Cathy Simpson

TechImpact CEO

Cathy Simpson is an Atlantic Canadian IT leader who has dedicated her career to building the region's tech capacity. Most recently, she was the Vice President, People and Culture with T4G Limited, one of the largest privately held IT firms in the region with clients throughout North America.

Cathy is a leader in the movement to use technology and innovation to drive economic growth, create thriving communities and engage citizens. She champions this evolution as Chair of the New Brunswick Innovation Foundation, an independent, not-for-profit corporation that invests in new growth-oriented companies and applied research activities. Her current work is an extension of her role as one of the co-founders of PropelICT, Atlantic Canada’s original tech accelerator, and she continues to mentor and advise start-up entrepreneurs in the region.

In 2015, Cathy founded UP+GO, a social enterprise building and delivering leadership programs to high school girls, teaching job ready skills, strengthening their leadership mindset, and exposing them to incredible women in STEM, entrepreneurship and leadership.

She began her career at NBTel and Innovatia where she helped launch Canada’s first IPTV service and other innovative consumer products. Cathy is a graduate of F.C. Manning School of Business at Acadia University and lives with her family in Rothesay, NB.    

Alex Weaver Crawford

Communications Manager 

Originally from Calgary, Alex studied business and marketing at Bishop’s University before moving to Halifax for her undergraduate and Master of Architecture. She worked in architecture and design in Montreal, Melbourne, and Central America before deciding to relocate to Saint John to launch her own marketing and creative agency, Weaver Crawford Creative.

Alex is a founding member of Building Equality in Architecture Atlantic, a volunteer-based non-profit group that strives to advance the achievements and visibility of women and groups underrepresented in architecture and related professions. She is also the past Chair of the City of Saint John’s Planning Advisory Committee.

Sophie Leonard

Program Manager - CollabHub and Experiential Learning

Sophie is a graduate of Acadia University with a degree in Community Development focused on social entrepreneurship. Her education enabled her to work effectively in communities, build capacity for change, lead projects and advocate for people who face barriers to living a full life. 

Sophie is experienced in sales and communications from her time working as a Sr. Business Development Representative for a leading digital marketing software company, Dash Hudson. She is excited to be a part of the team promoting our thriving tech ecosystem, connecting talent with diverse tech companies, and fostering learning activities for students.

David Estey

IT Developer

Born and raised in Fredericton, New Brunswick, David studied computer science at the University of New Brunswick before starting a landscape practice. He then transitioned into elder care, combining landscaping skills with a passion for assisting the elderly. A decade later, his interest in technology reignited with the UNB Coding Bootcamp, drawing him back into the field.

David is passionate about challenging himself with new technologies, staying at the forefront of advancements and optimization. He is equally dedicated to helping others acquire the essential skills and knowledge to enhance their own technology usage and expertise.