Team and Bios

The EORN team is made up of staff from across eastern Ontario who want to make a positive impact on the prosperity of our communities.

Meet Jason St.Pierre. Jason is the chief executive officer of the Eastern Ontario Regional Network (EORN), where he leads one of Canada’s most ambitious connectivity initiatives. Since stepping into the CEO role in July 2022, Jason has been instrumental in advancing EORN’s $300 million Cell Gap Project, a transformative effort to expand cellular coverage and capacity across rural eastern Ontario. Before coming to EORN, Jason held several senior roles at Bell Canada.

Jason grew up in rural Ontario, where he saw firsthand the challenges that come with limited connectivity and economic opportunity. Now based in Ottawa, Jason holds a Masters Certificate in Applied Project Management from Carleton University and he remains deeply committed to building a more connected and inclusive future for rural Canada. Jason’s career is defined by his ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments, drive innovation and deliver results. He played a key role in EORN’s Phase 1 broadband expansion and has contributed to multiple provincial connectivity programs, including ICON and northern Ontario broadband projects.

Outside of work, Jason and his wife Jenn love spending time at the cottage, especially when their two daughters, who are currently attending University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia are home. He’s an avid hockey player and downhill skier.

Meet Brenna Dallaway, executive assistant at EORN since April 2024. With 14 years of experience as an executive assistant in the non-profit and government sectors, Brenna focusses on making operations run smoothly, whether that’s managing busy calendars, coordinating important meetings or handling sensitive information with care. Brenna is always looking to boost efficiency, minimize scheduling conflicts and save on costs. She loves working with people from all walks of life, managing travel plans and pulling off successful company events.

Brenna is passionate about problem-solving and always brings energy, reliability and dedication to everything she does, whether working independently or as part of a team. “I am so proud to be part of the EORN team,” says Brenna in her own words. “We are a group of dedicated individuals who truly care about the communities we serve and supporting each other along the way.

Heather is a project manager with the EORN, having spent the last year focused on the management and delivery of the Cell Gap Project. Heather joined the EORN team over five years ago as the communications and stakeholder relations officer and has been involved in several key areas, including communications, customer service, administration and Indigenous consultation.

A graduate of Queen's University with an undergraduate honours degree in psychology and sociology, Heather spent over 12 years working in the municipal environment, before going on to earn a Diploma in Municipal Administration as well as a certificate in municipal leadership. She has worked closely with organizations such as the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC) and the Eastern Ontario Leadership Council, expanding her knowledge of regional development and local government issues. Heather is currently working towards achieving her Project Management Professional certifications.

When not working, Heather is kept busy with her two children, or can be found escaping into the world of literature with a good cup of tea.

Lisa has been with EORN for 16 years and is the director of communications where she leads outreach strategies and builds strong partnerships to support high-speed internet and mobile connectivity projects across the region. Since joining EORN, Lisa has been instrumental in advancing initiatives that bridge the digital divide and strengthen rural communities.

With over 20 years of experience in municipal government, Lisa held various roles at the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville and the EOWC before moving to EORN. Known for her strategic thinking and collaborative approach, she turns complex challenges into opportunities for growth and engagement.

Outside of her professional work, Lisa values family above all and is married with three adult children and two dogs. She loves to travel and draws inspiration from new places and cultures, often bringing creativity into her kitchen as an avid baker. Whether crafting a compelling message or the perfect pie, Lisa brings warmth, care and dedication to everything she does.

Marco Smits is a seasoned communications professional with extensive experience working with all levels of government. As part of the EORN team, Marco plays a key role in Indigenous consultation. Building respectful and collaborative relationships with Indigenous leaders, communities and organizations to ensure that EORN’s projects align with Indigenous priorities and needs is an important part of his role. His work focuses on ensuring open communication, consultation and engagement in EORN’s major infrastructure projects, including the $300 million Cell Gap Project.

Marco has received specialized training in Indigenous relations, crisis communications, public engagement and municipal affairs. He also holds a bachelor of arts degree in Physical Education and Sports Sciences from the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences. Passionate about sports, Marco has worked on a freelance basis at seven Olympic Games and he was awarded an Emmy for his work as an associate producer/researcher at the 2022 Beijing Olympics with NBC Universal.

