Corporate ProfileMission StatementTo expand the economy of the Greater Toronto Area by raising the profile of the region internationally to attract new investment and employment. Vision StatementTo be recognized as the primary marketing voice for attracting international investment and employment to the Greater Toronto Area. Staff Members
Board MembersThe 24-member private/public sector Board of Directors has the full authority for the management and strategic direction of the affairs of the Corporation. To view our Directors' profiles, please click on the names below: Board CommitteesExecutive Committee:
LOU MILRAD In addition to his role as Chair and CEO at the GTMA, Lou Milrad is an also an Associate Counsel to the cross-Canada law firm of Miller Thomson LLP and practices out of its Toronto office. Lou has devoted almost 30 years advising public and private sector management on a variety of business, policy and legal issues that include public private partnerships and associated alliances. Among Lou’s clients are a wide selection of Canadian municipalities, provincial governments and IT services companies as well as industry, professional and trade associations. In public procurement initiatives, Lou has been a resource and sometimes member of the client’s team and has participated in most aspects of RFP preparation, proposal review and evaluation, and on occasion, assisting in preparation and presentation to Council, Committees and Boards, of staff reports and recommendations. Lou is also counsel to MISA Ontario (Municipal Information Systems Association), CIPS Ontario (Canadian Information Processing Society, Ontario Chapter), and to URISA (Urban and Regional Information Systems Association) of which he is also a past president. He also provides services to AMCTO (Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario) and for 12 years acted as general counsel to ITAC (Information Technology Association of Canada). A graduate of the University of Toronto (BA) and of the Osgoode Hall School of Law of York University (LLB), Lou has been listed in LEXPERT as a leader in Computer and IT Law. For a number of years, Lou has been a visiting lecturer at the University of Waterloo’s Faculty of Environmental Science on “GIS and the Law” and launched an extended “GIS and the Law” graduate level course at Ryerson University. Lou is a member of the Board of KINSA (Kids Internet Safety Association) is a also member of the Executive Committee of the Ontario Bar Association’s (OBA) Public Sector Lawyers Section and often presents at OBA educational seminars on public procurement and ethics issues. Over his career, Lou has also written extensively in a cross-section of professional, industry and trade publications and given hundreds of lectures, speeches and presentations at domestic and international conferences and seminars around the world addressing a wide variety of technology and law-related topics and issues. He is also the editor of Canada Law Book’s O’Brien’s series of Legal Precedents for “Computers and Information Technology” as well as specific chapters in other volumes.
DON EDMONDS Don is a partner in our Greater Toronto Area (GTA) Private Company Services practice and specializes in audit and general advisory services. Don has been involved with private companies for over 25 years. He understands the many needs of growing and mature private businesses, particularly those needs far beyond the basic compliance services of audits, review engagements and tax returns. Don is responsible for providing a full range of assurance and advisory services to a number of privately held businesses in a variety of industries covering distribution, manufacturing, steel processing, and some retail. In addition to the core audit services, he has been involved in many business advisory services, including: succession planning, information system selections and implementations, process improvement, financing, accounting and other special projects. Don is a Chartered Accountant and is a graduate of the University of Manitoba Commerce program. He joined PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP in 1977 in Winnipeg, did a two year secondment in Stockholm, Sweden (1983 to 1985), and then joined the Assurance practice in GTA. He has been actively involved in our Japanese practice since 1990 and from 1999 to 2003 Don was the leader of our e.business advisory service practice. Since early 2003 Don has been providing leadership to the PwC Private Company Service practice in GTA. Don is a Director on the Board of the Greater Toronto Marketing Alliance and the Board of the Living Arts Centre of Mississauga. Don is also a past Chair of the Board of Directors of Erinoak, a Halton Peel based treatment centre for children and youth with physical, developmental and communication disabilities. Don has also been involved with the United Way of Peel allocation process in the past. Don and his wife Lori reside in Mississauga with their two daughters, Lisa and Stacy.
