Blake Hutcheson was named as one of 25 new Order of Ontario appointees.
He was born and raised in Huntsville.
Hutcheson is currently the President and CEO of the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS), which is a Canadian public pension fund based in Toronto.
“As a young kid from Huntsville, Ont., I had no idea what this was, much less that one might come my way someday,” wrote Hutcheson on social media. “To be honest, I am incredibly humbled and, on this occasion, would simply like to convey four heartfelt thank yous.”
Hutcheson thanked the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lt. Gov. of Ontario, to his friends and colleagues, the hundreds of thousands of Ontarians he serves through his work with OMERS, and his family.
“I feel blessed to live in this province and country and I am proud to call it my home,” finished Hutcheson.
According to the province, Hutcheson is known for “his exceptional business acumen, leadership, and philanthropy,” adding he’s played a role in creating thousands of jobs in Ontario and helped to grow the investment portfolio for thousands.
“As Chancellor of the Order of Ontario, it is my privilege to congratulate the Order’s appointees for 2023,” said Dumont. “These Ontarians have demonstrated the highest levels of merit, excellence and dedication in their respective disciplines, and they have made significant impacts here at home and around the world. Our province gratefully acknowledges their remarkable contributions, which inspire us all to be leaders and change-makers.”
The Order of Ontario is the province’s highest civilian honour.