Board of Directors
PSHSA is committed to fiscal stewardship and good governance. Our governance structure has established policies and procedures to ensure accountability and oversight.
PSHSA has a committed Board of Directors with a strong history of leadership in the promotion of occupational health and safety. It is a volunteer Board, with membership drawn from across Ontario to reflect the true diversity of the sectors we serve.
Ravil Veli
Chair
Ravil Veli is the CEO of the North Bay Public Library. He was appointed to the position in February of 2014. Prior to his appointment to the NBPL, Ravil served as library director in a variety of academic institutions, public and private, in Connecticut, New York and Vermont.
As library director, Ravil has focused on the development of both traditional and digital information literacy programs and initiatives. He has also led library design and renovation projects, transforming legacy library buildings into technology rich, learner centered, collaborative teaching and learning spaces.
Ravil is a member of the Board of Governors of Canadore College and a member of the Council of the Ontario College of Pharmacists.
Ravil has Bachelor of Arts degree (History) from the University of Waterloo, and a Master’s degree (Library Science) from McGill University.
As library director, Ravil has focused on the development of both traditional and digital information literacy programs and initiatives. He has also led library design and renovation projects, transforming legacy library buildings into technology rich, learner centered, collaborative teaching and learning spaces.
Ravil is a member of the Board of Governors of Canadore College and a member of the Council of the Ontario College of Pharmacists.
Ravil has Bachelor of Arts degree (History) from the University of Waterloo, and a Master’s degree (Library Science) from McGill University.
Ravil Veli is the CEO of the North Bay Public Library. He was appointed to the position in February of 2014. Prior to his appointment to the NBPL, Ravil served as library director in a variety of...
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Ravil Veli is the CEO of the North Bay Public Library. He was appointed to the position in February of 2014. Prior to his appointment to the NBPL, Ravil served as library director in a variety of academic institutions, public and private, in Connecticut, New York and Vermont.
As library director, Ravil has focused on the development of both traditional and digital information literacy programs and initiatives. He has also led library design and renovation projects, transforming legacy library buildings into technology rich, learner centered, collaborative teaching and learning spaces.
Ravil is a member of the Board of Governors of Canadore College and a member of the Council of the Ontario College of Pharmacists.
Ravil has Bachelor of Arts degree (History) from the University of Waterloo, and a Master’s degree (Library Science) from McGill University.
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As library director, Ravil has focused on the development of both traditional and digital information literacy programs and initiatives. He has also led library design and renovation projects, transforming legacy library buildings into technology rich, learner centered, collaborative teaching and learning spaces.
Ravil is a member of the Board of Governors of Canadore College and a member of the Council of the Ontario College of Pharmacists.
Ravil has Bachelor of Arts degree (History) from the University of Waterloo, and a Master’s degree (Library Science) from McGill University.
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Penelope Smiley
Vice-Chair
Penelope (Penny) Smiley is currently Principal Consultant at People and Strategy Consulting. She has worked as a human resources/labour relations executive in the public sector for over thirty years, most recently as a Senior Director at the Waterloo Regional Police Service and as Commissioner of Human Resources for the Region of Waterloo. Penny also has experience in the education and health fields.
In her management roles, Health and Safety has been part of Penny’s responsibility since the mid 1990s.. Penny has initiated and championed improvements to better protect the health and safety of workers, including systematic health and safety audits, safety management systems implementation and wellness programming.
In addition to her professional employment, Penny has held a variety of governance board appointments. At present, Penny is Chair of the Board for Empowered Kids Ontario (EKO), an organization which represents publicly funded organizations which provide rehabilitation and development services to children in Ontario. Penny has been a board member and Board Chair at KidsAbility Center for Child Development; Eastern Lake Ontario Branch of Victorian Order of Nurses and Kingston And District Immigrant Services. Penny has also been a Board Member on the Kitchener Waterloo Symphony Orchestra Board and on the VON Ontario Board. Penny enjoys contributing to the vision, mission and strategy of organizations and bringing people together to effect positive change.
Penny holds a BA, an LLM, and a Master of Industrial Relations as well as a Certificate in Mediation and Dispute Resolution. In her leisure time Penny enjoys travel, golf and cooking.
In her management roles, Health and Safety has been part of Penny’s responsibility since the mid 1990s.. Penny has initiated and championed improvements to better protect the health and safety of workers, including systematic health and safety audits, safety management systems implementation and wellness programming.
In addition to her professional employment, Penny has held a variety of governance board appointments. At present, Penny is Chair of the Board for Empowered Kids Ontario (EKO), an organization which represents publicly funded organizations which provide rehabilitation and development services to children in Ontario. Penny has been a board member and Board Chair at KidsAbility Center for Child Development; Eastern Lake Ontario Branch of Victorian Order of Nurses and Kingston And District Immigrant Services. Penny has also been a Board Member on the Kitchener Waterloo Symphony Orchestra Board and on the VON Ontario Board. Penny enjoys contributing to the vision, mission and strategy of organizations and bringing people together to effect positive change.
