Gailene Tobin Vandenheuvel joined McMaster Innovation Park (MIP) in summer 2025. Since then, she has focused on getting to know tenants, partners, and people — building relationships, understanding how MIP operates, and laying the groundwork for its next strategic chapter.
Learn more about Tobin Vandenheuvel’s background, leadership approach, and vision for the future of McMaster Innovation Park.
You’re stepping into McMaster Innovation Park at a pivotal time. What experiences have prepared you for this role and why did you want to come here?
My career has spanned academia, industry, and government, allowing me to see how partnerships across these sectors can accelerate innovation and create real-world impact. Leading Western Research Parks [at Western University] showed me firsthand how research parks serve as engines of economic development and collaboration.
The opportunity to join McMaster Innovation Park came at the right time to build on that experience, in a community with incredible momentum. Hamilton and McMaster are known for excellence in research and innovation, and I was inspired by the Park’s vision as a connector, linking the university and industry, while positioning Hamilton on the global stage of innovation.
What has been your top priority since starting as CEO?
My top priority has been engagement: meeting with staff, tenants, partners, and leaders from McMaster and the Hamilton community. Building those relationships is essential for understanding the strengths we already have and where we can go together.
At the same time, I’ve been focused on charting McMaster Innovation Park’s next phase of growth so that we’re aligned with McMaster’s research mission and Hamilton’s broader economic development goals.
McMaster Innovation Park is built on collaboration and innovation. How do you see yourself advancing that mission?
For me, collaboration is about creating the right conditions for ideas to thrive.
That means ensuring companies, researchers, and entrepreneurs feel supported, connected, and inspired. I want to continue growing McMaster Innovation Park as a place where people from different sectors and disciplines can collide in productive ways — whether through new sector growth building on research and community strengths, strategic partnerships, or spaces that foster innovation.
How do you plan to build relationships with the McMaster and Hamilton communities?
It starts with listening and being present. I’ve already begun connecting with faculty and staff across McMaster, as well as with the City of Hamilton, the Chamber of Commerce, industry partners, and organizations such as the Innovation Factory and Synapse.
Early and consistent conversations with the City’s Economic Development team will build on that important relationship.
Within the Park itself, we’ve been meeting with our tenants and plan to connect with each company individually.
I see McMaster Innovation Park as a bridge, and I want to make sure that bridge is strong and accessible from both sides, linking world-class research with the needs and aspirations of Hamilton’s innovation economy.
What excites you most about the future of McMaster Innovation Park?
I’ve been genuinely impressed by the passion of the community here, from the startups who are tackling bold challenges, to the established companies that continue to grow and invest in this ecosystem.
What excites me most about the future is the potential: McMaster Innovation Park is at a turning point. With strong partners, a clear vision, and incredible talent, McMaster Innovation Park has the opportunity to grow into its next phase and position itself as a global hub for innovation.
Getting personal, tell us a bit about yourself.
I grew up in St. Bride’s, Placentia Bay, a small fishing village on the southeast coast of Newfoundland. Today, my parents, Harold and Joan, along with my two sisters and their families, live in British Columbia, though my parents spend their summers back in Angel’s Cove, NL.
My husband, Michael, is a professor at UPEI, and together we manage the “together apart” model. Together we have four children.
My husband is originally from Ontario, so I also have family ties to Hamilton (my mother-in-law Johanna), which makes it especially meaningful to have moved here to accept the CEO position at McMaster Innovation Park.
Do you have any hobbies? How do you balance work and time for yourself/family/friends?
Hot yoga is my favourite hobby: it helps me recharge and stay grounded. While I’ve been fortunate to build on that passion through ownership of Oxygen Yoga & Fitness in Atlantic Canada, I see it first and foremost as something that brings me joy outside of work.
Balance, for me, comes from weaving those passions into my routine and making space for time with friends and family whenever I can.
The quick “Getting to Know You” questions now: Morning person or night owl?
I’m naturally a night owl; if I had my way, I’d be completely nocturnal. But since the world doesn’t really operate that way, I’ve trained myself to be a morning person, reluctantly.
Coffee or tea?
Decaf coffee.
What’s on your reading or watching list right now?
Usually, I have about 3 books on the go on my nightstand; anything Ann Pachett or Abraham Verghese!
One surprising fact about you people might not know?
I’m the Master Franchiser for Oxygen Yoga & Fitness in Atlantic Canada, bringing a Canadian West Coast–born hot yoga and fitness brand to a whole new region.
Favourite Snack?
Chilled green grapes
Perfect day?
My perfect day includes a hot yoga class, spending quality time with friends or family, and having space to recharge while doing something I love.