PHIL BAKER
JIM FEIR BIO TO COME
PAUL GREEN As Director, Market Development since 2005, Paul Green is accountable for marketing functions including mass markets and new construction, business markets, natural gas vehicles and marketing communications at Canada’s largest natural gas distribution utility. His team develops and implements demand side management, or energy efficiency, programs and load-growth programs (customer addition and/or burner-tip application) across all markets. Mr. Green began his career at Enbridge in 1976 and returned in October 2005, after three years at a separate energy company, Direct Energy Essential Home Services. He is a senior management professional with 30 years of sales, marketing, and human resource experience with increasing accountability in both the regulated utility and retail environment. While engaged in the non-regulated retail Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) environment, Paul was a key team member in the start-up operation of Enbridge Home Services in 1999. Later, he was on the Canada East Operations Management team for the Business Services division at Direct Energy. Mr. Green holds a Bachelor of Administrative Studies Degree from York University and attended the Queen’s University Executive Development Program and the Graduate School of Sales and Marketing Management at Syracuse University. He and his wife reside in Mississauga and have three children.
COUNCILLOR SANDRA HAMES Sandra Hames has lived in the City of Brampton since 1970. She was first elected to serve Ward 11 as City Councillor in 1991. She currently represents the residents of Wards 7 and 8. Long before Sandra’s election to Council, her strength in community involvement was apparent. Councillor Hames has volunteered for a number of community groups including Chair of the Carabram English Pavilion, President of the Chinguacousy Figure Skating Club and Chinguacousy Business Women’s Curling Club, the Chinguacousy Soccer Cub and the Bramalea 13th Scouts. In 1995, Councillor Hames received a City of Brampton Civic Award for long-term community involvement and in 2002 she received a Queen’s Golden Jubilee medal for Community Service. In 2001, the Chinguacousy Curling Club recognized Councillor Hames with the Marv White Award. The Chinguacousy Figure Skating Club also recognized Councillor Hames by making her a lifetime member. For the past 15 years as a City Councillor, Sandra has served on the following committees: Chair of Economic Development, Chair of Emergency Planning, Chair of the Citizen Awards, Co-Chair of the City’s Sesquicentennial Committee and currently Co-Chair of Community Services. Councillor Hames has also served on the following committees: Corporate and Finance, Budget Committee, Works and Transportation, Planning, Design and Development, By-Law Committee and the Brampton Marketing Team. In addition, Councillor Hames has also served as a City representative on The Brampton Arts Council, Brampton Library Board, Education Liaison Committee, City of Brampton Employee Fundraising Campaign for the United Way of Peel, the Professor’s Lake Recreation Advisory Committee, Korea Veterans Wall of Remembrance Committee, Board of Governors for the Sports Hall of Fame and Accessibility Advisory Committee. Councillor Hames has also served on the Board of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario for the past eight years and is currently chair of the Task Force of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Sandra is married to Peter and they have raised their three children, Tracey, Mathew and Simon, in Brampton.
JOHN HOWE John is responsible for Metrolinx’s long-term investment strategy, capital planning process and project implementation. He brings over 15 years of infrastructure policy and planning experience to Metrolinx. His career has spanned a range of Ontario government ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Public Infrastructure Renewal (PIR), Ontario SuperBuild Corporation, Ontario Jobs and Investment Board (OJIB), and the Ministry of Transportation (MTO). Prior to Metrolinx, John served as director of the province's Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Secretariat, where he spearheaded Ontario’s $500 million interest in waterfront transportation, affordable housing and recreational projects. He was also director of PIR’s federal-provincial-municipal infrastructure branch, responsible for developing and negotiating funding agreements between the three orders of government. At SuperBuild, John managed the province’s transportation capital portfolio and led the early policy development work leading to the restoration of provincial funding for transit and the creation of a regional transportation authority. John served as OJIB’s senior infrastructure policy advisor to the Premier for Ontario's 25-year plan for economic prosperity. During his years with MTO, John held senior advisory roles across key multimodal files, including provincial-municipal alignment of transportation responsibilities, Highway 407 safety review, freight policy, and the Ontario TransportationSector Strategy.