Penny holds a BA, an LLM, and a Master of Industrial Relations as well as a Certificate in Mediation and Dispute Resolution. In her leisure time Penny enjoys travel, golf and cooking.
Penelope (Penny) Smiley is currently Principal Consultant at People and Strategy Consulting. She has worked as a human resources/labour relations executive in the public sector for over thirty years,...
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Penelope (Penny) Smiley is currently Principal Consultant at People and Strategy Consulting. She has worked as a human resources/labour relations executive in the public sector for over thirty years, most recently as a Senior Director at the Waterloo Regional Police Service and as Commissioner of Human Resources for the Region of Waterloo. Penny also has experience in the education and health fields.
In her management roles, Health and Safety has been part of Penny’s responsibility since the mid 1990s.. Penny has initiated and championed improvements to better protect the health and safety of workers, including systematic health and safety audits, safety management systems implementation and wellness programming.
In addition to her professional employment, Penny has held a variety of governance board appointments. At present, Penny is Chair of the Board for Empowered Kids Ontario (EKO), an organization which represents publicly funded organizations which provide rehabilitation and development services to children in Ontario. Penny has been a board member and Board Chair at KidsAbility Center for Child Development; Eastern Lake Ontario Branch of Victorian Order of Nurses and Kingston And District Immigrant Services. Penny has also been a Board Member on the Kitchener Waterloo Symphony Orchestra Board and on the VON Ontario Board. Penny enjoys contributing to the vision, mission and strategy of organizations and bringing people together to effect positive change.
Penny holds a BA, an LLM, and a Master of Industrial Relations as well as a Certificate in Mediation and Dispute Resolution. In her leisure time Penny enjoys travel, golf and cooking.
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In her management roles, Health and Safety has been part of Penny’s responsibility since the mid 1990s.. Penny has initiated and championed improvements to better protect the health and safety of workers, including systematic health and safety audits, safety management systems implementation and wellness programming.
In addition to her professional employment, Penny has held a variety of governance board appointments. At present, Penny is Chair of the Board for Empowered Kids Ontario (EKO), an organization which represents publicly funded organizations which provide rehabilitation and development services to children in Ontario. Penny has been a board member and Board Chair at KidsAbility Center for Child Development; Eastern Lake Ontario Branch of Victorian Order of Nurses and Kingston And District Immigrant Services. Penny has also been a Board Member on the Kitchener Waterloo Symphony Orchestra Board and on the VON Ontario Board. Penny enjoys contributing to the vision, mission and strategy of organizations and bringing people together to effect positive change.
Penny holds a BA, an LLM, and a Master of Industrial Relations as well as a Certificate in Mediation and Dispute Resolution. In her leisure time Penny enjoys travel, golf and cooking.
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Andy Potter
Treasurer, Chair of Audit, Finance & Risk Committee
Andy Potter is a Partner in Deloitte focused on serving clients in the Public Sector. He has a distinguished track record of building high performing, committed teams and growing Deloitte’s Public Sector business across the country.
Andy’s primary client is the Ontario Government and affiliated agencies / Broader Public Sector. He has worked across many sectors and has deep expertise with the Ministry of Education and Ontario School Boards. For over a decade he delivered many projects for the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board including work in Prevention and Operations. Andy is currently Deloitte’s Lead Client Service Partner for the City of Toronto.
Andy is a Chartered Accountant who began his career in the UK Deloitte Audit firm, moving to Toronto in 1994.
Andy’s primary client is the Ontario Government and affiliated agencies / Broader Public Sector. He has worked across many sectors and has deep expertise with the Ministry of Education and Ontario School Boards. For over a decade he delivered many projects for the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board including work in Prevention and Operations. Andy is currently Deloitte’s Lead Client Service Partner for the City of Toronto.
Andy is a Chartered Accountant who began his career in the UK Deloitte Audit firm, moving to Toronto in 1994.
Andy Potter is a Partner in Deloitte focused on serving clients in the Public Sector. He has a distinguished track record of building high performing, committed teams and growing Deloitte’s Public...
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Andy Potter is a Partner in Deloitte focused on serving clients in the Public Sector. He has a distinguished track record of building high performing, committed teams and growing Deloitte’s Public Sector business across the country.
Andy’s primary client is the Ontario Government and affiliated agencies / Broader Public Sector. He has worked across many sectors and has deep expertise with the Ministry of Education and Ontario School Boards. For over a decade he delivered many projects for the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board including work in Prevention and Operations. Andy is currently Deloitte’s Lead Client Service Partner for the City of Toronto.
Andy is a Chartered Accountant who began his career in the UK Deloitte Audit firm, moving to Toronto in 1994.
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Andy’s primary client is the Ontario Government and affiliated agencies / Broader Public Sector. He has worked across many sectors and has deep expertise with the Ministry of Education and Ontario School Boards. For over a decade he delivered many projects for the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board including work in Prevention and Operations. Andy is currently Deloitte’s Lead Client Service Partner for the City of Toronto.
