R&I is pleased to welcome Jesse Hayes to the team as the Research Finance Officer.
Working on all things financial for the division, alongside the Manager of Finance Operations & Compliance, Jesse will also be supporting the networks (Greenhouse Technology Network and the Southern Ontario Network for Advanced Manufacturing Innovation), ensuring continuity and continued excellence.
Jesse initially joined Research & Innovation in November 2022 as the Network Project Assistant with the Greenhouse Technology Network.
In that role, Jesse supported both network teams, concentrating most of her time on the reporting and administrative responsibilities of GTN. She also supported the Southern Ontario Network for Advanced Manufacturing Innovation (SONAMI) during reporting periods and at times, helped with onboarding of new network members.
Before R&I, Jesse worked at Wood PLC for a decade, in various positions utilizing her awesome organizational and administrative skills.
Jesse has worked in the consulting industry for the past 10 years, managing small-scale projects, providing quality management administration, and compiling technical reports within the construction aggregate industry.
“I ultimately applied to Niagara College not only due to the 10-minute walking commute but for the chance to be a part of something great. I want to extend my knowledge base but also be working with a division that outwardly supports students and local businesses.”
Jesse shared what drew her to apply to the College noting, “I ultimately applied to Niagara College not only due to the 10-minute walking commute but for the chance to be a part of something great. I want to extend my knowledge base but also be working with a division that outwardly supports students and local businesses,” said Hayes.
A Niagara resident, Jesse holds an Honours BSc from Brock University, as well as a Business Administration diploma from McMaster University. She is thrilled to work with everyone within the team and excited to apply her knowledge of quality management to projects.
For Jesse, her onboarding experience has been truly exceptional. “Everyone within the Research & Innovation division has been nothing but welcoming and helpful. Starting around the holiday season was also a bonus as I was able to be a part of the holiday events to network with my colleagues, be a part of fun games and even be a part of the winning team at the team-building challenge!” said Jesse.
In her personal time, Jesse is an outdoorsy mom who loves taking her young boys out for walks, camping/cottaging, fishing or playing indoor or outdoor volleyball. She’s also a sucker for a good book and reality TV, when the kids are sleeping!
As she progresses in her role, Jesse said, “I am most looking forward to learning and growing my career with this very knowledgeable team. I hope to learn various aspects of the networks and Research & Innovation division to become well rounded in business acumen.”
