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Aurora Economic Development Corporation Board

Who we are:

The Aurora Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) is a volunteer board currently comprised of 11 business and community leaders, along with the Mayor and a member of Council . It is supported by the Town's Chief Administrative Officer, staff resources from the Economic Development Office and Legislative Services staff. 

What we do:

On behalf of Aurora Town Council, The Aurora Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) provides strategic leadership and coordination of community economic development. The AEDC works with partners (provincial, regional and federal governments, community agencies, educational institutions and local businesses) to strengthen and diversify existing business, attract new business and investment, and coordinate strategic economic development initiatives within the community. 

Board mission:

To lead, inspire and build ongoing and sustainable, robust business growth in Aurora, which yields a vibrant, prosperous community for businesses, people and ecosystem.

Current AEDC Board Members

Mayor - Tom Mrakas​

Now in his second term, Mayor Tom Mrakas continues to lead Aurora with energy and vision. First elected as Councilor in 2014 and Mayor in 2018, he proudly represents the town at York Regional Council, championing community-driven progress every step of the way.

Councillor Harold Kim

Harold is a 25-year veteran in financial services at the large banks and investment firms, serving in various capacities from product development/ management, investment fund research/due diligence, business development/relationship management and operations.

Nima Khadem-Mohtaram (Chair)

Nima Khadem Mohtaram is an entrepreneur, current Chair of the  AEDC board, and a member of the Philanthropy Cabinet at the Southlake Health Foundation. He previously served as a board member at the Aurora Chamber of Commerce and as a faculty member at the University of Waterloo. Nima leads MedTech initiatives at ventureLAB, driving innovation and economic growth in Canada’s healthcare sector. He holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering by training.

Keith Loo (Vice-Chair)

Sep Assadian

Sep Assadian is an entrepreneur, investor, and community builder with over 15 years of experience in global innovation ecosystems across the Middle East, South Asia, and North America. He is the Vice President of Founder Success at ventureLAB, a leading globally recognized accelerator focused on hardtech innovation. Sep has pioneered entrepreneurship initiatives, co-founded investment networks, and mentored founders in commercialization, investment, and scaling deep-tech ventures across Canada and beyond.

Tracy Smith

Tracy Smith is the owner of Kitchen Table CEOs, a boutique marketing agency that helps women entrepreneurs show up and stand out online and in-person so that they can grow amazing businesses. She is the founder of the ‘Oh Yes We Can!’ event series, an offering of high-energy, impactful events that engage & equip female business owners to grow, learn & connect in and out of the office.

Owen Heritage

With over 25 years of business experience, Owen has held leadership roles across automotive, material handling, and construction industries. As current President of Ramudden Services Canada, he leads national operations and growth. He previously served as President of The Powell Services Group and held executive roles at Powell Contracting. He also contributes to several industry and community boards.

Bill Hogg

Anita Mukherjee

With nearly 30 years in financial services, Anita brings a diverse perspective with expertise in consulting, strategy, and governance. She is a strong advocate for collaboration and is dedicated to positively impacting the community. Anita is also an avid cyclist and combines her passion for the sport with a commitment to supporting charitable causes.

Matthew Johnson

Matthew Johnson is an accomplished strategy and business development executive with over 20 years of experience driving innovation and growth for mission-driven life science organizations. Currently Senior Director, Digital Strategy with GE HealthCare Canada, Matt leads commercialization of digital/AI solutions addressing key challenges in Canadian healthcare.

Matthew Johnson

Matthew Johnson is an accomplished strategy and business development executive with over 20 years of experience driving innovation and growth for mission-driven life science organizations. Currently Senior Director, Digital Strategy with GE HealthCare Canada, Matt leads commercialization of digital/AI solutions addressing key challenges in Canadian healthcare.

Leslie Stuart Learmont

Leslie Stuart Learmont, CPA CA, is a retired financial executive known for his expertise in team leadership, financial management and auditing. With over 40 years of experience, he has served various public and private industries, providing financial guidance, business expertise and board governance. Stuart's recent work is focused on giving back to the community through serving on nonprofit boards.

Sreyas Dasika

Sreyas Dasika brings 9+ years of expertise as Business Manager at Megalab Group Inc., specializing in technical sales, digital marketing, and strategic service management. His diverse industry experience spans automotive, aerospace, military, medical, and consumer electronics sectors, positioning him to contribute valuable insights to Aurora's economic development initiatives.

Debra Wilson (Aurora Chamber of Commerce)

Doug Nadorozny (Town CAO)

Economic Development Support Staff

Manager of Economic Development

Andrew Poray

Senior Economic Development Officer

Angela Haynes

Economic Development Initiatives

In partnership with MetaWorldX, the Town of Aurora is pleased to offer a new, unique online tool, a virtual digital twin of the town. Being able to visualize data in real time will help residents, businesses and leaders make decisions.

Launch Aurora's Digital Twin

With a diversified economic base of over 2,200 businesses, Aurora continues to attract major companies including Magna International, Desjardins, Bulk Barn, Kirchhoff Automotive, Genpak LP, Flow Water, and others.  Aurora’s companies are also cornerstones of York Region/ Greater Toronto Area’s flourishing Information Technology; Financial, Insurance & Accounting Services (FinTech); Food Processing; Health and Life Sciences (MedTech); and Advanced Manufacturing clusters.

The Town of Aurora, in partnership with the Aurora Chamber of Commerce, is excited to present Explore Aurora, a dynamic digital hub designed to celebrate our community, support local businesses, and inspire tourism.

By connecting residents and visitors with real-time updates, local events, and exclusive special offers from Aurora’s unique businesses, Explore Aurora plays a key role in driving the Town’s economic goals. Supporting local businesses not only strengthens our community but also helps sustain jobs, boost tourism, and foster long-term economic growth.

Discover the best Aurora has to offer while helping to build a prosperous future for everyone. Visit Explore Aurora today!

Explore Aurora logo

The recently opened Aurora Town Square is the largest capital infrastructure project the Town has ever embarked on and will serve as a catalyst for downtown revitalization. It is the culmination of years of planning that demonstrates strategic municipal investment in the downtown, which will leverage further investment, foster employment opportunities, and support downtown resilience.

Board Details

Members of the Board are appointed on three year staggered terms (with the option of a further three year term) to ensure Board continuity. Council members are appointed for terms concurrent with their term of Council. In municipal election years, appointed Council members are permitted to serve on the board until which time that Council appoints a replacement member.

For board openings, please visit the Boards and Committees page.

Economic Development in Aurora

Extensive community consultation results in many plans, studies and reports that help guide development and investment. Learn more.

Contact Us

Town of Aurora
100 John West Way
Aurora ON L4G 6J1
Phone: 905-727-1375 or 905-727-3123
Fax: 905-726-4769

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