James Meddings is Chair of the Board and Head of Economic Development and Community Growth at NorthGuide. He 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 Deputy Minister of the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, and held increasingly senior roles in line departments and central agencies, including: 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 has extensive international experience representing Canada on the OECD Regional Development Policy Committee for many years and chaired the OECD Expert Meeting on Multi-level Governance and Public Investment. 

James continues to shape multiple industries through his board positions. He lends his expertise to Bioenterprise Canada and VentureLAB, while also serving as a board member for the Canadian Light Source. His international influence extends to the International Economic Development Council, where he serves on their International Advisory Committee.