Andy is a Chartered Accountant who began his career in the UK Deloitte Audit firm, moving to Toronto in 1994.
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Andréane Chénier
Dr. Andréane Chénier is a CUPE National Representative specializing in Health and Safety. She assists CUPE members in Ontario with a wide range of occupational health and safety issues ranging from workplace violence and harassment to working alone, shiftwork to joint health and safety committees and psychosocial hazards. In this role, she presents the public sector worker perspective as a representative on many committees, including the Ministry of Labour’s Prevention Council, as the Labour co-chair on the Section 21 committee for health care. Andréane has participated in the research, writing and publication of health and safety tools to help workers find answers to their workplace problems. She is a certified instructor for Mental Health First Aid and for the Workers Health and Safety Centre.
Prior to her work as health and safety specialist, Andréane was a scientific researcher in the health sciences fields of HIV, immunology and cancer metabolism, is a published author and has presented her research at provincial, national and international conferences. She holds a Biochemistry degree and a Masters in Immunology from the University of Ottawa and a doctorate in Biomolecular Sciences from Laurentian University.
Prior to her work as health and safety specialist, Andréane was a scientific researcher in the health sciences fields of HIV, immunology and cancer metabolism, is a published author and has presented her research at provincial, national and international conferences. She holds a Biochemistry degree and a Masters in Immunology from the University of Ottawa and a doctorate in Biomolecular Sciences from Laurentian University.
Dr. Andréane Chénier is a CUPE National Representative specializing in Health and Safety. She assists CUPE members in Ontario with a wide range of occupational health and safety issues ranging from...
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Dr. Andréane Chénier is a CUPE National Representative specializing in Health and Safety. She assists CUPE members in Ontario with a wide range of occupational health and safety issues ranging from workplace violence and harassment to working alone, shiftwork to joint health and safety committees and psychosocial hazards. In this role, she presents the public sector worker perspective as a representative on many committees, including the Ministry of Labour’s Prevention Council, as the Labour co-chair on the Section 21 committee for health care. Andréane has participated in the research, writing and publication of health and safety tools to help workers find answers to their workplace problems. She is a certified instructor for Mental Health First Aid and for the Workers Health and Safety Centre.
Prior to her work as health and safety specialist, Andréane was a scientific researcher in the health sciences fields of HIV, immunology and cancer metabolism, is a published author and has presented her research at provincial, national and international conferences. She holds a Biochemistry degree and a Masters in Immunology from the University of Ottawa and a doctorate in Biomolecular Sciences from Laurentian University.
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Prior to her work as health and safety specialist, Andréane was a scientific researcher in the health sciences fields of HIV, immunology and cancer metabolism, is a published author and has presented her research at provincial, national and international conferences. She holds a Biochemistry degree and a Masters in Immunology from the University of Ottawa and a doctorate in Biomolecular Sciences from Laurentian University.
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Anna Fitzsimmons
Anna Fitzsimmons was born and raised in North Bay and attended Nipissing University for her undergraduate studies. She was recognized with the Dave Marshall Leadership Award, and Valedictorian of her class. After graduating, Anna was also recognized with the Dr. James Jamieson Influential Alumni Award.
Anna was a member of the Charter Class of the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law, in Thunder Bay. Here she served as the Founding President of the Law Students’ Society.
Upon graduation, Anna worked for the Treasury Board Secretariat, where she advised many ministry clients in labour and employment relations issues. She has experience representing clients at the Grievance Settlement Board in mediation and negotiation.
In 2019, Anna returned to her hometown as an Associate Lawyer with the C. John D’Agostino Law Professional Corporation where two of her main areas of practice are labour and employment and not-for-profit law. She is a member of the Nipissing Law Association and the Canadian Bar Association. She currently serves as the Vice President and Director on the Capital Centre Board of Directors.
Anna was a member of the Charter Class of the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law, in Thunder Bay. Here she served as the Founding President of the Law Students’ Society.
Upon graduation, Anna worked for the Treasury Board Secretariat, where she advised many ministry clients in labour and employment relations issues. She has experience representing clients at the Grievance Settlement Board in mediation and negotiation.
In 2019, Anna returned to her hometown as an Associate Lawyer with the C. John D’Agostino Law Professional Corporation where two of her main areas of practice are labour and employment and not-for-profit law. She is a member of the Nipissing Law Association and the Canadian Bar Association. She currently serves as the Vice President and Director on the Capital Centre Board of Directors.
Anna Fitzsimmons was born and raised in North Bay and attended Nipissing University for her undergraduate studies. She was recognized with the Dave Marshall Leadership Award, and Valedictorian of her...
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Anna Fitzsimmons was born and raised in North Bay and attended Nipissing University for her undergraduate studies. She was recognized with the Dave Marshall Leadership Award, and Valedictorian of her class. After graduating, Anna was also recognized with the Dr. James Jamieson Influential Alumni Award.
Anna was a member of the Charter Class of the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law, in Thunder Bay. Here she served as the Founding President of the Law Students’ Society.
