Eddie Rutanga
Meet our team
Eddie Rutanga, Manager, Communities and Inclusive Growth, Moncton, N.B.
Athletics has been a key part of Eddie’s life in New Brunswick. When he moved with his family from Edmundston to Moncton at the age of six, he participated in many sports in the area. “As a teenager, I decided to get involved in my community in Moncton. I wanted to give back, so I volunteered to coach sports. That helped build a bond, a better understanding, and let me develop strong roots in my community.”
That commitment to place infuses Eddie’s work with ACOA. After completing an internship at ACOA with the Trade and Investment group, Eddie worked briefly in sales for a beverage company but soon returned to ACOA to work on the Team Canada Atlantic missions. “I had the opportunity to work in trade for many years, which led me to organize various trade missions in the United States and Europe.”
Now as manager of communities and inclusive growth at ACOA’s head office in Moncton, Eddie and his team tackle everything from immigration opportunities and skills development, to women and youth entrepreneurship. “Our work is to help under-represented groups and build diverse and inclusive communities in our region. Also at head office, we try to see where the economic and skills gaps are and understand what would be of benefit for the whole region.”
That regional perspective is central to ACOA’s mandate, says Eddie. “We work every day to make the life of Atlantic Canadians better. I have often said if we were in a company, we would be the chief marketing officer and the chief transformation officer for the region.”
“Working here has changed my perspective about the region,” Eddie adds. “There are so many interesting community and private-sector projects in the rural areas of our region. I always love reading success stories from companies or community groups that are focused on providing employment in our region.”
A double graduate of the Université de Moncton, with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in public administration, Eddie was also a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal awarded in 2012. This is a commemorative medal that served to honour significant contributions and achievements by Canadians.
Those, like Eddie, who believe success lies in giving back to your community.
Page details
- Date modified: