Coady Thomson, Manager of the St. Catharines Club
Born in Ajax, Ontario but grew up in Whitby, Ontario. Baseball and Hockey quickly became a way of life at a very young age. Attended Anderson C.V.I. in Whitby, Ontario before starting in Food and Beverage at the Slots at Ajax Downs. Moved to St. Catharines in 2008 to attend Niagara College.
A graduate from Niagara College in Tourism-Management Business Development in 2010. Started a career in private clubs at Burlington Golf and Country Club and continuing onto the St. Catharines Golf and Country Club and currently the General Manager at the St. Catharines Club. A proud St. Catharines resident, the proud husband to Jessica and father to 7-month-old Oliver.
Community Leadership to me is not just defined by leading a team or organization but by being a leader in all aspects that the person’s life to improve the community that person is apart of.
I am personally motivated to explore community leadership as someone who has been inspired and looks up to several community leaders that have impacted my life and role at the St. Catharines Club. Community Leadership is valuable on every level of commitment. I feel that it is just important at the volunteer level as the board level or the large donor level.
In my view the most significant issue facing our community is great future leaders leaving the Region because of not being able to find jobs within their careers. The availability of jobs in other locations in our province such as in Toronto, Durham region or also in other parts of the Country is far greater than it currently is in Niagara. I personally came to Niagara for school, graduated and never left after finding a job in my chosen career but very few in my program remain in the Region. Niagara has been wonderful to me, my family and I want to be a part of the positive growth.
“Niagara has been wonderful to me, my
family and I want to be a part of the
positive growth.”
I feel one of the best ways to tackle this current issue is to educate and offer more co-op opportunities for our college and university students. Workshops for students to help educate on current opportunities in our Region and companies looking for young educated workers. Workplace experience in our Region that can help students to both remain in the Region and feel more invested.
The most important attribute of a leader is selflessness and integrity, for me, they are both equally important. Selflessness and integrity in making tough decisions, in life sacrifices and in the people/organizations they align with. Maintaining both will help a leader with gaining respect and keeping the respect with their colleagues/clients.
I hope to develop and further improve such leadership skills as delegation and creativity. I feel that Leadership Niagara will both help with developing my creativity and delegation skills to trust tasks will get done as everyone works towards a common goal.