Upon graduation, Anna worked for the Treasury Board Secretariat, where she advised many ministry clients in labour and employment relations issues. She has experience representing clients at the Grievance Settlement Board in mediation and negotiation.
In 2019, Anna returned to her hometown as an Associate Lawyer with the C. John D’Agostino Law Professional Corporation where two of her main areas of practice are labour and employment and not-for-profit law. She is a member of the Nipissing Law Association and the Canadian Bar Association. She currently serves as the Vice President and Director on the Capital Centre Board of Directors.
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Anna was a member of the Charter Class of the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law, in Thunder Bay. Here she served as the Founding President of the Law Students’ Society.
Upon graduation, Anna worked for the Treasury Board Secretariat, where she advised many ministry clients in labour and employment relations issues. She has experience representing clients at the Grievance Settlement Board in mediation and negotiation.
In 2019, Anna returned to her hometown as an Associate Lawyer with the C. John D’Agostino Law Professional Corporation where two of her main areas of practice are labour and employment and not-for-profit law. She is a member of the Nipissing Law Association and the Canadian Bar Association. She currently serves as the Vice President and Director on the Capital Centre Board of Directors.
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Avinesh Sundar
Avinesh currently holds a position with Mackenzie Investments as the Assistant Vice-President of Internal Audit in Toronto. Avinesh started his career at Ernst & Young but has also held positions within Bank of America Merrill Lynch, and BMO Bank of Montreal.
Avinesh holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto. Avinesh also holds a Canadian Chartered Accountant (CA), Canadian Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designations. He is also completing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from University of Toronto.
Originally born in Trinidad and Tobago, Avinesh migrated to Canada with his parents at a young age. Avinesh now resides in Burlington, Ontario with his wife Andrea and daughter Nikki. Outside of work Avinesh is an avid baseball player playing at the provincial, national and university levels. He also enjoys coaching baseball, golfing and attending sporting events.
Avinesh holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto. Avinesh also holds a Canadian Chartered Accountant (CA), Canadian Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designations. He is also completing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from University of Toronto.
Originally born in Trinidad and Tobago, Avinesh migrated to Canada with his parents at a young age. Avinesh now resides in Burlington, Ontario with his wife Andrea and daughter Nikki. Outside of work Avinesh is an avid baseball player playing at the provincial, national and university levels. He also enjoys coaching baseball, golfing and attending sporting events.
Avinesh currently holds a position with Mackenzie Investments as the Assistant Vice-President of Internal Audit in Toronto. Avinesh started his career at Ernst & Young but has also held positions...
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Avinesh currently holds a position with Mackenzie Investments as the Assistant Vice-President of Internal Audit in Toronto. Avinesh started his career at Ernst & Young but has also held positions within Bank of America Merrill Lynch, and BMO Bank of Montreal.
Avinesh holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto. Avinesh also holds a Canadian Chartered Accountant (CA), Canadian Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designations. He is also completing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from University of Toronto.
Originally born in Trinidad and Tobago, Avinesh migrated to Canada with his parents at a young age. Avinesh now resides in Burlington, Ontario with his wife Andrea and daughter Nikki. Outside of work Avinesh is an avid baseball player playing at the provincial, national and university levels. He also enjoys coaching baseball, golfing and attending sporting events.
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Avinesh holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto. Avinesh also holds a Canadian Chartered Accountant (CA), Canadian Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designations. He is also completing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from University of Toronto.
Originally born in Trinidad and Tobago, Avinesh migrated to Canada with his parents at a young age. Avinesh now resides in Burlington, Ontario with his wife Andrea and daughter Nikki. Outside of work Avinesh is an avid baseball player playing at the provincial, national and university levels. He also enjoys coaching baseball, golfing and attending sporting events.
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Devon Mymko
Devon has over 18 years of diverse experience in health care, having worked in hospitals, the community, seniors living, clinics, eHealth, and as part of provincial programs. Devon is currently Principal Consultant at Dartridge Group where he specializes in supporting public health agencies and private operators through business development, transformation, and strategic planning initiatives.
With an extensive background in Canadian home care, Devon has worked for government, not-for-profit, and for-profit agencies, previously leading a portfolio of over $210 million dollars and 4200 indirect reports across 4 provinces. In addition to his extensive leadership experience with private operators, Devon has completed numerous high-impact home care modernization projects for health authorities in ON, MB, AB, and BC and believes in leveraging technology to increase access and quality.
An ambassador of best practice, Devon has led projects, teams, and initiatives delivering safe and successful surgery, nursing, therapy & rehab, and unregulated care to tens of thousands of Canadians in populations ranging from complex pediatrics to palliative seniors for nearly 20 government agencies. As an operations lead he has been extensively involved in OH&S at both regional and national levels, always ensuring that safe care delivery for patients, clients, and employees is placed at the forefront of decision-making.
Devon received his MHA from the University of British Columbia and BA from the University of Manitoba. In his free time, he enjoys traveling throughout Western Canada visiting family and catching any live sporting, concert, or theatre event that he can.
