January 23, 2026 - Regina, SK
The Board of Directors of Economic Development Regina (EDR) Is pleased to announce the appointment of John Bailey as its next president and CEO, effective March 2, 2026.
“Following an extensive search, the board is very pleased to welcome John Bailey as the new leader of Economic Development Regina,” said Darren Howden, Board Chair of EDR. “As a respected community leader, John is well-positioned to advance the organization’s mandate and support Regina’s continued economic growth.”
Most recently, Bailey served as CEO of the Regina Food Bank, where he led transformational growth, including a 233% expansion in service delivery. He strengthened the organization’s financial sustainability through strategic corporate partnerships and enhanced donor engagement, and spearheaded the launch of the BMO Asahtowikamik Community Food Hub – Canada’s first full-scale choice-model food bank.
Prior to his work at the Food Bank, Bailey held progressive leadership roles with YMCA Regina, including Interim CEO, and served as Chief Business Development Officer at Harbour Landing
Village. He holds an MBA from the University of Regina and the ICD.D designation. A lifelong Regina resident, Bailey is proud to call the city home with his wife and two children.
“I’m excited to take on this opportunity to continue serving Regina in a new capacity,” said Bailey. “Economic development is fundamentally about creating opportunity and building community strength – principles that have guided my work throughout my career.”
“EDR’s mandate to attract investment, support business growth, and enhance quality of life aligns perfectly with my commitment to transformational leadership that delivers measurable impact for the people and businesses of our city.”
Bailey’s appointment follows the departure of Chris Lane in August 2025, who after three years, moved on to lead the charge at Saskatchewan Trade and Export Development (STEP). The Board of Directors wishes to extend its gratitude to Lane for his leadership and contributions to the organization during his tenure.
“Chris’s leadership helped move a number of important initiatives forward and set EDR up for continued success,” said Howden. “With this strong foundation in place, EDR is well positioned to build on its momentum, and the addition of John further strengthens Regina’s role as a leader in economic development.”
Economic Development Regina Inc. (EDR) is the lead economic development agency for the Greater Regina Area (GRA). Governed by a private-sector board, and with the City of Regina as its sole shareholder, EDR grows the local economy by attracting business, investment, and people to our city, and supporting the expansion and retention of local business.
Original Source: EDR Media