George Spezza

George Spezza is a community builder with over three decades of experience in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. As Director of Economic Development for Niagara Region, George leads and unites efforts across 12 municipalities to build a strong and sustainable regional economy. Prior to his current role, George held a number of positions in Toronto focused on the growth of Canada’s largest city. As a Senior Advisor for the Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit project, George strengthened business and stakeholder relationships critical to this transformative transit initiative. During his tenure as Director of Business Growth Services at the City of Toronto and Vice President of Investment Attraction for the Greater Toronto Marketing Alliance, George led a wide range of initiatives to increase business investment and job growth.

George has received professional designations from the Economic Developers Council of Canada and the International Economic Developers Council along with completing the Canada School of Public Service’s Executive Leadership Program.

George was an Instructor at Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Urban and Regional Planning, Community Economic Development Program. He is a member of the IEDC International Advisory Committee and a Board Member of the Consider Canada City Alliance.