With an extensive background in Canadian home care, Devon has worked for government, not-for-profit, and for-profit agencies, previously leading a portfolio of over $210 million dollars and 4200 indirect reports across 4 provinces. In addition to his extensive leadership experience with private operators, Devon has completed numerous high-impact home care modernization projects for health authorities in ON, MB, AB, and BC and believes in leveraging technology to increase access and quality.
An ambassador of best practice, Devon has led projects, teams, and initiatives delivering safe and successful surgery, nursing, therapy & rehab, and unregulated care to tens of thousands of Canadians in populations ranging from complex pediatrics to palliative seniors for nearly 20 government agencies. As an operations lead he has been extensively involved in OH&S at both regional and national levels, always ensuring that safe care delivery for patients, clients, and employees is placed at the forefront of decision-making.
Devon received his MHA from the University of British Columbia and BA from the University of Manitoba. In his free time, he enjoys traveling throughout Western Canada visiting family and catching any live sporting, concert, or theatre event that he can.
Devon has over 18 years of diverse experience in health care, having worked in hospitals, the community, seniors living, clinics, eHealth, and as part of provincial programs. Devon is currently...
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Devon has over 18 years of diverse experience in health care, having worked in hospitals, the community, seniors living, clinics, eHealth, and as part of provincial programs. Devon is currently Principal Consultant at Dartridge Group where he specializes in supporting public health agencies and private operators through business development, transformation, and strategic planning initiatives.
With an extensive background in Canadian home care, Devon has worked for government, not-for-profit, and for-profit agencies, previously leading a portfolio of over $210 million dollars and 4200 indirect reports across 4 provinces. In addition to his extensive leadership experience with private operators, Devon has completed numerous high-impact home care modernization projects for health authorities in ON, MB, AB, and BC and believes in leveraging technology to increase access and quality.
An ambassador of best practice, Devon has led projects, teams, and initiatives delivering safe and successful surgery, nursing, therapy & rehab, and unregulated care to tens of thousands of Canadians in populations ranging from complex pediatrics to palliative seniors for nearly 20 government agencies. As an operations lead he has been extensively involved in OH&S at both regional and national levels, always ensuring that safe care delivery for patients, clients, and employees is placed at the forefront of decision-making.
Devon received his MHA from the University of British Columbia and BA from the University of Manitoba. In his free time, he enjoys traveling throughout Western Canada visiting family and catching any live sporting, concert, or theatre event that he can.
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With an extensive background in Canadian home care, Devon has worked for government, not-for-profit, and for-profit agencies, previously leading a portfolio of over $210 million dollars and 4200 indirect reports across 4 provinces. In addition to his extensive leadership experience with private operators, Devon has completed numerous high-impact home care modernization projects for health authorities in ON, MB, AB, and BC and believes in leveraging technology to increase access and quality.
An ambassador of best practice, Devon has led projects, teams, and initiatives delivering safe and successful surgery, nursing, therapy & rehab, and unregulated care to tens of thousands of Canadians in populations ranging from complex pediatrics to palliative seniors for nearly 20 government agencies. As an operations lead he has been extensively involved in OH&S at both regional and national levels, always ensuring that safe care delivery for patients, clients, and employees is placed at the forefront of decision-making.
Devon received his MHA from the University of British Columbia and BA from the University of Manitoba. In his free time, he enjoys traveling throughout Western Canada visiting family and catching any live sporting, concert, or theatre event that he can.
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Dianne Fox
Dianne Fox is the Chief Operating Officer of the North American Life and Annuity Division at Foresters Financial. In her current role, Dianne oversees the end to end Administration for all insurance and annuity products across North America. Dianne leads a team of just over 450 employees located in Canada and the US.
Prior to joining Foresters Financial in 2009, Dianne spent 4 years leading the operations at Genisys Management Solutions, a Business Process Outsourcer for a variety of US and Canadian Life Insurance Carriers. During her 25 year tenure in the Insurance industry, she has held a variety of leadership positions at a number of Insurance companies including Manulife, Maritime Life, Aetna Canada and North American Life.
Dianne is a past member of the Junior Achievement Canada Board of Governors and has served as the Honorary Chair for One Walk to Cure all Cancers since 2017.
Prior to joining Foresters Financial in 2009, Dianne spent 4 years leading the operations at Genisys Management Solutions, a Business Process Outsourcer for a variety of US and Canadian Life Insurance Carriers. During her 25 year tenure in the Insurance industry, she has held a variety of leadership positions at a number of Insurance companies including Manulife, Maritime Life, Aetna Canada and North American Life.
Dianne is a past member of the Junior Achievement Canada Board of Governors and has served as the Honorary Chair for One Walk to Cure all Cancers since 2017.
Dianne Fox is the Chief Operating Officer of the North American Life and Annuity Division at Foresters Financial. In her current role, Dianne oversees the end to end Administration for all insurance...
