Balaskanthan succeeds former Executive Director Tracy Van Kalsbeek
WATERLOO, ON | AUGUST 8, 2023 — The Uptown Waterloo Business Improvement Area (BIA)
is excited to announce Jeyas Balaskanthan as its new Executive Director. Balaskanthan brings over 20 years of experience in institutional governance, strategic communications and stakeholder engagement. A passionate community builder with a track record of delivering results, Balaskanthan will lead the Uptown BIA in its mission to create a vibrant and thriving city core in Uptown Waterloo.
“I am honoured and excited to embark on this new role as Executive Director of the Uptown
Waterloo BIA,” says Balaskanthan. “Being connected to the Uptown community through business owners, the consistent themes have been resiliency, innovation and vibrancy. I look forward to leading the organization through its next chapter to meet the evolving needs of our community.”
Balaskanthan will be succeeding former Uptown BIA executive director Tracy Van Kalsbeek, who announced her departure in May. He will be responsible for managing various aspects of the organization, including strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, program development, advocacy and financial oversight.
“We are thrilled that Balaskanthan will be moving into the role as Executive Director of the Uptown Waterloo BIA,” says Melissa Durrell, Chair of the Uptown BIA Board. “He is both qualified and committed to helping our organization support local businesses, cultivate relationships and deliver innovative programming, while promoting a strong and prosperous local economy.”
In his professional role, Balaskanthan serves as the General Manager of the Graduate Student Association at the University of Waterloo. He brings a wealth of experience in overseeing the delivery of core services as well as managing governance processes, audit and compliance, budgets and strategic planning. He has also served on numerous boards in the community, including the Lake Shore Optimist Club of Waterloo, the Waterloo Economic Development
Committee and the Cultural and Neighbourhood Grant Committee.
Balaskanthan is committed to developing a strong, trusting relationship with the Uptown businesses, BIA staff and the Board of Directors. Additionally, Balaskanthan has communicated his desire to improve stakeholder relations with Uptown BIA members and our broader ecosystem of stakeholders through collaboration and community engagement.
“Our local businesses in Uptown Waterloo play a pivotal role in driving innovation, creating jobs and fostering a sense of belonging within our community,” says Balaskanthan. “Their contributions extend well beyond financial success; they strengthen social bonds, foster a sense of pride amongst our residents and elevate our overall quality of life. I am so excited to be able to contribute to the continued growth and success of our thriving business community.”
Balaskanthan assumed his role as executive director on August 8th, 2023.