelerate TechAlliance's vision. My passion lies in expanding the reach of the tech community and fostering inclusive growth within the innovation economy. I am eager to collaborate with fellow board members to drive meaningful impact and innovation.
In the greater London area, bright minds with big ideas come together at TechAlliance with an unmatched spirit to solve global challenges and put Canada on the map. With a Board of Directors comprised of passionate and accomplished industry leaders, alongside an incredibly talented team, TechAlliance has set ambitious targets to convene and build upon a highly connected ecosystem. Innovation thrives here.
Facts
- London ranked in the Top 10 Emerging Tech Markets in North American for the second consecutive year in CBRE’s 2023 Scoring Tech Talent report.
- Reported by Technology Councils of North America, Canada welcomed record numbers of tech talent migration to this region — London named #8 for largest in-migration by city.
- Growing at twice the average rate in the country, London is the fastest growing city in Ontario, and the 4th fastest in Canada.