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Dianne Fox is the Chief Operating Officer of the North American Life and Annuity Division at Foresters Financial. In her current role, Dianne oversees the end to end Administration for all insurance and annuity products across North America. Dianne leads a team of just over 450 employees located in Canada and the US.
Prior to joining Foresters Financial in 2009, Dianne spent 4 years leading the operations at Genisys Management Solutions, a Business Process Outsourcer for a variety of US and Canadian Life Insurance Carriers. During her 25 year tenure in the Insurance industry, she has held a variety of leadership positions at a number of Insurance companies including Manulife, Maritime Life, Aetna Canada and North American Life.
Dianne is a past member of the Junior Achievement Canada Board of Governors and has served as the Honorary Chair for One Walk to Cure all Cancers since 2017.
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Prior to joining Foresters Financial in 2009, Dianne spent 4 years leading the operations at Genisys Management Solutions, a Business Process Outsourcer for a variety of US and Canadian Life Insurance Carriers. During her 25 year tenure in the Insurance industry, she has held a variety of leadership positions at a number of Insurance companies including Manulife, Maritime Life, Aetna Canada and North American Life.
Dianne is a past member of the Junior Achievement Canada Board of Governors and has served as the Honorary Chair for One Walk to Cure all Cancers since 2017.
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Geoffrey Ren
Geoffrey Ren is the Chief Information Office at the Canadian Red Cross. A distinguished Cross-culture international IT &Digital leader with more than 21 years of extensive experience and business acumen mainly in the Life Science/Healthcare sector. Geoffrey’s passion is using digital technology to bring a larger social impact to the Society.
The professional achievements he is most proud of - , when he started with Novartis Pharma China with a mandate to build the $250 Million R&D and Manufacturing site from a technology standpoint. Not only that delivered the state of art IT Infrastructure and Applications, but also learned how to perform in the matrix organization. Later on, When he moved to Novartis Canada in PEI. Three months after arrival , it became part of Eli Lilly because of the acquisition . The biggest challenges are how to quickly transform IT to the new environment , on top of the technology , how to manage the change management and drive adoptions.
As for personal interests- he started the woodwork during the pandemic , really enjoying building things by his own hand. He also likes to take a quick morning run , whether it is +30 degrees or -30 degrees.
The professional achievements he is most proud of - , when he started with Novartis Pharma China with a mandate to build the $250 Million R&D and Manufacturing site from a technology standpoint. Not only that delivered the state of art IT Infrastructure and Applications, but also learned how to perform in the matrix organization. Later on, When he moved to Novartis Canada in PEI. Three months after arrival , it became part of Eli Lilly because of the acquisition . The biggest challenges are how to quickly transform IT to the new environment , on top of the technology , how to manage the change management and drive adoptions.
As for personal interests- he started the woodwork during the pandemic , really enjoying building things by his own hand. He also likes to take a quick morning run , whether it is +30 degrees or -30 degrees.
Geoffrey Ren is the Chief Information Office at the Canadian Red Cross. A distinguished Cross-culture international IT &Digital leader with more than 21 years of extensive experience and business...
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Geoffrey Ren is the Chief Information Office at the Canadian Red Cross. A distinguished Cross-culture international IT &Digital leader with more than 21 years of extensive experience and business acumen mainly in the Life Science/Healthcare sector. Geoffrey’s passion is using digital technology to bring a larger social impact to the Society.
The professional achievements he is most proud of - , when he started with Novartis Pharma China with a mandate to build the $250 Million R&D and Manufacturing site from a technology standpoint. Not only that delivered the state of art IT Infrastructure and Applications, but also learned how to perform in the matrix organization. Later on, When he moved to Novartis Canada in PEI. Three months after arrival , it became part of Eli Lilly because of the acquisition . The biggest challenges are how to quickly transform IT to the new environment , on top of the technology , how to manage the change management and drive adoptions.
As for personal interests- he started the woodwork during the pandemic , really enjoying building things by his own hand. He also likes to take a quick morning run , whether it is +30 degrees or -30 degrees.
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The professional achievements he is most proud of - , when he started with Novartis Pharma China with a mandate to build the $250 Million R&D and Manufacturing site from a technology standpoint. Not only that delivered the state of art IT Infrastructure and Applications, but also learned how to perform in the matrix organization. Later on, When he moved to Novartis Canada in PEI. Three months after arrival , it became part of Eli Lilly because of the acquisition . The biggest challenges are how to quickly transform IT to the new environment , on top of the technology , how to manage the change management and drive adoptions.
As for personal interests- he started the woodwork during the pandemic , really enjoying building things by his own hand. He also likes to take a quick morning run , whether it is +30 degrees or -30 degrees.
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Holly Brooks
Holly Brooks has over 15 years of experience in both the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors. She is currently the Head of Client Experience at HSBC Private Wealth Services (Canada) Inc., where her focus is to lead business initiatives around marketing and communications, business development and strategic planning.
