Mike Darch
Executive Director
Ottawa Global Marketing
Tel: (613) 828-6274 ext. 271
Fax: (613) 726-3440
mdarch@ocri.ca

Michael is a strong advocate of focused, cluster-based economic development. He has been the driving force behind the economic partnerships formed between Ottawa and several U.S. cities and is now building Asian, European and Latin American partnerships. He has rebuilt the marketing of Ottawa around its successful technology clusters, skilled workforce, research strength, ability to attract capital and business support infrastructure. Michael has over 30 years experience in the private sector. He was President of Viva Interactive Learning Inc, a company producing computer-based Health and Safety educational products. Michael was also the President of REDO, an organization to assist the economy of Ottawa to adjust to the federal government downsizing announced in 1995. Prior to that appointment, he was the founder and President of Lansdowne Technologies Inc. for 20 years. Lansdowne provided management services to large technology-intensive projects, primarily in the aerospace and defence sectors. Michael served as an engineering officer for 11 years in the Canadian Air Force. Michael is a Senior Research Fellow at the Program of Research on Innovation Management and Economy (PRIME) in the School of Management at the University of Ottawa. Michael has served as a Director on the Boards of several companies, both public and private. Michael holds Masters degrees in Business from the University of Ottawa and Engineering from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland and is a graduate of the Royal Military College of Canada. He is a Professional Engineer, registered in the Province of Ontario.

Blair Patacairk
Senior Director, Investment
Tel: (613) 828-6274 ext. 252
Fax: (613) 726-3440
bpatacairk@ocri.ca 

Blair uses his extensive network of media contacts—both at home and abroad—and his experience as a marketing and communications specialist to promote Ottawa-based high technology companies to the world.  As a key player in OCRI’s international marketing team, Blair has taken part in trade missions to high technology centres worldwide. He contributes to OCRI’s global marketing initiatives and strategic outreach in emerging markets, plans special events and oversees the needs of visiting trade delegations. Blair is also President of Telecom Gateway Services, an Ottawa-based marketing consulting firm he established in 1997.  Prior to OCRI, Blair served as a communications specialist with the City of Ottawa and, before that, with the Regional Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton. During his five-year tenure with the Region of Ottawa-Carleton and the City of Ottawa, Blair honed his marketing and communications expertise in the transportation, environment, high technology and community relations portfolios. His work on behalf of the regional chair’s and mayor’s offices brought him touch with scores of community-based organizations, professional associations and industry leaders. Blair began his career as a marketing and account executive with Draw the Line, Incorporated, a New York City-based marketing firm. There, his clients included Disney Ventures, Marvel Comics, Reebok and ADP Financial. He was a recipient of the Ottawa Business Journal's 40 under 40 award, which honours 40 of the region's most successful, dynamic and community-minded business leaders under the age of 40. Blair has a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Carleton University.

 Kirsten Sardelis
Investment Officer
Tel: (613) 828-6274 ext. 245
Fax: (613) 726-3440
ksardelis@ocri.ca

Kirsten is responsible for research to support OGM’s identified strategic markets and sectors as well as the coordination of activities related to incoming investment leads and outgoing investment activities.  She has over 20 years of national and international experience in Office Administration and Management in the Tech industry.  

W. Scott Runté
Project Manager
Tel: (613) 828-6274 ext. 261
Fax: (613) 726-3440
srunte@ocri.ca

Scott brings over 18 years of experience to his role with OCRI. Prior to joining OCRI in 2001, Scott spent 10 years with an export driven flexible packaging company where he executed various management roles, including General Manager and Chief Financial Officer. During that time, Scott was heavily involved in the development of biodegradable packaging solutions for organic food waste. He also managed a North American expansion effort that saw him work closely with economic development agencies in Canada and the United States. In 1995, Scott founded Warren Capital Corp., a management consulting firm that has focused on providing strategic management support to clients in both the public and private sectors. Scott has been an active member of his community as a volunteer with the United Way. After serving on the United Way Board from 2001 - 2007, including holding the position of Board Chair in 2006 and 2007, Scott has remained active on several United Way committees and community leadership initiatives. Scott earned a Master of Business Administration degree from McMaster University in 1991 and an Honours Bachelor of Science degree from Queen’s University in 1988. 

Kelly Daize
Director, Business Development 
Tel: (613) 828-6274 ext. 286
Fax: (613) 726-3440
kdaize@ocri.ca

As Director of Business Development and Cluster Support, Kelly is responsible for facilitating and supporting incoming and outgoing trade missions and partnership opportunities around the globe. She works with Ottawa’s technology clusters to provide logistic support and execute strategic initiatives, leveraging existing resources that will ultimately accelerate the growth of companies and ensure Ottawa's economy remains sustainable, innovative and diversified. Kelly brings more than 15 years of experience developing new business opportunities and economic partnerships.  Prior to joining OCRI, Kelly held progressively senior roles in legal, sales and business development in organizations such as QNX, Corel Corporation and Nortel spinoff NetActive. 

Sophie Chen
Director, Data Research and China Program
Tel: (613) 828-6274 ext. 212
Fax: (613) 726-3440
schen@ocri.ca  

Sophie is responsible for building connections and managing cooperation activities between Ottawa and China in S&T, trade and investment for the OCRI China program. Since she joined the OCRI Global Marketing team in 2005, she has been actively working with various stakeholders in Ottawa and in Asia to initiate and develop the China program by leading more than 10 trade and investment missions to the greater China region. She also handles the overall data and research management for OCRI Global Marketing to provide ongoing data and information for business clients and executives that are interested in international business development and investment.  Sophie holds an MBA degree from University of Ottawa and a Master’s degree in International Affairs from Carleton University. She has over 8 years of experience dealing with international relations, global business cooperation and economic research. Prior to joining OCRI, she held progressive professional positions with the Investors Group and Carleton University.