ABOUT NANCY ORR

Professional. Flexible. Reliable. Connected.

Builder of Business and Community

As a practice-based, action-oriented professional and scholar, Nancy brings multidisciplinary perspectives grounded in both experience and education to foster shared learning and champion collaborative solutions.

Leveraging over 30 years of experience across private, public, and non-profit sectors, Nancy Orr is the trusted extra set of professional hands organizations rely on to move initiatives forward with tact, tenacity, and purpose.

Known as a ‘Facilitator of Action’, Nancy seamlessly steps in at any stage of a project—from ideation and research to planning and execution—helping bridge the gap between strategy and implementation.

Nancy believes in the power of community, and participates actively as a volunteer and engaged civic citizen.

"In a world that can feel filled with silos and divisiveness, I work to broaden perspectives and build collective action."

Nancy Orr

Education & Affiliations

Nancy’s passion for lifelong learning has shaped an extensive academic journey:

  • PhD (in progress):  Aging Well in Non-Metro Areas and the Role of Housing - University of Waterloo, School of Planning

  • MSc: Non-Metro Housing Affordability – University of Guelph School of Environmental Design and Rural Development

  • Economic Development Certificate – University of Waterloo

  • Environmental Science Degree and Diploma - Trent University and Sir Sandford Fleming College

  • Member:  Canadian Institute of Planners & Ontario Professional Planners Institute (student member), Economic Developers Association of Canada, Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists, Stratford and District Chamber of Commerce

Experience Highlights

  • Provided hands on assistance through interim leadership, regional collaboration, project coordination and execution, policy review, research, and reporting.

  • Facilitated collaborative efforts, municipal relationships, and development and design considerations.

  • Fulfilled capacity gaps for a range of strategic and technical professionals and their clients.   

  • Supported strategic planning, priority setting, and sector growth initiatives

  • Manufacturing, utilities, insurance, consulting (engineering, environmental), petrochemical, oil & gas

    Coordinated complex projects involving multidisciplinary teams, diverse stakeholders, regulatory requirements, timelines, and budgets.   

     

Areas of Expertise

✓ Coordination, Organization, Solutions-Oriented Delivery

✓ Building Interdisciplinary Networks

✓ Critical Thinking & Practical Problem Solving

✓ Professional Writing & Engaging Presentations

✓ Thoroughness & Attention to Detail

✓ Research & Analytical Expertise

✓ Motivation & Positive Energy

While her recent expertise has developed in the world of housing, what Nancy values most about her career is the opportunity to bring multidisciplinary insight to a wide range of projects and sectors. Whether there’s a staffing gap, the need for a fresh perspective, or a project that requires momentum, Nancy Orr is the extra set of professional hands that can help move initiatives forward.

Nancy is driven by a commitment to continual learning, positive action, and building strong communities.