Tristan Smyth is a Founding Partner with the NextGen Impact Fund and serves as CEO of Deshkan Ziibiing Investment Corporation, the economic development arm for the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation. In their role as CEO of DZIC, they lead the Nation’s business partnerships and equity investments across sectors spanning from infrastructure to healthcare. Over their career, Tristan has held executive roles leading youth-focused organizations (like Propel Impact and Indigenous Youth Roots) and advising Nations on economic development projects. Over the last 10 years, Tristan has advised on or directed over $2B CAD in economic development activity, and in recognition of their work was named one of Canada’s top 21 Young Impact Leaders by Future of Good in 2019 and to the Ottawa Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 in 2023. Tristan leads a graduate seminar on responsible and impact investing for Carleton University’s School of Public Policy and Administration and holds multiple Board seats including as a Board Director at Giyak Mishkawzid Shkagmikwe Corporation (economic development arm of Atikameksheng Anishnawbek), Board Director and Vice Chair at Boann Social Impact, and Board Director at Propel Impact Foundation. Tristan holds a Bachelor of Arts from Mount Royal University, a Masters of Information from the University of Toronto, and an Executive MBA from Queen’s University and Cornell University.