LINDA FRANKLIN Linda Franklin was appointed President and CEO of Colleges Ontario in January 2007. Colleges Ontario is the advocacy and outreach association of Ontario’s 21 Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology and three College Institutes of Technology and Advanced Learning. Linda Franklin was the President of the Wine Council of Ontario, a position she held for the past ten years. Under her leadership, the Ontario wine industry has partnered with the LCBO and the government to develop a 20 year strategic plan, supported by $40 million in government and industry funding. During her tenure, the industry has also lobbied successfully for legislation creating a regulatory body to oversee VQA wines, and gained approval to deliver VQA wines directly to restaurants, a change which has encouraged strong growth in the estate wine sector over the past five years. Prior to joining the Wine Council, Mrs. Franklin was a writer and communications specialist whose career included time as a consultant, five years as the head of communications for a regulatory body, and heading up a department charged with meeting the communications needs of MPPs at Queen’s Park. She has also served as the Chief of Staff to an Ontario cabinet Minister. Currently, she serves on the Board of Directors of Ontario Place, CNEA and GTMA. Linda Franklin has a degree in English and History and an M.A. in journalism from the University of Western Ontario
REGIONAL CHAIR BILL FISCH Bill Fisch became Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Regional Municipality of York in 1997. He served previously as a York Regional Councillor for the Town of Markham from 1994 to 1997 and a Town of Markham Ward Councillor from 1988 to 1994. Bill is a results-oriented leader with a proven track record of bringing people and organizations together to address important community needs. In his fourth term as the Region’s Chairman and CEO, Bill continues to be a driving force behind the Region’s award-winning Viva Rapid Transit system, in addition to two TTC subway expansions into York Region. His visionary plans in the area of municipal service delivery and his ability to establish clear and concise policies have resulted in the introduction of new, innovative programs for the citizens of York Region. Bill holds an L.L.B. from Osgoode Hall Law School (1974) and a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Queen’s University (1971). He is a board member on the York Regional Police Services Board, Association of Municipalities of Ontario and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. He is a past board member of Metrolinx (formerly Greater Toronto Transportation Authority) and the GO Transit Board.
GEORGE HANUS Mr. Hanus joined the GTMA in 2010. Prior to joining, George worked for 2½ years as Director, ICT and Advanced Manufacturing in Investment Attraction at TRRA-Toronto Region Research Alliance. Before TRRA he had spent over 25 years in economic development and investment attraction for Ontario's Ministry of Economic Development and Trade. Most recently, he was posted to Munich, Germany from 2002-2006 where he opened the Ontario International Marketing Centre as Consul (Economic Affairs-Ontario). He was previously posted to Frankfurt, Germany for Ontario from 1990-1993. George has extensive experience with companies in auto parts, traditional and advanced manufacturing, plastics, ICT, energy and environment/green-tech, and life science sectors. He has advised hundreds of companies, mainly from Europe, about the advantages of Ontario, and more recently the Toronto Region, as an investment location. His efforts, in collaboration with numerous partner organizations, have resulted in several tens of millions of dollars in investments and hundreds new jobs coming to Ontario. George holds an MBA in international business and marketing and a B.Eng. (Mechanical) both from McGill University. After completing his engineering degree, he worked in cargo operations and Arctic projects for a Montreal-based private international ship-owning and operating company. After his MBA, he worked in management consulting and international banking before joining the Ontario Government. George speaks French, German, Czech, and some Spanish. George has travelled extensively on business and holidays and has visited over sixty countries. He had also published several travel articles in the late eighties. In earlier years George was on the Boards of the McGill University Graduate Society in Toronto, the King-Bay Chaplaincy and Operation Bootstrap. He was also Vice-President and President of the Toronto Bicycling Network and was active on a committee of the High Park Ski Club.
