“We are delighted to welcome Chandra, Lauren and James to the CMC Board of Directors,” said Gordon Harling, President and CEO of CMC Microsystems. “Chandra’s expertise in investment attraction and ecosystem development, Lauren’s leadership in semiconductor research partnerships and talent development, and James’s extensive experience building and growing global technology businesses will provide tremendous value to CMC. Their collective knowledge will help strengthen our efforts to advance innovation and support the continued growth of Canada’s semiconductor ecosystem.”
Chandra Pottle
A senior leader in economic development and investment attraction, Chandra Pottle brings more than 25 years of experience connecting global capital to Canada’s strategic industries. Most recently, she served as Vice President, Investment Attraction at Invest Nova Scotia, leading provincial initiatives across information and communications technology, advanced industries, defence, and life sciences. Her career also includes senior leadership roles at IBM, Bell, and Global Knowledge.
“Canada has a real opportunity to turn its strengths in research and technology into investment, jobs, and long-term economic growth,” said Chandra Pottle. “I look forward to helping CMC build the partnerships that connect promising ideas with the people, capital, and markets needed to move them forward.”
Lauren Mercier
Lauren Mercier is Research Program Manager at the Canadian Centre for Electron Microscopy at McMaster University, where she manages major collaborative projects focused on semiconductor device characterization. With a PhD in Chemistry and extensive experience building multi-stakeholder partnerships, she has helped secure significant research funding and has contributed to Canada’s semiconductor workforce development initiatives through national leadership roles.
“Breakthroughs happen when researchers have access to the right expertise, facilities, and collaborators,” said Lauren Mercier. “I am excited to support CMC’s efforts to strengthen those connections and create more opportunities for emerging talent to contribute to Canada’s semiconductor future.”
James Watt
With more than four decades of experience in the communications and networking sector, James Watt has held senior leadership positions including at Nokia, Alcatel, and Newbridge Networks, with a focus on bringing leading-edge technology to global customers. Most recently, he served as President of Nokia’s Optical Networks Business Division, leading major business transformation initiatives and strategic acquisitions. He also holds multiple patents in traffic management and Internet Protocol technologies.
“Great technology only creates lasting value when it can move from the lab into products and markets at scale,” said James Watt. “I welcome the opportunity to work with CMC and the Board to help Canadian innovators navigate that journey and compete successfully in a rapidly evolving global industry.”
About CMC Microsystems
CMC has been enabling advanced technology innovation in Canada for more than 40 years, managing federal and provincial investments to support research, accelerate commercialization, and strengthen Canada’s high-tech ecosystem. With support from the Government of Canada, CMC leads FABrIC, a $217-million Strategic Response Fund initiative focused on building a vibrant and sustainable Canadian semiconductor ecosystem anchored by world-class talent and global impact.
Media Contact
Gordon Harling
President and CEO
CMC Microsystems
[email protected]