Veteran pol, tech pioneer to lead AME 

The Association for Mineral Exploration (AME) in British Columbia has named Todd Stone, a veteran provincial politician and software startup founder, as its new president and CEO. He takes office Aug. 5. 

Stone served as a provincial legislator representing Kamloops – South Thompson for almost 12 years. He held the cabinet posts for transportation and infrastructure as well as emergency management. Stone also served as Deputy Government House Leader.   

Before he was first elected in 2013, Stone in 1999 founded iCompass Technologies, where he served as president and CEO. The company developed software for workflows and streamlined processes used by some 500 municipalities across North America. New York-based Diligent bought iCompass for an undisclosed amount in 2018. 

“I’m inspired by AME’s mission and legacy of protecting a prosperous landscape for mineral exploration that promotes economic growth in British Columbia, respects Indigenous rights, and ensures environmental sustainability,” Stone said in a news release on Monday.

Active voice

Stone didn’t seek re-election in the 2024 provincial election, but has remained an active voice, appearing on political panels and radio talk shows. Stone, now in his early 50s, served the BC United party, which was known as the BC Liberals until 2023. 

“I’m energized by the opportunities that B.C. exploration presents for our province, country and the world and recognize the unprecedented alignment of support across Canada to unlock our natural resources for a more diversified international market.

“The world needs British Columbia’s mineral resources, and AME has a vital role to play working on behalf of our members – big and small – with Government and First Nations to ensure British Columbia is positioned as the leading mineral exploration jurisdiction.” 

AME board chair Trish Jacques said there had been an extensive search to find a candidate with Stone’s credentials. 

“The exploration industry and the AME team will be well served by his broad public and private sector experiences,” Jacques said in the same release. “We are impressed with his commitment to advocate and work collaboratively to protect and promote the interests of mineral explorers and developers creating opportunities and benefits for all British Columbians.”