MAYOR CAM JACKSON On November 13, 2006, Cam Jackson was elected the 27th Mayor of the City of Burlington. With over 30 years of elected public service dedicated to the citizens of Burlington, Mayor Jackson has extensive experience with and operational knowledge of government at all levels. After serving five terms as a Halton School Board trustee, Burlington citizens first elected Cam Jackson in 1985 to serve as their MPP in the Ontario Legislature. He was subsequently re-elected in six more provincial elections. Following the election of the Progressive Conservative government in 1995, Cam was appointed to Cabinet and served as Minister Responsible for Workers’ Compensation Reform; Minister Responsible for Seniors; Canada’s first Minister of Long Term Care; Minister of Citizenship with Responsibility for Seniors and Minister of Tourism and Sport. During his 22 years at Queen’s Park, Cam developed a reputation as a tireless worker dedicated to advocating for seniors, children, persons with disabilities and victims of crime. Cam’s passion for seniors is reflected in a number of his achievements including: the creation of the Ontario Seniors’ Secretariat; Canada’s first Alzheimer’s Strategy; the development of Ontario’s Community Care Access Centres; 20,000 long term care beds for seniors; the Ontarians with Disabilities Act 2002 – Canada’s most comprehensive disabilities legislation; Canada’s first strategy to combat Elder Abuse. Mayor Jackson also hosts a Seniors Seminar. Cam has long been recognized as a community leader and is an active member of numerous local community associations. The Mayor also sits on the boards of Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital, Burlington Hydro, the Burlington Economic Development Corporation, Tourism Burlington, Team Burlington, the Halton Tourism Advisory Committee (Chair), the Charles Stuart University Teacher Education Advisory Committee, as well as the GTA Marketing Alliance and the Council of GTA Mayors and Chairs. Mayor Jackson also sits on the United Way Fundraising Cabinet and the Burlington Performing Arts Centre Board of Governors, as well as being a member of the Municipal Leaders for the Greenbelt, a Honourary Scout with Scouts Canada and Chair of Burlington Food Share. The Mayor is an Officer of the Order of St. John. Prior to serving as an elected official, Cam worked in the real estate profession and became the Chief Executive Officer of the Metropolitan Hamilton and Burlington Real Estate Board. He attended Nelson High School and McMaster University. Cam is married to Elaine (Cuthbert) and they have three daughters Amy, Lauren and Michelle.
TOBY C.D. LENNOX Mr. Toby Lennox was appointed Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Communications of the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) in 2007. Mr. Lennox manages all aspects of media relations, corporate communications, government relations and corporate social responsibility for the GTAA. Mr. Lennox has been with the GTAA since 1995, and previously held the position of Senior Legal Counsel in the organization. He originally assisted with the negotiations on the transfer of Toronto Pearson International Airport to the GTAA in 1996. Mr. Lennox is Chair of the Steering Committee for Partners in Project Green, Canada’s largest industrial eco-park, as well as a member of the Board of Directors of the Greater Toronto Marketing Alliance. Prior to joining the GTAA in 1995, he practiced corporate law with Osler, Hoskin and Harcourt in Toronto. Mr. Lennox has a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from Trent University, a Masters of Arts from Dalhousie University and law degrees from Oxford University and Dalhousie University.
DON MACINTOSH Don is partner at Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP, one of Canada’s leading business law firms, with over 500 lawyers and offices located in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. Don practices in the area of corporate and commercial law, and specializes in mergers and acquisitions, venture capital transactions, joint ventures, and outsourcings. In addition, Don works with numerous public and private companies (including entrepreneurial and start-up companies) advising them on business strategy and day-to-day commercial law matters. Being actively involved on an ongoing basis in the acquisition programs of a number of clients, Don has often been responsible for managing the legal aspects of large and often complex transactions involving multiple parties and many levels of professional advisors. Don provides advice on a wide range of corporate and commercial law matters in many industries, including energy, manufacturing, transportation and technology. Don has served, and continues to serve, on the Boards of Directors of numerous private and not-for-profit companies. He has spoken at business law conferences, and is a former lecturer on business law at the Law Society of Upper Canada’s Bar Admissions Course. Don obtained his law degree from Queen’s University in 1986. He articled at Fraser & Beatty (as it then was) and has practiced at Fraser Milner Casgrain as an associate and partner since.
