Katherine Englander running for councillor position

Katherine Englander. (Contributed Photo)

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

A local business professional has thrown her name into the race for Tillsonburg council.

Katherine Englander filed her papers on June 12. Most recently, she founded and operated Katherine Englander HR Services in Tillsonburg and later established HRP4B. This company became the HR Business Group after its sale.

Englander moved to Tillsonburg in 1985. She lived in town until 2014, moved to Port Stanley, and then back to Tillsonburg in September 2025. During her time in town, she raised her family in town and served as a volunteer coach. Her son, Andrew, owns Attain Health. She brings a background in business leadership, human resources, governance, and community development.

“Throughout my career, I have worked with organizations of all sizes, helping them navigate growth, change, and strategic planning,” she said.

Community service has always been important to Englander. She is currently on the Tillsonburg BIA board of directors, and has been a volunteer with the Heart and Stroke Foundation, and was a member of the Culture Committee and chair of the Canada Day Committee in 2000. She has also served on several boards in the St. Thomas area, including the Chamber of Commerce and Workforce Planning Board. Englander was also the chair of the Better Business Bureau of Southwestern Ontario.

"Tillsonburg is a community with tremendous strengths and exciting opportunities ahead," said Englander. "I am running because I believe residents deserve practical leadership, responsible decision-making, and a council that listens carefully to the people it serves."

She sees the biggest challenges will be managing growth while maintaining affordability, the town’s character and protecting the services residents expect. She believes council will need to address infrastructure demands, housing availability, economic development, healthcare recruitment, and long-term financial sustainability. Her campaign will also focus on transparency, accountability, and community engagement.

Englander believes her experience in governance, leadership, and business will be a valuable addition to council. She has talked to existing council members and has been following what’s been happening.

“Building, operating, and successfully selling my own company required many of the same skills needed on council: strategic planning, financial oversight, problem-solving, collaboration, and accountability. I believe this experience would allow me to make informed decisions and contribute effectively on behalf of Tillsonburg residents,” she said.