The Exchange District BIZ is one of 16 Business Improvement Zones in Winnipeg.
Every for-profit business located within a BIZ is automatically a contributing member by virtue of paying a special levy which is collected by the City of Winnipeg along with other business taxes each spring. The Exchange District BIZ is the third largest operating BIZ in the City.
The role of the BIZ, a non-profit organization, is to bring local businesses together to promote the area, to improve the District’s physical appearance, to support events that attract people to the community, and to play an advocacy role for local business on issues of common concern.
The management board is comprised of twelve elected members from Exchange District businesses and one City Council appointee, whom oversee the operation of the BIZ. Directors are elected to the Management Board at an Annual General Meeting (AGM) which is typically held in the fall. The yearly programming structure and operating budget are subject to approval by the BIZ members at the AGM and then City Council.
Board of Directors
The Exchange District BIZ management board is comprised of up to 12 elected members from Exchange District businesses and one City Council appointee, whom oversee the operation of the BIZ.
Directors are elected to the Board at an Annual General Meeting (AGM) which is typically held in each autumn. The yearly programming structure and operating budget are subject to approval by the BIZ members at the AGM and then City Council.
The Exchange District BIZ volunteer Board members represent a wide range of business activity in the area, from large corporations to small owner-operated enterprises. The BIZ also welcomes input from other area stakeholders, including arts and cultural organizations, educational institutions and residents, to strengthen the core of people cooperating to promote and improve the Exchange.
Mary Agnes Welch (Chair) – Probe Research
Jessica Willis (Vice Chair) – Summit Search Group
Brock Coutts (Treasurer) – Patent 5 Distillery
Ronald Sarran (Secretary) – Paradigm Consulting Group
Councilor Vivian Santos – City of Winnipeg
Charles Roy – Taylor McCaffrey LLP
Pauline Boldt – 26 Projects
Jennifer Goreski – UN Luggage
Glen Murray – Emerge Knowledge Design
Mark Turner – Amsterdam Tea Room
Matthew Sabourin – Nonsuch Brewery Co.
Desiree Theriault – Narratives Inc.
Roger Miranda – Evident IT
Martin Pasieczka (non-voting) – Appointed City of Winnipeg Representative
Staff
Staffing levels vary seasonally, and include over a dozen team members across our Maintenance & Beautification, Community Safety Patrol, and Historic Walking Tour teams. Our core leadership team oversees all program areas and works in partnership with a variety of neighbourhood organizations to keep the Exchange District thriving.
Executive Director
DAVID PENSATO
David is a place management professional with a background in public engagement, strategic planning, and brand strategy with a career spanning a wide range of client work in both the private and public sector. In his current role as the Executive Director of the Exchange District Business Improvement Zone in Winnipeg, he has been directly involved in advocating, leading, and creating a broad range of initiatives related to urban development. As an innovator, strategic planner, and branding expert, David’s eye for detail and ability to continually see the big picture (and beyond) compliment his love for the area, making him the ideal person to engage and interact with the Exchange’s many member businesses, residents, and visitors.
Executive Coordinator
ALEX WALLACE
A born and raised Londoner, Alex made the leap over the Atlantic to Winnipeg during the summer of 2020. With previous experience in Talent Acquisition for a prominent British clothing brand, she applies her HR experience in new exciting ways at the Exchange District BIZ. Learning more about this iconic neighbourhood through the work that the BIZ does has given Alex a deeper sense of connection to her adopted city. You can often find her strolling through one of the urban parks the Exchange offers or looking for her latest thrift find at the many vintage shops in the neighbourhood!
Arts & Culture Coordinator
SCOTT FITZPATRICK
Scott is a filmmaker media artist, and arts administrator with deep roots in the Exchange District’s creative community. With a strong background in film programming and creative technology, he brings a thoughtful and hands-on approach to supporting the cultural life of the neighbourhood. Whether developing artist-driven projects or contributing behind the scenes, Scott’s work is grounded in a genuine commitment to the arts and the local community he’s long been a part of. You’ll often find him in the District—grabbing a coffee working in his studio catching a movie at Cinematheque or digging through records at Into the Music.
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
DMYTRO POTAPOV
Dmytro is a communications and marketing professional with experience spanning multiple industries and sectors. With a strong foundation in strategic planning and a global outlook, he develops and delivers thoughtful, results-driven approaches to public affairs, brand positioning, and engagement. His work is rooted in a clear understanding of how effective communication can shape reputation, build community, and support long-term goals.