Rocky Dhillon

Community-connected professional with over 20 years of experience engaging stakeholders across business, government, nonprofit, and Indigenous community sectors in Winnipeg and across Manitoba. Strong background in business development, stakeholder relationship management, research-informed decision-making, report and presentation preparation, and supporting organizations that work at the intersection of economic development and community wellbeing. Genuine investment in downtown Winnipeg's vitality, reflected in active board leadership with three Winnipeg-based community organizations.

Brings an Indigenous perspective, a Cree member of Sapotaweyak Cree Nation, to policy and advocacy work that affects all Winnipeggers, including those most underrepresented in downtown economic conversations.

National Director, Indigenous Partnerships at MAG Solar (2025-01 – 2026-12)

• Researched and monitored government programs, incentive structures, and economic development initiatives across multiple provinces to identify opportunities relevant to First Nations communities and organizational strategy, preparing briefing materials and summaries for senior leadership.
• Developed backgrounders, presentations, and stakeholder communications that translated complex program and policy information into clear, accessible language for community and organizational decision-makers.
• Managed relationships with a diverse stakeholder network across government, Indigenous organizations, and private sector partners, tracking engagement activity and maintaining accurate records of outreach, meetings, and commitments.
• Supported advocacy and business attraction efforts by identifying partnership opportunities, preparing supporting materials, and coordinating follow-through on organizational commitments.

Associate Publisher at Best Version Media (2025-01 – 2026-12)

• Supported local business development by connecting business owners with community visibility opportunities, conducting outreach, gathering market information, and maintaining accurate records of member activity and engagement.
• Developed written content, community profiles, and business features that required research, interview, and clear written communication skills.
• Managed ongoing stakeholder relationships with local businesses, community organizations, and residents, maintaining a collaborative and service-oriented approach.

Vice President, Sales and Marketing at Dhillon Automotive Group (2017-01 – 2025-12)

• Led business development, community partnership, and marketing strategy for a Winnipeg-based Indigenous business, engaging with local government, business associations, community organizations, and Indigenous leadership across Manitoba.
• Prepared reports, presentations, and performance summaries for ownership and leadership, translating sales data, market trends, and operational results into clear written and visual formats.
• Managed vendor relationships, program administration, and documentation across a complex multi-stakeholder operation, maintaining accurate records and ensuring consistent follow-through on organizational commitments.
• Supported Indigenous community initiatives including youth sport sponsorships, Every Child Matters awareness, and direct community investment, demonstrating the kind of downtown community engagement the BIZ embodies.

Managing Partner at Makwa Realty and Capital Investments (2021-01 – 2025-12)

• Researched real estate market trends, property values, and investment opportunities across Winnipeg, preparing analysis and reports that informed partner decision-making on economic development and capital allocation.
• Engaged with government programs, incentive structures, and regulatory requirements relevant to property development and investment in Manitoba, developing practical familiarity with the policy and program landscape.

Co-Founder and President at Global Com BZ (2010-01 – 2017-12)

Built and managed a 150-person operation with full accountability for administrative systems, database management, reporting, stakeholder communication, and organizational documentation across multiple locations.

Double Major in Criminology and Sociology – University of Winnipeg (2003)

Diploma in Law – London South Bank University (2005)

AI Mastery Certificate Program in AI – Coursiv (2026-05)