Who is James Howe?
community advocate
centre-left
pragmatic
straight talker
asks tough questions
politely persistent
problem solver
thoughtful
urbanist
father
nonprofit professional
hard worker
Biography
- 54 years old
- Single father who shares custody of a 13 year old daughter and 11 year old son with their mother
- Lives in the Rosemount neighbourhood of Kitchener
Parents: Barbara and David Howe
Sister: Susan Howe McIsaac
Education
- St. Jerome’s High School
- Honours BA, University of Western Ontario
- Diploma in Education, McGill University
Well-known Community Advocate
- Blogged on making Kitchener a strong, healthy city, 2010 – 2017
- Urban issues columnist, The Community Edition, 2016 – 2018
- Frequent panelist, Opposing Views with Eric Drozd, 570 News, 2015-2017
Career Highlights
- Owner, Communicate & Howe!, 2010 – present
- Communications Manager, Reep Green Solutions, 2016 -2018
- Director of Communications, YMCAs of Cambridge & Kitchener-Waterloo, 2006-2010
- Communications & Issues Marketing Coordinator, Daily Bread Food Bank of Toronto, 2004-2006
Graduate, Senior Leadership and Management in the Not-For-Profit Sector program, Conestoga College
Civic Experience
- Member, Residential Intensification in Established Neighbourhoods Study (RIENS), City of Kitchener stakeholder group, 2015-2016 which lead to a pilot of new rules in several neighbourhoods
- Member, Waste Management Master Plan Stakeholder group, Region of Waterloo, 2012-13
- Member, Compass Kitchener, City of Kitchener committee, 2011-2013
- Executive Assistant, John English, M.P. for Kitchener, 1993 – 1997
Volunteer Experience
- Organizer, Jane’s Walk Waterloo Region
- Special Projects, Social Development Centre Waterloo Region
- Block Captain, Summer Lights Festival
- Kitchener Blues Festival
- Project READ
- Waterloo Region Family Network
- CAFKA
- Central Frederick Neighbourhood Association, 2013-2017
- Founder, Social Media Breakfast Waterloo Region, 2010-2013