Growing up in the Netherlands, Marco is always planning his next trip, having travelled in more than 65 countries. He loves the Canadian outdoors and birding and frequently ventures out on backcountry trips with his wife and two rescue dogs.

Roger began his career in electronics and naval data systems from which he followed a non-traditional path through the technology sector. His journey has included pre-sales roles across Europe for a global telecommunications provider, and the successful build, integration, and launch of the UK’s first 3G mobile network. Later Roger moved into management, where he led the integration of data centre operational teams into a multi-vendor managed service environment.

For eight years, Roger led IT infrastructure transformation at Fleming College, culminating in his promotion to chief information officer, where he expanded his responsibilities to oversee enterprise-wide IT systems. Most recently, he’s taken on the role of director of technology at EORN, applying his strategic and technical expertise to support project delivery and stakeholder outcomes.

Roger’s experience spans both public sector institutions and blue-chip companies, which when combined with a MBA from University of Fredericton, gives him a broad and adaptive perspective on technology leadership.

Paula has been with EORN since 2011 working on its initial broadband project, and was previously the director of technology. This role ranged from developing the Cell Gap Project business case, developing and managing contracts, coordinating archaeological assessments, to reviewing and monitoring construction progress and analyzing the project using Geographic Information Science (GIS) technology. More recently Paula has been involved in developing additional opportunities in expanding broadband projects across eastern Ontario.

Paula has extensive experience in technology design, development and product introduction in the telecommunications industry, as well as consulting experience including project management and process planning.

Paula has been an active volunteer with amateur sports including gymnastics, soccer and wrestling as well as event management leadership roles in national and international championships, and she continues to sit on the board of directors for a local gymnastics club. Paula enjoys traveling, skiing with her family and gardening, although lately her garden is becoming more of a pollinator garden.

Matt has been an employee of Peterborough County since 2003 and EORN has been leveraging his GIS expertise since its first broadband project in 2010. Matt is an expert in visualizing geographic data and creating maps and reports that inform EORN's decision making across the organization.

Matt is a graduate of Fleming College as a Cartographic Technician with a post graduate certificate as a (GIS) Specialist. He is also a certified Geographic Information Systems Professional (GISP).

Matt grew up on a small farm in Omemee, Ontario where he continues to help his family with their annual maple syrup production. He is a proud parent of three teenagers and he has passed down his love of sports, especially hockey and baseball. He dedicates endless hours to coaching youth in his community. Matt enjoys fishing and participates in several local bass tournaments in the Kawartha Lakes region.

Zach has been at EORN since June of 2024 and has taken on the role as the chief financial officer. Zach started his career as an auditor, specializing in municipal, non-profit and First Nations audits.

Zach graduated from Laurentian University with an Honours in Bachelor of Commerce in 2011. He later went on to obtain a CPA while working with KPMG Sudbury in 2013, where he continued to work with municipalities and non-profits across northern Ontario. When transitioning to the municipal sector, Zach accepted a role as the deputy treasurer for the Township of Ramara - a township in the County of Simcoe- where he worked his way up to chief administrative officer at the age of 33. He worked with council and senior staff to implement several large projects such as automated speed enforcement, insurance pooling, and water and sewer infrastructure projects. Zach’s aim as a CAO was to build a strong senior leadership team and build strong moral across the township.

In his personal life, Zach runs a small sheep farm in Kawartha Lakes with just under 100 sheep. He spends most of his off time working on the farm and managing his sheep flock. He also volunteers at the local agricultural society that promotes agriculture and runs the annual Bobcaygeon Fall Fair.

Bernie is a financial analyst at the County of Hastings who has been supporting EORN with financial analysis, budgeting, auditing, and reporting expertise since 2022.

Bernie graduated with a Bachelor of Economics degree from Wilfrid Laurier University and later obtained her designation as a Chartered Professional Accountant. Bernie brings over 25 years of diverse experience in both the private and public sectors supporting strategic decision making. Known for financial leadership, she has built a career on integrity and accountability while delivering results across a broad range of industries, including government, not-for-profit and corporate environments.

Outside of the office, Bernie is dedicated to her family life, with a deep love of nature and adventure, creating lasting memories with family and friends. For years, Bernie proudly dedicated her time as team manager working with minor hockey teams, bringing energy, organization, and financial expertise to the organization, supporting youth sports and her belief in teamwork, leadership and giving back to the community.

Sheridan Graham

Chief Administrative Officer Peterborough County