Justin Falconer Named CEO of Workforce WindsorEssex
Michelle Suchiu to lead an expanded community planning focus
For Immediate Release
April 6, 2020
Windsor, ON – Today, the Workforce WindsorEssex Board of Directors and Executive Director Michelle Suchiu announced that Justin Falconer has been named Chief Executive Officer. Falconer most recently served as Senior Director at Workforce WindsorEssex where he was responsible for leading the Local Employment Planning Council (LEPC) project, launching the WE Data Tools initiative, and increasing the organization’s public awareness.
Michelle Suchiu assumes the role of Senior Director, Strategic Partnerships and will grow the organization’s community engagement and planning portfolio, while continuing to provide the full benefit of her experience, leadership, and guidance to Falconer as a member of the senior management team. Suchiu served as Executive Director since 2017 and is credited with building a high producing team and securing new project funding that has led to revenue growth of 39% over three years. The Board of Directors notes that they are extremely grateful for Suchiu’s leadership in transforming the organization over the last three years.
Today’s announcement also includes the public launch of a new mission and vision statement. Workforce WindsorEssex’s renewed mission is to lead regional employment and community planning for the development of a strong and sustainable workforce. As CEO, Falconer will help Workforce WindsorEssex pursue its new five-year vision to become the regional authority on employment and community planning that drives positive social outcomes and attracts sustainable investments.
Falconer joined the Workforce WindsorEssex team as a Manager in January 2016, and 16 months later assumed additional responsibilities for the organization’s communications, marketing, and branding. In January 2018, Suchiu promoted Falconer to Senior Director when he was also put in charge of the LEPC project. Later that year, Falconer spearheaded the creation of a system of place-based data tools that would eventually become the WE Data Tools initiative. Before joining Workforce WindsorEssex, Falconer worked in progressively senior roles in the Premier’s office, Ministerial offices, and Constituency offices.
The leadership change that was recommended by Suchiu and approved unanimously by the Board of Directors is consistent with the organization’s strategic direction and values. Falconer has proven to be highly capable, deeply committed to the organization’s cause, and ready to lead after 17 years of experience in government and community work. He is community-minded and has a solid understanding of the breadth and depth of the organization’s work.
QUOTES:
“Justin benefited from the guidance of one of the region’s most esteemed community leaders, Michelle Suchiu. His determination to define the skills gap in real-time and his ferocious resolve for continuous improvement will serve Workforce WindsorEssex and our community well. Together, Justin and Michelle, in their new roles, will work hard to sustain the organization and achieve our vision.”
- Leslie Frattaroli, Board Chair, Workforce WindsorEssex
“At a time when the Ontario Government is transforming employment services and Workforce WindsorEssex is pioneering new ways to collect and disseminate place-based labour market information through online data tools, I believe this is the optimal time to transition to a new chief executive. I have the utmost confidence in Justin and look forward to working closely with him in the CEO role.”
- Michelle Suchiu, Senior Director, Strategic Partnerships, Workforce WindsorEssex
“I’m incredibly honored and humbled to assume the role of CEO. Michelle has built Workforce WindsorEssex into a cohesive team of strong performers, and I have been lucky to enjoy a front-row seat as a member of her senior management team. I share her commitment to community partnerships, technological innovation, and teamwork. In five years, we want to sustain the work of our organization through positive returns on social investments.”
- Justin Falconer, CEO, Workforce WindsorEssex
About Workforce WindsorEssex
Workforce WindsorEssex is a workforce and community development board that creates labour market tools, research, guides, and events that benefit jobseekers, employers, students, educators, and the community. Founded by the City of Windsor, County of Essex, WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation, and the Province of Ontario, our mandate is to plan, facilitate, and advocate for regional workforce development, defined as the development, retention, and recruitment of a wide range of skilled workers to meet the current and future economic and social development needs of Windsor-Essex.
Learn more at www.workforcewindsoressex.com.
