About Ross
Ross Romano is a trusted strategic advisor, former Ontario Cabinet Minister, legal professional, and public policy leader with deep experience across government, law, education, Indigenous affairs, research, and innovation.
As Member of Provincial Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie from 2017 to 2022, Ross held several senior portfolios in Cabinet, including:
• Minister of Colleges and Universities
• Minister of Government and Consumer Services
• Minister responsible for Research
In these roles, Ross led transformative change in Ontario’s post-secondary sector, public service delivery, and innovation ecosystem. He was instrumental in advancing Ontario’s performance-based funding model for colleges and universities, overseeing the digital transformation of the Ontario Business Registry, building Intellectual Property Ontario, and spearheading Ontario’s shift toward micro-credentials and virtual learning. Ross also played a leading role in establishing Supply Ontario, working to harness the province’s $32 billion in annual purchasing power to drive economic growth and procurement modernization.
Before entering politics, Ross practiced law for over a decade, including as a criminal and civil litigation lawyer, Assistant Crown Attorney, and municipal prosecutor. He brings a strategic, solutions-focused mindset to every engagement—rooted in legal analysis, public service, and community impact.
Ross is also a proud Northern Ontarian. Having grown up, studied, worked, and raised his family in Sault Ste. Marie, he brings a deep understanding of the region’s economic realities and potential. As MPP, Ross secured major government investment for the city’s advanced manufacturing sector—supporting transformational upgrades at Algoma Steel and Tenaris.
Through Wind Whistle Strategies, Ross provides clients across Ontario with results-driven leadership and a winning strategy to achieve their goals—whether navigating government, managing public risk, or driving institutional transformation.
Personal Note from Ross:
“I’ve always believed that good governance begins with asking the right questions, listening carefully, and making tough decisions for the right reasons. Whether in the courtroom, at the Cabinet table, or advising clients today, I’ve relied on critical thinking, clarity of purpose, and an unwavering commitment to delivering results.
At Wind Whistle Strategies, my mission is to help organizations win—by staying grounded in integrity, strategy, and the kind of leadership that inspires trust.”
Snapshot Summary:
• 8 years in elected public office, including 3 years in Cabinet
• 20+ years combined legal, political, and advisory experience
• Led multi-billion-dollar education, research, and service transformation files
• Helped launch Intellectual Property Ontario and Supply Ontario
• Pioneered Ontario’s micro-credential and virtual learning strategies
• Secured funding for advanced manufacturing in Northern Ontario
• Trusted advisor to leaders in public, private, Indigenous, and academic sectors
