NPower Canada Taps Former COO to Lead Next Growth Phase

TORONTO, ON – April 09, 2026 – NPower Canada, a leading workforce development non-profit, has announced a significant leadership transition, appointing former executive Andrew Reddin as its new Chief Executive Officer. Reddin will succeed founding CEO Julia Blackburn, who is stepping down after nearly twelve years of transformative leadership that grew the organization from a local pilot into a national force for economic mobility.

The change comes at a critical juncture for the Canadian economy, as the demand for digital skills intensifies across all sectors, creating a sense of urgency for organizations dedicated to bridging the talent gap. Reddin, who previously served as the organization's Chief Operating Officer for almost nine years, is set to take the helm on May 19, 2026.

A Founder's Legacy of National Impact

Under Julia Blackburn's stewardship, NPower Canada established itself as a cornerstone of the nation's workforce development strategy. She guided the organization from its inception as a small Toronto-based pilot to a respected national entity with a presence in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia.

A key milestone during her tenure was the celebration of the organization's 10th anniversary in 2024, which coincided with having launched over 10,000 underserved Canadians into sustainable digital careers. The impact of this work is validated by impressive outcomes: over 80% of graduates find employment or enroll in further education within a year, and many report significant income increases and career advancement soon after.

"Serving as the founding CEO of NPower Canada has been the highlight of my professional career," Blackburn stated in the announcement. "I leave with immense pride in what this organization has built and complete confidence in its future."

Blackburn was a vocal champion for an evidence-based approach, pioneering the use of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) to rigorously measure program effectiveness. Early results from these trials indicated a 25 percentage point increase in employment rates for participants. She also prioritized diversity and inclusion, successfully achieving gender parity among program participants to help address the tech sector's long-standing gender imbalance. Her leadership was instrumental in forging high-impact partnerships with industry giants like Google and Accenture, which provided crucial funding, curriculum support, and direct hiring pipelines for graduates.

Continuity and Momentum: A Familiar Leader Returns

The appointment of Andrew Reddin signals a strategic focus on both continuity and accelerated growth. Having been part of the senior leadership team for nearly a decade, including as COO, Reddin possesses an intimate knowledge of NPower Canada's operations, culture, and mission. His role was pivotal in scaling the very programs that now form the bedrock of the organization's national footprint.

Reddin returns to NPower Canada after a successful tenure as CEO of the Child Development Institute, an experience that further honed his expertise in leading evidence-based social impact organizations. This background aligns seamlessly with the data-driven culture cultivated under Blackburn.

"The Board is confident he will guide NPower Canada's next chapter with both continuity and momentum," said Salim Jivraj, Board Chair. "Andrew Reddin brings deep operational expertise, values‑driven leadership, and a strong commitment to our mission."

Reddin's return is framed by a clear understanding of the evolving economic landscape. "At a time of unprecedented change and uncertainty, our work to equip Canadian jobseekers for digital careers has taken on new urgency," Reddin remarked. "I am honoured to return to NPower Canada as our next CEO. I look forward to working with our dedicated team and our remarkable network of partners as we aim to close the digital skills gap across Canada."

An Urgent Mission in a Shifting Economy

The leadership transition is occurring against the backdrop of a widening digital skills gap in Canada, a challenge that affects nearly every industry. Recent data highlights the scale of the problem, with over 200,000 tech positions sitting vacant as of early 2022. Studies show that a vast majority of Canadian businesses struggle to find and hire talent with the requisite digital competencies, from foundational skills like data analysis and IT support to more advanced expertise in cybersecurity and network administration.

This skills shortage, accelerated by the pandemic-driven push toward digitalization, poses a significant threat to Canada's economic competitiveness and innovation. NPower Canada's model—offering free, intensive training in high-demand areas like IT analysis and network security, complete with industry certifications from partners like Google and Fortinet—is positioned as a direct solution. The organization provides not just technical training but also crucial professional skills development, job placement assistance, and long-term alumni support.

A Blueprint for Future Growth

Andrew Reddin will inherit an organization with a clear and ambitious roadmap for the future. NPower Canada recently launched its 2025-2027 Strategic Plan, which outlines a vision for deepening its national impact and solidifying its role as a premier talent provider for Canadian businesses.

A central goal of the plan is to launch an additional 20,000 alumni into digital careers and provide them with five years of ongoing employment and upskilling support. This reflects a commitment to long-term career success, not just initial job placement. The strategy also emphasizes strengthening its partnerships with employers to become a leading talent solution for both large enterprises and small to medium-sized businesses, thereby driving a more inclusive national economy.

To support this growth, the organization aims to amplify its national profile, diversify its funding sources for long-term sustainability, and continue fostering an inclusive, people-centered culture. As Julia Blackburn supports the transition over the coming weeks, all eyes will be on how Andrew Reddin leverages his deep operational experience to execute this vision and steer NPower Canada through its next chapter of scaling its vital mission.