DEREK MILLAR Derek Millar graduated from Ryerson University from the Mechanical Engineering program. He expanded his education through attending the University of Toronto (Rotman School of Management) and graduated from the APHRM (Advanced Program in Human Resource Management) and has been certified as a CHRP (Certified Human Resource Professional). He has enhanced his education through completion of an eMBA in Management. His career started with Renco Design Limited (RDL) as a Systems Design Engineer. In 1988 Derek purchased controlling interest in RDL and assumed the position of President. Under his direction, RDL grew from a team of 10 to a group of over 50 designers and engineers specializing in the Power Industry. This included projects in both transmission and generating station upgrades. Derek sold RDL in 1995 to an International Company interested in establishing themselves in Canada. His mandate was to grow into other regions of Canada, establishing offices to service key sectors. Derek held the position of General Manager for seven (7) years. During this time he was instrumental in opening offices in Ottawa, London, Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver. Derek left this company to join his current employer (Ian Martin Limited) in 2002. Ian Martin Limited operates 17 offices across Canada. Derek is the National Manager specializing in staffing, outsourced services and recruitment. In 2005 he established an outsourcing team that provides Technical Writing and Engineering Services to clients across Canada. He has full P&L responsibility and reports directly to the president/owner. In addition to serving on several sub-committees and boards (including the Board of Directors for the GTMA) he manages the Eastern Operations and Central Canada. Derek and his wife Nancy reside in Mississauga with their daughter Jenna and two sons, Jeff and Paul.
COUNCILLOR CASE OOTES Case Ootes is the elected municipal Councillor for Ward 29, Toronto-Danforth, which is home to approximately 46,000 residents. Mr. Ootes graduated from York University with a Masters in Business Administration, and had a distinguished management career with Imperial Oil, serving in such positions as Corporate Credit Manager, and Manager of Accounting Services. Mr. Ootes entered public service as an East York Councillor in 1988. He was elected to Metro Council in 1994 and to the newly amalgamated City of Toronto in 1997. He was appointed as the first Deputy Mayor of Toronto and held this position for six years. He has served, and continues to serve, on many Committees, Agencies, Boards and Commissions. Currently Mr. Ootes serves on the Economic Development Committee and on the Toronto and East York Community Council. He also sits on many local boards, such as Greektown on the Danforth BIA, the Danforth BIA, the Pape Village BIA, the Todmorden Mills Museum Board of Management, the Don Valley Brickworks Advisory Committee and the East York Community Centre Advisory Board. In 2005 Mr. Ootes was appointed as one of two Executives in Residence to the Seneca College Centre for Financial Services (and Centre for Excellence), as a resource to students and staff. He is also closely affiliated with the Toronto Financial Services Alliance. Mr. Ootes has had the privilege of serving on many other Committees, Boards and Agencies, most notably: the Toronto Transit Commission, GO Transit, Greater Toronto Services Board, Provincial Central Smart Growth Panel (and Traffic Gridlock Sub-Panel), Ontario Regional Chairs Board. Other significant appointments have included the following agencies: Toronto Hydro Corporation, Toronto Police Services Board, Toronto and Region Conversation Authority, Toronto Economic Development Corporation (TEDCO), Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC). Additional municipal committees that Mr. Ootes served on include: Policy and Finance Committee (Chair), Planning and Transportation Committee, Striking Committee, Labour Relations Advisory Panel, Economic Development and Parks Committee, and Telecommunications Steering Committee. In his local community, he has been actively involved with the Toronto East General Hospital, and the East York Kiwanis Club.
KEVIN PEESKER Kevin Peesker serves as Dell Canada's Vice President and General Manager responsible for the high growth 1.1 Million Customer Canadian Small and Medium Business market. Kevin is responsible for all aspects of Dell’s sales and marketing activities as well as guiding a team of professionals who deliver customized product and service offerings created for Canadian commercial businesses of 1 to 500 employees. Within Dell’s PartnerDirect Program, Kevin also works actively with solution providers offering services to SMB customers. Previous to his current role, Kevin was responsible for Dell's Medium Business segment and the rapid expansion and growth of Dell Canada’s Software and Peripherals business leading sales, marketing and operations. Prior to Joining Dell in January 2003, Mr. Peesker held management and executive leadership roles in finance, operations, marketing, sales and general management. Born and raised in Canada, Kevin possesses a global mindset having worked overseas for 15 years on 5 continents, including travel to over 55 countries. Kevin began his international career as National Vice President for AIESEC Canada and has worked with Sun Life, IBM, Lexmark, Gateway, British based UTC and Dell Inc. Kevin holds a BPI Greenbelt, attended the University of Texas, Pan Am Campus on an athletic scholarship prior to transferring to and completing his bachelor degree at the College of Commerce, U of S. In addition, Kevin holds a Masters of Business Administration (Executive) with High Distinction from the Australian Graduate School of Management at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia.