While she has spent the majority of her career in the financial services industry, Holly has also held senior leadership positions at Junior Achievement of Central Ontario,a not-for-profit organization, for over 4 years, where she gained extensive experience in board governance, operational and financial planning, fundraising, volunteer management and marketing. With a keen interest in supporting the community, it is her passion to work with organizations to create positive change through innovation, collaboration and influence.
Holly has an honours BA from the University of Toronto, a Public Relations certificate from Ryerson University and is completing her MBA part-time through Dalhousie University.
While she has spent the majority of her career in the financial services industry, Holly has also held senior leadership positions at Junior Achievement of Central Ontario,a not-for-profit organization, for over 4 years, where she gained extensive experience in board governance, operational and financial planning, fundraising, volunteer management and marketing. With a keen interest in supporting the community, it is her passion to work with organizations to create positive change through innovation, collaboration and influence.
Holly has an honours BA from the University of Toronto, a Public Relations certificate from Ryerson University and is completing her MBA part-time through Dalhousie University.
Holly Brooks has over 15 years of experience in both the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors. She is currently the Head of Client Experience at HSBC Private Wealth Services (Canada) Inc., where her...
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Holly Brooks has over 15 years of experience in both the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors. She is currently the Head of Client Experience at HSBC Private Wealth Services (Canada) Inc., where her focus is to lead business initiatives around marketing and communications, business development and strategic planning.
While she has spent the majority of her career in the financial services industry, Holly has also held senior leadership positions at Junior Achievement of Central Ontario,a not-for-profit organization, for over 4 years, where she gained extensive experience in board governance, operational and financial planning, fundraising, volunteer management and marketing. With a keen interest in supporting the community, it is her passion to work with organizations to create positive change through innovation, collaboration and influence.
Holly has an honours BA from the University of Toronto, a Public Relations certificate from Ryerson University and is completing her MBA part-time through Dalhousie University.
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While she has spent the majority of her career in the financial services industry, Holly has also held senior leadership positions at Junior Achievement of Central Ontario,a not-for-profit organization, for over 4 years, where she gained extensive experience in board governance, operational and financial planning, fundraising, volunteer management and marketing. With a keen interest in supporting the community, it is her passion to work with organizations to create positive change through innovation, collaboration and influence.
Holly has an honours BA from the University of Toronto, a Public Relations certificate from Ryerson University and is completing her MBA part-time through Dalhousie University.
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Julie Thurlow
Julie Thurlow is currently the Vice President, Specialized Claims and Recovery Services of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. With over a decade of progressive leadership experience, Julie has diverse experience spanning across many areas including policy, epidemiology, claims management, health services and analytics. Prior to the WSIB, Julie had roles within research focused on mental health, epidemiology and education in the undergraduate sector. Julie has a passion for leadership and continuous development and is a graduate of the Ivey Executive Leadership Program.
Through her career, Julie’s transformative thinking has led to several awards including the President’s award for increasing access to mental health services from the Ontario Psychological Association, and the president’s award for excellence in teaching from McMaster University. These awards align to Julie’s passion and dedication to building and leading high performing and collaborative teams committed to innovation.
Julie completed her undergraduate Honours degree in Health Sciences from McMaster University and Masters of Health Sciences degree from University of Toronto, Dalla Lana school of Public Health, in community health and epidemiology.
Through her career, Julie’s transformative thinking has led to several awards including the President’s award for increasing access to mental health services from the Ontario Psychological Association, and the president’s award for excellence in teaching from McMaster University. These awards align to Julie’s passion and dedication to building and leading high performing and collaborative teams committed to innovation.
Julie completed her undergraduate Honours degree in Health Sciences from McMaster University and Masters of Health Sciences degree from University of Toronto, Dalla Lana school of Public Health, in community health and epidemiology.
Julie Thurlow is currently the Vice President, Specialized Claims and Recovery Services of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. With over a decade of progressive leadership experience, Julie has...
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Julie Thurlow is currently the Vice President, Specialized Claims and Recovery Services of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. With over a decade of progressive leadership experience, Julie has diverse experience spanning across many areas including policy, epidemiology, claims management, health services and analytics. Prior to the WSIB, Julie had roles within research focused on mental health, epidemiology and education in the undergraduate sector. Julie has a passion for leadership and continuous development and is a graduate of the Ivey Executive Leadership Program.
Through her career, Julie’s transformative thinking has led to several awards including the President’s award for increasing access to mental health services from the Ontario Psychological Association, and the president’s award for excellence in teaching from McMaster University. These awards align to Julie’s passion and dedication to building and leading high performing and collaborative teams committed to innovation.
Julie completed her undergraduate Honours degree in Health Sciences from McMaster University and Masters of Health Sciences degree from University of Toronto, Dalla Lana school of Public Health, in community health and epidemiology.
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Through her career, Julie’s transformative thinking has led to several awards including the President’s award for increasing access to mental health services from the Ontario Psychological Association, and the president’s award for excellence in teaching from McMaster University. These awards align to Julie’s passion and dedication to building and leading high performing and collaborative teams committed to innovation.
