
Patti Tallman
Patti joined HCDC in 1997 as Secretary Receptionist and over the past 22 years she took on more responsibilities as HCDC has grown. Patti is now the Executive Director working with a team of knowledgeable Staff and a diverse Board of Directors to implement the objectives and strategic priorities of the Corporation guiding the work of HCDC within the community. Patti was born and raised in Haliburton Highlands, she worked in the Insurance Industry for 5 years and spent 10 years working between RBC and CIBC. She and her husband live in Haliburton where they raised their 2 kids. She currently sits on the Board of Directors as Treasurer at Point In Time.

Sara Joanu
“I joined the HCDC team in 2014 as the Officer Administrator and quickly moved into the position of Investment Administrator after 6 months where I remained for 4 years. In 2018, I was trained and subsequently promoted to the Loans Officer position. Prior to working at HCDC I was an in home PSW for 3 years. I loved the fact that I was making it possible for seniors and those in need continue living in their own homes but I knew all the travelling was something I did not want to do forever.
Throughout my time here at HCDC, I have gained a new passion for learning about local businesses and assisting them achieve their goals and dreams. My roll is to provide financing to entrepreneurs to start or expand their businesses.
When I am not fulfilling my role as Loans Officer, I am a Wife and Mom of two very busy children. We enjoy spending a lot of our time at the Arena, Golf Course and Ball Diamonds or when we can relaxing at the lake”

Autumn Wilson
“I moved to Haliburton in 2014 after landing a job as a reporter at Moose FM and I instantly fell in love. I knew this was the place I was meant to be. While I loved being on radio, I was itching for a job that would make me more a part of community.
I made the move to the Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce as the Member Services Representative and became the Manager a year later. My experience at the Chamber was unparalleled. I am so proud of the work we accomplished there and the connections I made both within our community and beyond. However, I still felt like I was being called to do something that involved really helping businesses succeed.
I’ve been working for entrepreneurs my whole life, growing up with my Dad as he started his business, helping a friend with her start up business in university, and working administration for a number of small businesses over the years. No matter where I was in life, I always ended up finding a small business I could get involved with, learn from, and support in any way I could.
I first learned about HCDC when I was a reporter at Moose FM and was instantly amazed with all the work they did. I couldn’t believe one organization did all of that, and existed in our tiny little town! It was always my dream to work there, so when the position opened, I had to go for it. I joined the team in 2018 and have loved it ever since!
My favourite part of my job at HCDC is watching business owners succeed. When I sit down with them to review their social media marketing and provide some tips for them, watching them succeed at that makes me really happy!
When I’m not at the office, I am enjoying life with my husband and our miniature beagle fishing, hunting, or just nurturing my soul in the outdoors.”

Cory Abbs
Cory joined the HCDC team as the Office Assistant in 2017 and became the Loans & Office Administrator in 2018. After growing up in St. Thomas, she was happy to move back to Haliburton at the age of 18 where she began working closely with businesses across the Haliburton Highlands. She currently lives in West Guilford with her husband and their amazing superhero son, Jacob.

Jim Blake
“I have had the great fortune throughout my life to work with organizations in different parts of the country that make a difference in the community – and for the past 20 years I have had the opportunity to work with the Haliburton County Development Corporation.
What I love about HCDC, is that it looks at the community as a whole. It is not just about providing loans or helping to create jobs; its mission is to collaborate with a wide range of partners to build and support a vibrant and resilient community.
Haliburton County has hundreds of small businesses as well as dozens of active not-for-profit organizations focused on arts and culture, sports and recreation, social services, business and the environment. HCDC provides support to a large number of these through business counselling, organizational development, strategic planning, mentoring, loans and grants. Some times HCDC leads the way other times we play a behind the scenes role.
Over the years I have had a number of careers – as an artist, a manager of camping and outdoor services, a college teacher, an entrepreneur, a corporate trainer and a consultant in organizational development. I have also been an active volunteer with a wide range of community organizations.
With HCDC, I get to bring my experience to working with organizations, municipalities, people of ages starting new businesses and extraordinary community champions. I also get to work with an incredible team of people on staff and on our board of directors who share a common vision.
Haliburton is a great place to live and work and be creative!”

Andy Campbell
Andy was raised in St. Catharines and graduated from the University of Guelph. He was the Executive Director of the Haliburton County Development Corporation since its inception in 1985 to 2018 and helped build the HCDC to become the most successful CFDC in Canada. He now works as Business Advisor with the Staff and the Board of Directors to help guide the work of HCDC in the community. He and his wife live in Minden and spend their summers at their island retreat. In addition, he works with numerous community organizations including the Minden Rotary Club and Places for People.