CHRISTOPHER RIDABOCK Mr. Ridabock joined J. J. Barnicke Limited in 1976. He was promoted to Vice President in 1983, Senior Vice President in 1995 and President in 1997. His 30 plus years of experience in commercial real estate includes a comprehensive knowledge of the office and industrial sectors, commercial real estate investment, and the overall strategic direction of corporate real estate strategy throughout global markets. Chris was for many years a top-producing broker in Barnicke Corporate Services, serving the national needs of firms like Xerox, Canada Wire and Cable, Noranda, Levis Strauss, IBM and others. Chris also has led many of the Office Leasing Teams serving the needs of leading landlords who have built some of the country’s finest office projects. He has been called upon many times for advice on design and utility features that will enhance tenant benefits and reduce leasing lead times. Chris is Past Chairman of The Toronto Board of Trade, serving many years on its Board of Directors and Executive Committee for some seven years. He was also Senior Director of Viceroy Homes Limited, a TSE-listed company, serving on its Audit and Compensation Committees. Reflecting community service, Chris was a Past Director of The Greater Toronto Marketing Alliance, representing the 36 towns and cities of the GTA. In prior years, he was elected President of the Downtown Toronto Business Council and served in that capacity for nine terms promoting the interests of the business community within the City of Toronto. Chris is also a frequently invited keynote speaker and forum panelist with leading international real estate organizations, including BOMA, IDRC, SIOR, IFMA and CCIM.
DR. PAMELA RITCHIE Prior to joining UOIT, Dr. Ritchie was Professor of Accounting at the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton. She also served as Associate Dean (Research and Outreach) for the Faculty of Business Administration at UNB. At that time she was responsible for setting up BBA partnership programs in Trinidad and Egypt. She also oversaw the development of an undergraduate co-op program in business and an MBA internship program. While at UNB Pamela was an active member of the committee for Senate Reform, the small group which designed the interface for the implementation of Datatel at the University and of Team Renaissance which created UNB’s innovative Renaissance College in leadership using with funding from the McConnell Foundation. Pamela has a BA in Economics from the University of New Brunswick, a Master of Science in Accounting from the University of Saskatchewan and a Ph.D. in Accounting and Finance from the University of Lancaster where she focussed on the interaction between regulation and the market and the role of accounting disclosure. Her current publications are primarily in the areas of transportation, particularly aviation, mergers and acquisitions, and economic efficiency. She is currently Vice-President (Awards) for the Canadian Transportation Research Forum and is a founding member of the editorial board of the Canadian Journal of Transportation. Dr. Ritchie is a former treasurer of the New Brunswick Craft Council and the New Brunswick Craft Foundation.
MAYOR DAVID RYAN David J. Ryan was first elected to Pickering City Council in 1994. In 2003, he was elected Mayor and re-elected for a second consecutive term in 2006. Mayor Ryan and his wife Anne have raised their two daughters, Laura and Colleen in Pickering since 1985. In 2003, he retired from a 33-year career in general business and management at IBM. He is also a past Director of the American Marketing Association Toronto Chapter and a past member of the Advisory Committee at Seneca College Business Administration Faculty. Prior to elected office, Mayor Ryan was active on the executive of many community organizations including the Rouge Valley Community Association, Pickering Waste Reduction Committee, Pickering Ajax Citizens Together (PACT), Pickering Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Citizens Task Force Against Dumps. Mayor Ryan is the Ex Officio on all City Committees and sits on the following Ad Hoc Committees:
Mayor Ryan has identified Business Development and Responsible Growth as the priorities for his office. In the June 2006 issue of Profit magazine, the City of Pickering received nation-wide recognition as one of the Top 10 Cities in Canada to Start and Grow a Business. In 2008, the City of Pickering received the FCM-CH2M Sustainability Award in Planning for its nation leading work in Sustainability and the Environment. Intensification and revitalization of the downtown core are high priorities for Mayor Ryan. The Province of Ontario has designated Pickering’s downtown as an Urban Growth Centre and future Mobility Hub, which together will help transform this key area. Construction will commence in July 2009 for a landmark LEED-Silver, Class “A” office tower to rise in our downtown. Community Building is what Mayor Ryan is most proud of. In 2007 and 2008, the City of Pickering was awarded consecutive 5 Booms in the Communities in Bloom program. In November 2005, the Inaugural City of Pickering Mayor’s Gala was held. Since then, this annual event has raised over $400,000 for veterans, the future construction of the Durham West Arts Centre, local youth initiatives, Special Olympics Ontario and the Rouge Valley Ajax-Pickering hospital – one of our community’s most valuable assets. As Chair of the Race Relations Committee for three consecutive terms, Mayor Ryan has successfully worked with the various faiths and cultures in Pickering to create a more vibrant and accepting community. For the past three years, the Masjid-e-Usman has held its Eid celebrations at the Pickering Recreation Complex. And every year since 2006, City Hall Pickering has raised India’s flag to mark its Independence Day.
