A team dedicated to ensuring business is better in Sarnia-Lambton

Our team of experts is ready to help.

Matthew Slotwinski

Chief Executive Officer

Matthew delivers site selection services and special projects related to Sarnia-Lambton’s core industrial sectors including investment attraction, retention and expansion initiatives.

Matthew has helped the Sarnia-Lambton Hybrid Chemistry Cluster, Ontario’s Hydrogen Hub, and Sarnia-Lambton Energy & Chemistry Cluster gain international recognition, attracting new investment and employment to the Sarnia-Lambton area.

He has previously worked with the Business Enterprise Centre of Sarnia-Lambton, advising entrepreneurs and creating programming for local business owners.

Matthew graduated from the University of Western Ontario’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) program after completing his Bachelor of Commerce (BComm) undergraduate degree at the University of Guelph specializing in Public Management. He has obtained a Certificate in Economic Development from the University of Waterloo and Economic Developers Associations of Canada and was named one of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers (2021) by Consultant Connect.

Hesam Houryaband, PhD

Vice President of Economic Development

Hesam leads strategic programming and directs investment attraction efforts for the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership, as well as overseeing business retention and expansion initiatives. His extensive background in international, political, and diplomatic affairs, as well as public relations, marketing, and customer service will help drive innovative growth strategies for the region.

Prior to joining SLEP, Hesam held several senior roles at Research On Investment (ROI) including Vice President of Client Services, where he managed key governmental and business relationships and led international trade missions. His experience spans both the public and private sectors across diverse global markets.

Hesam has a Master of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy, an honorary PhD in International Relations, and a doctorate auditor in International Relations and Diplomacy. He is fluent in English, French, and Persian.

Shauna Carr

Economic Development Officer

She/Her

Shauna works to attract new investment and support job creation and business expansion in the petrochemical, bio, sustainable, chemistry, and energy sectors currently established in Sarnia-Lambton. Shauna’s role is to help expand Ontario’s Hydrogen Hub, the Hybrid Chemistry Cluster as well as the Petrochemical and Refining Complex to support innovative and groundbreaking processes and investment.

She is proud to be the Economic Partnership’s liaison to the three local First Nation communities located within Lambton County’s border. Shauna is a proud member of the Visions of Harmony committee that links the local Indigenous Communities with education and workforce opportunities locally.

Shauna has 21 years of experience in community and relationship building in the Sarnia-Lambton area and looks forward to bringing those long-standing relationships to welcome and work for new investments and companies to the area. Shauna is working with new and local industries to highlight Sarnia-Lambton as Ontario’s Hydrogen Hub and is a member of the Business/Economic Taskforce. Shauna has an Honours Degree in English and Political Science whose related experience help her support what new business is looking for.

Chantelle Lynne Core

Economic Development Officer

She/Her

Chantelle is a collaborative economic development professional. In her role as an Economic Development Officer, she is dedicated to facilitating business growth in the region by providing consultative services and cultivating connections with valuable resources. Beyond client engagements, Chantelle actively coordinates projects to enhance Sarnia-Lambton’s economic competitiveness, collaborating with a variety of partners.  

Committed to supporting rural municipalities, Chantelle works towards the prosperity of existing businesses while identifying growth opportunities. Her experience includes managing a variety of economic development projects, such as Business Retention and Expansion programs, Digital Main Street, Downtown Revitalization initiatives and co-chairing the Intelligent Sarnia-Lambton Taskforce. 

Chantelle brings a wealth of experience to her work. With a degree in business administration and an advanced diploma in marketing, she has dedicated over a decade to fostering entrepreneurship and economic development in Sarnia-Lambton. Chantelle finds joy in connecting with people, exploring new ideas, and engaging in the creative process. 

Cari Meloche

Economic Development Officer

She/Her

Cari attracts talent and entrepreneurs to the Sarnia-Lambton community. She connects with business leaders to understand specific hiring needs and offers a variety of tactics to enhance recruitment practices.

Over the last 4 years, Cari has connected with over 4,000 job seekers who would consider relocating to the Sarnia-Lambton area. Cari is well connected to regional community partners and federal immigration programs that provide a skilled talent pool to attract new residents.

She has worked for over 15 years in the field of Human Resources and truly understands the importance of developing a strong workforce. She has been proud to have created and led local programs such as the Sarnia-Lambton Apprenticeship Project and the Bridging Global Talent in Sarnia-Lambton Project, both aimed at attracting and retaining local talent.

