Kathleen Rochon

Mayor Kathleen Rochon of the Municipality of West Nipissing is a community-focused leader who’s passionate about building a strong, inclusive, and resilient local economy. She brings a practical, collaborative approach to the role, with a clear understanding of both the challenges and opportunities facing rural and Northern communities.

She has been a strong supporter of initiatives that help young people thrive close to home, including bringing the Planet Youth approach to West Nipissing. With youth out-migration being a real concern for smaller communities, she’s focused on creating the kind of environment where young people can see a future for themselves locally.

West Nipissing’s efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. In 2024, the municipality received the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Economic Development at the Economic Developers Council of Ontario conference, recognizing its innovative, community-driven approach to economic development.

Mayor Rochon is committed to balanced growth that supports both economic opportunity and quality of life. As a panelist at DXC2026, she’ll bring a grounded, real-world perspective to the conversation on “Building an Economy that Works for People.”