New CEO at DIGITAL, the Vancouver Supercluster

VANCOUVER – Rhonda Barnet (pictured) was named as DIGITAL’s Interim CEO last month, following the retirement of the organization’s inaugural CEO, Sue Paish. DIGITAL is part of Canada’s Cluster Initiative, and brings together industry leaders, SMEs, and post-secondary institutions to collaborate on large-scale projects that drive innovation and the development of technology solutions.

For her part, Rhonda Barnet brings an impressive track record as an entrepreneur, industry leader, CEO, and board director. Her experience spans advanced manufacturing, workforce development, technology adoption, innovation policy, and ecosystem leadership.

She is well positioned to guide DIGITAL through its next chapter. Throughout her career, Rhonda has demonstrated an ability to lead organizations through growth and change while working collaboratively across complex networks of government, industry, funders, and private sector partners.

Rhonda was a board member of NGen Canada, Canada’s global innovation cluster for advanced manufacturing. She has also held senior management, board and advisory roles: president and COO of Avit Manufacturing; CEO, Palette Skills; Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, and the Federal Industry Strategy Council.

That experience is deeply aligned with DIGITAL’s work and our role in helping companies deploy breakthrough technologies to scale and compete globally by unlocking access to capital, talent, and markets.

The DIGITAL website noted: “As we recognize Sue’s extraordinary contributions to DIGITAL, we are also looking ahead with confidence. Rhonda understands our organization, our members, our partners, and the opportunities we’re pursuing. We’re grateful for her willingness to step into this role and lead DIGITAL through this period of transition, continuity, and possibility.”

While Rhonda is in the interim role, the board will undertake a comprehensive search for a new CEO. Effective immediately, Kim Haakstad will serve as acting board chair.