Andy Veilleux is a PhD researcher in Rural Studies at the University of Guelph whose work bridges regional economic development, public policy, and community sustainability. He brings over a decade of cross-sector leadership to academia, having served as President and CEO of the Guelph Chamber of Commerce, Director of Policy and Government Relations for the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce, and Area Manager with Enterprise Truck Rental across Ontario and Quebec.

Andy holds an MBA specializing in Community Economic Development from Cape Breton University, an M.Phil. from Memorial University of Newfoundland, a Journalism diploma from Cambrian College, and an Honours B.A. in History and Political Science from Laurentian University. He also completed Harvard Business School’s CORe credential. His scholarship focuses on regional innovation, resource governance, and rural prosperity, informed by extensive experience convening industry, post-secondary institutions, and government partners to translate strategic research into actionable economic and policy solutions.