New position to assist with plotting town’s future, finding efficiencies

Peter Raji recently started as the town’s manager of innovation and strategic initiatives. He brings a wealth of experience with him, working in other municipalities and Rogers trying to find efficiencies. (Jeff Helsdon Photo)

Jeff Helsdon, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Tillsonburg’s new manager of innovation and strategic initiatives is hoping to help chart the course for the future of the town while keeping economic constraint in mind.

Peter Raji started in the newly-created position on Sept. 29.

“My job is to look ahead, spot opportunities, and turn good ideas into real results in alignment of those strategic goals,” he said. “That means improving how we deliver services, strengthening partnerships, while building new ones, and finding innovative ways to grow our local economy.”

Much of what he will be exploring is part of the town’s 10-year strategic plan. Raji will be trying to find ways to implement the plan, while keeping fiscal constraint in mind.

“My role is for us to look ahead and do more with less,” he said. “This role is really about helping the town get the most out of what we already have. It’s about spotting ways to work smarter, reducing reliance on external consultants, making the most of grant opportunities, and finding better, more efficient ways to get things done.”

His background is in program management strategy and process improvement.

“I’m used to trying to do more with less, that’s why I’m excited to come to town,” he said. “The leadership here is engaged, they’re passionate, which I love.”

Raji is aware the plan, and direction of council, is to maintain the town’s small-town feeling while growing. However, he said this comes with challenges. One of those challenges is attracting medical professionals to town.

After town council recently passed a motion to explore concepts to bring medical professionals to town, including the model used in Colwood, B.C. where the town is the manager of the doctor’s office, Raji will oversee this investigation. He promised this would be thorough and he would look at all possibilities to attract doctors to town, including examining the successes and failures of what other Ontario centres have done.

Raji came to Canada from Nigeria in 2006, hoping to work for RIM after schooling in computer science. He worked for a web development firm in Waterloo, then for Rogers for 14 years in different roles, and most recently for Wellington County.

A resident of Oxford County, he was excited by the possibilities with the Tillsonburg position.

“I’m somebody who is always looking for a new challenge,” he said. “I’ve been to Tillsonburg quite a few times. The spirit of the town is infectious. It’s a community that is growing, but still has the fabric of a smaller community – everyone still says ‘Good morning’.”