Executive Experience

Technology Executive | AI Strategy Advisor | Product Leader

Colin Smillie is a Toronto-based technology executive with over 25 years of leadership across enterprise technology, AI strategy, and product management. Most recently SVP of National Technology at YMCA Canada, overseeing a large technology portfolio across 37 associations and 24,000 employees, he has held senior roles at Hill+Knowlton Strategies, Trader Corporation (Autotrader), and Refresh Partners. He advises organizations on AI adoption, digital transformation, and building high-performing technology teams in the nonprofit, environmental, and public sectors.

STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP AI IMPLEMENTATION PRODUCT ROADMAP

Last updated: March 2026

bolt Currently Available For

CTO / CIO Roles

Full-time or fractional technology leadership in nonprofit, environmental, and public sector organizations.

AI Strategy Advisory

Helping organizations navigate AI adoption, governance, and building leadership AI literacy.

Speaking Engagements

Talks on AI strategy, technology leadership, and the intersection of ethics and innovation.

Board Roles

Technology governance positions on boards in the nonprofit, environmental, and public sectors.

work Professional History

Senior Vice-President, National Technology

Nov 2022 – June 2025

YMCA Canada

  • Led national technology strategy across a large portfolio, aligning 300 technology leaders across 37 YMCA associations and 24,000 employees. Reported to the National Board.
  • Delivered the first national intranet (intranet.ymca.ca), first National Data Portal, and updated Learning Management System, all completed on schedule, on budget, and largely funded through government grants.
  • Led one of the first enterprise AI pilots using Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT. Prepared the National Data Portal for future AI projects and developed the organization’s initial AI policy.
  • Managed cybersecurity and risk governance including AI usage policies, insurance procurement, and evaluation audits.
  • Coached, supported, and developed a diverse team of technology leaders across Canada, fostering collaboration with business leaders to maximize technology contributions.

Chair, Marketing & Technology Committee

Feb 2022 – Present

Heritage Toronto

  • Led website redesign and deployment, modernizing Heritage Toronto’s digital presence.
  • Implemented new data collection process from Heritage Toronto tours to inform programming and engagement decisions.
  • Optimized and improved digital strategy and marketing to strengthen public engagement with Toronto’s history and heritage.

Vice President – Digital & Public Engagement Strategies

June 2012 – Dec 2021

Hill+Knowlton Strategies

  • Led a digital services team of 15 staff plus 4 external vendors, delivering over 200 projects and campaigns on schedule and on budget for enterprise clients across multiple industries.
  • Developed digital and technology strategies for some of the world’s largest companies, managing all technology projects and ensuring alignment with client expectations.
  • Responsible for budgeting, profit and loss, and build-vs-buy decision making on technology projects, with increasing focus on cybersecurity, compliance, and operational best practices.

Director of Technologies

2009 – 2012

Ascentum (acquired by Hill+Knowlton)

  • Led a team of 5 building public engagement tools used across Canada, working with responses exceeding 100,000 Canadians for clients including Canada Post, Public Health Agency of Canada, and the Canadian Air Transportation Authority.
  • Successfully completed over 50 digital and technology campaigns.
  • Won Marketing Magazine Award for Digital and Social Media projects with Motorola and Justin Bieber.
  • Created the new Canadian Institute of Health Information (CIHI) website, winning the eHealth Information Systems Award.

Director of Technology / Co-Founder

2007 – 2009

Refresh Partners

  • Co-founded one of the first agencies focused on Facebook applications as an advertising and marketing platform. Grew from launch to over 30 Facebook marketing campaigns.
  • Created app campaigns for Coca-Cola, Dodge Chrysler, Nestlé, and Adidas. Won a Yellow Crayon Award for the Burger King Whopper Sacrifice campaign.

Brand Manager / Senior Product Manager

2004 – 2007

Autotrader Canada (acquired by Yellow Pages Group)

  • Led product strategy during Autotrader’s transition from Canada’s leading automotive print publication to its leading automotive website, reaching 4 million monthly visitors and achieving record revenue levels.
  • Led the team through the transition after acquisition by Yellow Pages Group, positioning the platform for long-term digital growth.

terminal Competencies

  • Enterprise Technology & Cybersecurity Strategy
  • National Digital Infrastructure & Platforms
  • Cybersecurity, Privacy & Risk Governance
  • Enterprise Architecture & Cloud Strategy
  • Technology Strategy & Roadmaps
  • Federated & Multi-Entity Operations
  • Data, AI & Emerging Technology Governance
  • Vendor & Partner Ecosystems
  • Public-Interest Service Platforms
  • Executive & Board Leadership

Let’s connect

Interested in working together or want to see my full portfolio?

Get in Touch

Strengths & Core Values

build

I’m a builder

I enjoy building, and digging into hard problems.

strategy

I’m strategic

I can see where we need to go to fit everything together.

record_voice_over

I inspire independence

I work to inspire the best in people and encourage them to grow.

construction

My skills are diverse

I understand product, marketing, technology and more.

cleaning_services

I don’t fear getting dirty

I’m often digging into problems and doing what is necessary.

autorenew

I like transitions

I do well in environments that in flux or going through major changes.

Exit mobile version