Christina Kakaflikas, MAES, EcD, CEcD

Manager, Economic Development
City of Markham

As Acting Director, Economic Growth, Culture and Entrepreneurship Christina leads a team of dedicated economic development and culture professionals and city-builders to advance Markham’s economic development and culture priorities including strengthening Markham’s reputation as a business, investment, innovation, culture, and tourism destination.

Christina and her team lead Markham's international partnerships and stakeholder relationships focused on increasing business investment and job growth. In this capacity, Christina has developed and overseen multiple business missions to India, China, Germany, Japan, Israel, the United Arab Emirates and the United States of America.

As Director, Christina is also responsible for the City of Markham's cultural programming and services delivered through the Flato Markham Theatre, Fred Varley Art Gallery, and Markham Museum. Christina is also responsible for Markham's newly formed tourism development corporation.

Christina volunteered for many years on the Board of Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) and in 2017 served as President. Christina has also represented Markham on the Board of ventureLAB, York Region’s Regional Innovation Centre.

Christina is a graduate of the University of Waterloo’s Master of Economic Development and Innovation program and has an undergraduate degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Ryerson University.