Lesley Thompson

Lesley Thompson is a leader and community builder who has been driving for growth at ACCFutures as their Executive Director since 2015. Lesley advocates for Akwesasne, Cornwall, and the United Counties and promotes collaboration and partnerships between the three Regions. Lesley is responsible for leading a high-caliber team that focuses on delivering flexible financing solutions, supporting businesses with referrals and advice, working with the communities on strategic planning, and directly administering and managing several economic and workforce development projects and programs across the Region.

Lesley is also the fund manager for the Community Venture Capital Fund, a place-based fund that positions itself as a “lever” investor for early-stage commercialization companies.

Lesley has over a decade in the finance industry, but she is equally passionate about community building. She has transitioned ACCFutures from a simple small business financing institution to a robust social enterprise responsible for some of the Region’s most impactful economic development projects. The central theme of her economic development activities revolves around transforming complex Truth and Reconciliation concepts into localized and actionable plans.

Lesley is involved in Eastern Ontario Regional projects through active Board positions on the Community Futures Eastern Ontario Network, The Southern Ontario Fund For Innovation Investment, and Launch Lab. At a local level, she supports the Cornwall Tourism Development Fund Committee as a grant application reviewer.

Lesley and her partner are parents to 5 boys ranging from 4 to 25. They are often found spending time with their families and friends, debating politics, getting out on the water, or cooking up a feast!