The longest-serving member of VEC, John McPherson works as a Sector Development Manager for VEC and is responsible for supporting cleantech innovators and strengthening Vancouver’s cleantech ecosystem. Part of his role involves organizing strategic events and managing initiatives that address company-related challenges – a large proportion of John’s time is spent managing the Green and Digital Demonstration Program (GDDP). GDDP gives entrepreneurs access to municipal assets and infrastructure for testing and showcasing emerging green and digital technologies. The City then provides GDDP participants a reference and testimonials for companies to use in their marketing and sales efforts – allowing them to attract new investors, partners, and clients both locally and around the world.
John is currently scaling up the GDDP into a regional initiative and is working with regional asset owners including YVR, the Port, and Translink. The initiative, called the Tech Deployment Network (TDN), will also be used as a platform to attract investment and business to the region.
John has previously held senior marketing and sales roles in the private sector and started his career in Hong Kong as an Assistant Trade Commissioner.
