Work History

In addition to his volunteer work with the Creative Spark, Mr. Heighington has been an important leader in information technology and senior management.  A certified project manager and IT architect, Rob has built (development management) and supported (operation management) highly secure, complex and distributed ERPs. Rob studied computer technology at Centennial College in Toronto working his way up from programmer to becoming the youngest Fortune 500 CIO in Y2K.

	Creative Spark Inc. – 2008 to present Mr. Heighington started Creative Spark over 15 years ago.  What started out as a small art class developed quickly into various programs that help build psychological resilience, physical wellbeing, as well as improved socialization skills. With the blessing of his employer Fujitsu, Rob has worked closely with the Canadian government and various international organizations, universities to develop various Creative Spark programs. The Creative Spark has won numerous awards and grants.
Fujitsu – 2010 to 2023 As Senior Risk Manager for Fujitsu Canada Western operations Mr. Heighington’s unique ‘big picture’ acumen aided many corporations to develop and maintain their complex and distributed information applications (software, hardware and networks). In particular working with the energy sector, government and healthcare. A special thank you to Fujitsu head office (Japan) for supporting the Creative Spark.
	Bell Canada BTSW – 2006 to 2007 Associate Director – Bell Technology and Systems West. Mr. Heighington lead a team of 15 IT project managers and 15 IT business analysts. Rob worked hand in hand with other Bell Directors including his fellow leadership team. The technology was easy, our biggest challenge was team moral followed closely by prioritising over 100 projects.
Community Sports Coach 2007 to 2014 For seven seasons Rob coached community soccer, as well as being a girls jr. basketball coach, assistant high school football coach (defense) and one year coaching rugby in Banff Alberta. Volunteering in our community has been a great honour. Youth leadership has taught me far more than I have contributed.
	GPC International – Y2K As Global Chief Information Officer (CIO) Mr. Heighington was responsible for integrating technologies and management of all senior IT Managers in North America and Europe. This included high level liaison with various governments and acquired companies including those in the US, the UK (pre Brexit) and European Union.
Board of Directors – 1999 to Present Mr. Heighington has been on various Boards of Directors including international corporations as well as local school boards, community theatre and a not for profit Canadian corporation. For references on this and/or any of the above please feel free to contact Rob directly at rob@creativespark.ca .