Julie completed her undergraduate Honours degree in Health Sciences from McMaster University and Masters of Health Sciences degree from University of Toronto, Dalla Lana school of Public Health, in community health and epidemiology.
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Rosilee Peto
Rosilee Peto is currently the Director of Occupational Health, Infection Safety and Employee Wellbeing at St. Joseph’s Health Care London. In this position, which she has held since June 2021, Rosilee has accountability and provides strategic leadership for three distinct programs – Occupational Health and Safety, Infection Safety and Employee Wellbeing.
Rosilee has been in healthcare for 25 years in both small, community hospitals and large academic hospitals in various corporate roles in Southwestern Ontario. Rosilee has extensive experience both a member of and reporting to Boards of Directors and their Committees. Rosilee has also completed courses in governance, strategic planning and quality.
Rosilee holds a Masters in Business Administration from Athabasca University and is a Certified Healthcare Executive (CHE) with the Canadian College of Health Leaders. Rosilee also has a LEAN Green Belt and is a Certified Patient Safety Officer.
Rosilee has been in healthcare for 25 years in both small, community hospitals and large academic hospitals in various corporate roles in Southwestern Ontario. Rosilee has extensive experience both a member of and reporting to Boards of Directors and their Committees. Rosilee has also completed courses in governance, strategic planning and quality.
Rosilee holds a Masters in Business Administration from Athabasca University and is a Certified Healthcare Executive (CHE) with the Canadian College of Health Leaders. Rosilee also has a LEAN Green Belt and is a Certified Patient Safety Officer.
Rosilee Peto is currently the Director of Occupational Health, Infection Safety and Employee Wellbeing at St. Joseph’s Health Care London. In this position, which she has held since June 2021, Rosilee...
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Rosilee Peto is currently the Director of Occupational Health, Infection Safety and Employee Wellbeing at St. Joseph’s Health Care London. In this position, which she has held since June 2021, Rosilee has accountability and provides strategic leadership for three distinct programs – Occupational Health and Safety, Infection Safety and Employee Wellbeing.
Rosilee has been in healthcare for 25 years in both small, community hospitals and large academic hospitals in various corporate roles in Southwestern Ontario. Rosilee has extensive experience both a member of and reporting to Boards of Directors and their Committees. Rosilee has also completed courses in governance, strategic planning and quality.
Rosilee holds a Masters in Business Administration from Athabasca University and is a Certified Healthcare Executive (CHE) with the Canadian College of Health Leaders. Rosilee also has a LEAN Green Belt and is a Certified Patient Safety Officer.
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Rosilee has been in healthcare for 25 years in both small, community hospitals and large academic hospitals in various corporate roles in Southwestern Ontario. Rosilee has extensive experience both a member of and reporting to Boards of Directors and their Committees. Rosilee has also completed courses in governance, strategic planning and quality.
Rosilee holds a Masters in Business Administration from Athabasca University and is a Certified Healthcare Executive (CHE) with the Canadian College of Health Leaders. Rosilee also has a LEAN Green Belt and is a Certified Patient Safety Officer.
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Shannon Brooks
Shannon is an accomplished executive with over 20 years experience in the post secondary education sector. As Vice-president, Finance and Operations at Algoma University, Shannon leads Finance and Facilities operations driving strategic planning and operational initiatives in those areas. Shannon has an extensive background in Enterprise Risk Management and has actively participated in various Ministry of Colleges and Universities working groups and on initiatives within the Ontario post secondary sector.
In addition to her BComm (Hon) from McMaster University, Shannon has completed various certificates in Ethics and Data Analytics from the CPA, and the CFO leadership program at the Rotman School of Management (U of T). Shannon has an MBA and is a Certified Professional Accountant (CPA).
In addition to her BComm (Hon) from McMaster University, Shannon has completed various certificates in Ethics and Data Analytics from the CPA, and the CFO leadership program at the Rotman School of Management (U of T). Shannon has an MBA and is a Certified Professional Accountant (CPA).
Shannon is an accomplished executive with over 20 years experience in the post secondary education sector. As Vice-president, Finance and Operations at Algoma University, Shannon leads Finance and...
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Shannon is an accomplished executive with over 20 years experience in the post secondary education sector. As Vice-president, Finance and Operations at Algoma University, Shannon leads Finance and Facilities operations driving strategic planning and operational initiatives in those areas. Shannon has an extensive background in Enterprise Risk Management and has actively participated in various Ministry of Colleges and Universities working groups and on initiatives within the Ontario post secondary sector.
In addition to her BComm (Hon) from McMaster University, Shannon has completed various certificates in Ethics and Data Analytics from the CPA, and the CFO leadership program at the Rotman School of Management (U of T). Shannon has an MBA and is a Certified Professional Accountant (CPA).
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In addition to her BComm (Hon) from McMaster University, Shannon has completed various certificates in Ethics and Data Analytics from the CPA, and the CFO leadership program at the Rotman School of Management (U of T). Shannon has an MBA and is a Certified Professional Accountant (CPA).
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