It didn't take former Ladysmith mayor Aaron Stone long to land a new position.

South Island Prosperity Partnership (SIPP), Greater VictoriaB次元官网网址檚 economic development alliance, announced that Stone has been hired as its new chief executive officer. Stone announced this month that he is stepping down from his third term as mayor of the Town of Ladysmith to accept the SIPP position. 

B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 thrilled to be joining the talented team at SIPP,B次元官网网址� Stone said. B次元官网网址淲hen I decided last year that I would not seek political office in the future, I began to contemplate post-elected life and explore new opportunities. Nothing really ignited the fire in me until I discovered that SIPP was seeking a new CEO, a role that leverages my 25 years of experience in technology, marketing and public service combined with my passion for economic development. The South Island is a vibrant region with immense potential. I am committed to working with our partners and stakeholders to deliver on this potential through continued collaboration and innovation.B次元官网网址�

Along with serving as mayor of Ladysmith, Stone founded Uforik Computers, served as president of the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce and as chair of both the Island Coastal Economic Trust and the Cowichan Valley Regional District. He was previously vice-president of Business Development for Global Media and director of Interactive Technology and Marketing for the Vancouver Grizzlies.

B次元官网网址淎fter an extensive nationwide CEO search, with hundreds of candidates, weB次元官网网址檙e very pleased how AaronB次元官网网址檚 skills, passions and network align to SIPP,B次元官网网址� said SIPPB次元官网网址檚 board chair Terry Gunning. B次元官网网址淎aronB次元官网网址檚 collaborative approach and strong commitment to sustainable economic development will accelerate SIPPB次元官网网址檚 mission to build a more innovative, diversified, inclusive and sustainable South Island economy.B次元官网网址�

Stone succeeds former SIPP CEO Emilie de Rosenroll. Dallas Gislason, currently SIPPB次元官网网址檚 Interim CEO, will continue in the role until Stone takes over the position on Oct. 7.

B次元官网网址淥ver the course of the selection process, I had the opportunity to converse with Aaron on several occasions," Gislason said. "I was immediately impressed by AaronB次元官网网址檚 innovative and ambitious economic development vision for Greater Victoria and his passion for working collaboratively with SIPPB次元官网网址檚 members, including the regionB次元官网网址檚 municipalities, First Nations, private sector, post-secondaries and non-profits. Working across these diverse stakeholder groups takes a special skill set, and I believe Aaron is the right CEO to build on SIPPB次元官网网址檚 momentum as we expand key initiatives."

For more on some of the initiatives, visit , the  and the  business and essential talent attraction platform.