Media Release
Economic Development Winnipeg President & CEO Dayna Spiring to step down from role this summer
March 17, 2023
WINNIPEG - After more than seven years at the helm of Economic Development Winnipeg Inc., Dayna Spiring has announced that she will be stepping down this summer.
Under Spiring’s leadership, Economic Development Winnipeg (EDW) has led the way in driving investment, tourism, major events, and talent attraction for our city, and in mobilizing Winnipeg’s business community, and EDW partners and investors towards common goals.
“I am incredibly proud of what we have built at EDW. Since joining the organization our revenues have more than doubled, our mandate has continued to expand and we have assembled a talented team of professionals who are some of the best in the country at what they do,” says Spiring. “Every day, we are selling Winnipeg to the world, showcasing our many advantages to visitors and investors, and we are positioning our city on the global stage. I believe the organization has never been stronger and now seems like the right time to pass the baton.”
As an economic development agency and destination marketing organization in one, EDW’s structure is unique, with key strategic initiatives to drive leisure tourism; attract meetings, conventions and special events; support business expansion and retention among 10 key economic sectors; and more recently, to propel foreign direct investment and talent attraction.
Bill Parrish Jr., EDW board chair and chairman, Parrish & Heimbecker Ltd, said, “We are very grateful to Dayna for all that she has accomplished at EDW and for her tremendous leadership. We know that her determination, commitment to excellence, and vision for this city will be very difficult to replace.”
The board has engaged People First HR Services to support in the selection of the organization’s next President & CEO. Spiring will continue in her role with EDW until later this summer, and she is committed to ensuring a smooth transition and continued momentum.
“My vision for the organization has always been to serve as a catalyst for growth, and my personal mission is to confidently champion our city everywhere I go. I love Winnipeg; it’s a special place with a bright future, where opportunity abounds, and where a supportive business community and economic ecosystem work collaboratively to promote innovation, entrepreneurship and growth. We have incredible arts and culture, a culinary scene that’s getting noticed, we’re an affordable place to live compared to most other major centres, and we enjoy an excellent quality of life. It has been an absolute privilege to lead an organization whose mission is to tell that story.”
During her tenure with EDW, Spiring guided the organization in many significant achievements, including:
- Winnipeg’s designation as the World’s Most Intelligent Community for 2021 and 2017 accreditation as a member-city of the World Winter Cities Association for Mayors (WWCAM)
- Spearheading 2018 and 2019 Winnipeg Whiteout Street Parties, drawing international attention
- Contributing to Winnipeg’s successful bids to host the 2025 Grey Cup and 2023 World Police & Fire Games
- Championing the needs of business and tourism stakeholders amid the pandemic, advocating for recovery and re-opening strategies including expanded flight connectivity, the return of safe and healthy events, and funding for re-skilling (Retrain Manitoba)
- Launching a new place brand, Winnipeg – Made from what’s real, that is setting us apart and shaping the stories we tell about our city
Spiring served as 2022 United Way Winnipeg Campaign Chair, driving results to a finish of $22.7 million, surpassing all previous annual campaign outcomes. She is the first woman to have served as chair of the Winnipeg Football Club, is one of only two women to ever sit on the Canadian Football League’s Board of Governors, and was the first woman to have her name engraved on the Grey Cup trophy, twice.
Photos for media use are available here.
For media inquiries please contact:
Karen Viveiros
Director, Communications
E: karenv@edwinnipeg.com
P 204.390.5498
ABOUT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WINNIPEG
Economic Development Winnipeg Inc. (EDW) is the city’s lead economic development agency and champion for local growth. We use expert analysis to highlight Winnipeg’s advantages and prove why we are the best place to live, work and visit. Governed by a private-sector board and driven by the needs of the business community, EDW grows the local economy by attracting business, investment, events and people to our city.