Whether you are a Sarnia-Lambton employer looking to discuss recruitment strategies or a job seeker wanting to learn more about local employment opportunities and networks, Cari welcomes you to connect with her.

Theresa Kimmerly

Associate Economic Development Officer

She/Her

With a passion for promoting development and growth in the community, Theresa brings a unique blend of skills and experiences to the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership. Her career spans over six years in Commercial Real Estate and eighteen years in customer service, management, and administration.

Theresa’s recent years have been dedicated to focusing on client-driven solutions, engagement, community building, and business development. This includes meetings with private and large-scale investors, business owners, and property management companies. She firmly believes in the strong connection between Commercial Real Estate and Economic Development, both requiring the ability to make and support connections between people and groups, proactive approaches, resourcefulness, and a working knowledge of appropriate zoning and servicing in the municipality.

Theresa takes the time to research and understand the needs and motivations of businesses and clients. This understanding, coupled with her ability to analyze information, allows her to make valuable recommendations that contribute to business retention and expansion. Theresa takes an active role in the community and volunteers with the Women in Business committee at the Sarnia-Lambton Chamber of Commerce and is a member & volunteer with the Huron Shores Optimist Club.

Theresa is excited to bring her skills and experience to the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership Team.

Alison Minato

Small Business Enterprise Centre Manager

She/Her

Alison supports local start-ups and existing small businesses with resources and confidential business counselling and advisory services.  She brings over 25 years of operations and business management experience with both large and small enterprises.

Alison holds a Bachelor of Environmental Studies degree from the University of Waterloo and a Master’s in Business Administration from Colorado State University.  Her early working years in the energy industry put her environmental background into practice, but also gave her the opportunity to discover and grow her interest in operations and business management.  This led to leadership roles in compliance and sustainability management, and her first personal business venture growing a new product development firm that provides product strategy, design, and engineering services to early stage and high growth companies.

Alison loves to learn, share, and help organizations thrive and looks forward to working with Sarnia-Lambton’s business community

Brittany Moore

Finance and Operations Lead (On Maternity Leave)

She/Her

With over 10 years of experience in professional office assistant positions and a track record of strong performance in high-volume, high-pressure environments, Brittany skillfully manages administrative duties for the staff and supports the Board of Directors at Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership. She thrives on organization and efficiency.

Her background includes working in the non-profit sector and financial industry. She has a passion for people and giving back to her community.

Brittany is new to the Sarnia-Lambton region and is thoroughly enjoying the area with the backdrop of the beautiful blue water of Lake Huron.

Arianne Garcia

Marketing and Communications Manager

She/Her

Arianne brings over 14 years of global experience in marketing, branding, and business development across Asia, the US, and Canada. As the Marketing & Communications Manager at the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership, Arianne leads strategic branding and communication efforts to enhance local and global economic activity and community development. Her mission is to promote Sarnia-Lambton’s unique advantages and attract businesses and residents through targeted marketing initiatives.

Prior to her current role, Arianne has held various senior marketing and business development positions across different industries including e-commerce retail, events, cybersecurity, and dental practice management. She has successfully led go-to-market strategies, leveraged data-driven insights to drive growth, and managed comprehensive marketing campaigns that increased brand awareness and engagement. Arianne is also a part-time professor at Lambton College, teaching Selling and Social Media Marketing.

Passionate about innovation, collaboration, and lifelong learning, Arianne thrives in the dynamic marketing field and is always eager to connect with peers for shared growth.

Jeanny Leung

Receptionist/Clerk

She/Her

Jeanny is an experienced Receptionist / Clerk with a demonstrated history of working in the economic development industry.

Her skillset includes Website Maintenance, Customer Service, Office Administration, and Event Management.

Jeanny joined the Economic Partnership in 2006 after acquiring a Diploma in Office Administration from Lambton College.

In her role, she is often the first point of contact for clients calling or visiting our office.

Cindy Piggott

Finance & Operations Lead

She/Her

With over 20 years of experience in professional office assistant positions and a track record of strong performance in high-volume, high-pressure environments, Cindy skillfully manages administrative duties for the staff and supports the Board of Directors at Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership. She thrives on organization and efficiency.

Her background includes working in the oil and gas industry primarily. She has a passion for people and giving back to her community having organized and participated in various fundraisers within the community.

Cindy is a life-long Sarnia-Lambton resident with a passion for this region.  Cindy will be covering Brittany’s leave while she is enjoying her new role of motherhood.