James Meddings is an expert in global innovation policy, economic development and community sustainability having worked for more than 30 years in the federal Canadian Public Service. James served as President of the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario from October 2016 to August 2021, and held increasingly senior roles at the Canadian Human Rights Commission, the Privy Council Office, Human Resources Development Canada, Environment Canada, the Canada School of Public Service and Western Economic Diversification. James represented Canada on the OECD Regional Development Policy Committee for many years and Chaired teh OECD Expert Meeting on Multi-level Governance and Public Investment in 2021.