West Kelowna, British Columbia has appointed Ryan Malcolm as the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of the newly formed West Kelowna Economic Development Corporation (WKEDC). The appointment, announced on , marks a significant step in the city’s efforts to bolster economic growth and diversification.
Malcolm, who will officially begin his role on , brings 24 years of experience in economic development, real estate, and community engagement. His background spans Indigenous, municipal, and private-sector environments, most recently serving as Business Development and Indigenous Relationships Director at Emil Anderson Group. The WKEDC believes his diverse experience will be crucial in catalyzing commercial economic development within the city.
The creation of the WKEDC itself is a recent development. The organization unveiled its inaugural board of directors last month, signaling a proactive approach to economic planning. The board, comprised of community leaders, is tasked with driving economic growth and business development in West Kelowna. Members include Joanna Schlosser, Rick Maddison, Matthew Whitt, Colin Crabbe, and Peter Balazsy, with non-voting representation from West Kelowna City Councillor Tasha da Silva and Chief Administrative Officer Ron Bowles.
According to West Kelowna Mayor Gord Milsom, the board’s formation reflects a commitment to supporting economic growth, investment, and job creation. The WKEDC will collaborate with a broad range of stakeholders – local businesses, investors, First Nations, non-profits, educational institutions, and all levels of government – to foster sustainable economic expansion.
Collin Crabbe, chairman of the WKEDC, expressed confidence in Malcolm’s ability to lead the organization. Ryan’s depth of experience in both the public and private sectors will allow him to quickly become a catalyst for the commercial economic development that the people, businesses, and City of West Kelowna are seeking,
Crabbe stated in a press release. We look forward to Ryan building and strengthening relationships among our community members to help West Kelowna businesses thrive and succeed.
Malcolm outlined his initial priorities, emphasizing engagement with stakeholders across generations. He intends to build upon West Kelowna’s existing strengths, which include agriculture, forestry, viticulture, rotorcraft, lumber, tourism, light industrial development, and a growing technology sector. His strategy focuses on balancing the preservation of the city’s established industries with the pursuit of new investment opportunities.
My immediate focus is engaging our multi-generational stakeholders to build upon our foundational strengths—from agriculture, forestry, viticulture, rotorcraft, lumber and tourism to light industrial development, and our growing tech presence,
Malcolm said. By honouring our deep roots while sowing seeds for new investment, we will create a diverse, future-ready economy that benefits every resident and business on the Westside.
The appointment of a dedicated CEO and the establishment of the WKEDC represent a significant investment in West Kelowna’s economic future. The city is strategically positioned within the Central Okanagan region, and the new corporation aims to capitalize on existing assets while attracting new businesses and industries. The focus on diversification is particularly noteworthy, as it seeks to reduce reliance on any single sector and build a more resilient local economy.
Councillor Da Silva echoed this sentiment, stating, We’re excited to welcome Ryan Malcolm as the inaugural CEO of the West Kelowna Economic Development Corporation. His leadership, experience, and collaborative approach will help strengthen partnerships, unlock opportunity, and support a vibrant, inclusive, and resilient economy that benefits the entire West Kelowna community.
The WKEDC’s success will likely be measured by its ability to attract investment, create jobs, and improve the overall economic well-being of West Kelowna residents. Malcolm’s experience in navigating both public and private sector landscapes will be a key asset in achieving these goals. The corporation’s emphasis on collaboration and stakeholder engagement suggests a long-term vision for sustainable economic growth.
Ryan Malcolm acknowledged the significance of his new role in a recent LinkedIn post, expressing his honour at being appointed as the inaugural CEO. This public acknowledgement underscores his commitment to the position and his eagerness to begin working with the community.