DONNA WITTMANN Ms. Wittmann joined Cisco Canada as the Vice President of Channels in April, 2009. In this role, Donna leads a diverse organization with responsibilities for channel partners, distribution, and the Small and Medium business segment in Canada. Her team works to ensure that all channel partners have the necessary programs, tools, training, and support resources to create demand and preference for Cisco products in the marketplace. Donna is a recent addition to Cisco having previously served as the vice-president of Software Solutions for Dell where she was responsible for all elements of the marketing mix and vendor management for Dell’s software business in the Americas (US, Canada, and Latin America). She also had full profit & loss responsibility for Dell’s Software and Peripherals business in Canada and Latin America with responsibility for software, imaging, displays, and peripherals. Prior to joining Dell in 2006, Donna spent 15 years with Xerox Corporation where she held a variety of senior-level sales and marketing positions, most notably as the vice-president of Small and Medium Business for North America. She also served as Xerox Canada’s vice-president of Channels. Donna’s experiences have spanned four major geographies, including the U.S., Canada, Latin America, and Western Europe and four unique sales channels having led direct, agent, dealer, and VAR channels during the course of her career. Donna is active in the community, currently serving as a member of the board of directors and fundraising chair for Future Possibilities for Kids – an Ontario-wide organization that provides mentoring to underserved children and promotes leadership and community involvement. Donna holds a bachelor’s degree from Penn State University and an MBA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She lives in Toronto and enjoys golf, tennis, music and travel. Ms. Wittmann joined Cisco Canada as the Vice President of Channels in April, 2009. In this role, Donna leads a diverse organization with responsibilities for channel partners, distribution, and the Small and Medium business segment in Canada. Her team works to ensure that all channel partners have the necessary programs, tools, training, and support resources to create demand and preference for Cisco products in the marketplace. Donna is a recent addition to Cisco having previously served as the vice-president of Software Solutions for Dell where she was responsible for all elements of the marketing mix and vendor management for Dell’s software business in the Americas (US, Canada, and Latin America). She also had full profit & loss responsibility for Dell’s Software and Peripherals business in Canada and Latin America with responsibility for software, imaging, displays, and peripherals.
Prior to joining Dell in 2006, Donna spent 15 years with Xerox Corporation where she held a variety of senior-level sales and marketing positions, most notably as the vice-president of Small and Medium Business for North America. She also served as Xerox Canada’s vice-president of Channels. Donna’s experiences have spanned four major geographies, including the U.S., Canada, Latin America, and Western Europe and four unique sales channels having led direct, agent, dealer, and VAR channels during the course of her career.
Donna is active in the community, currently serving as a member of the board of directors and fundraising chair for Future Possibilities for Kids – an Ontario-wide organization that provides mentoring to underserved children and promotes leadership and community involvement. Donna holds a bachelor’s degree from Penn State University and an MBA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She lives in Toronto and enjoys golf, tennis, music and travel.
Honourary Board Members
Board CommitteesExecutive Committee:
LOU MILRAD In addition to his role as Chair and CEO at the GTMA, Lou Milrad is an also an Associate Counsel to the cross-Canada law firm of Miller Thomson LLP and practices out of its Toronto office. Lou has devoted almost 30 years advising public and private sector management on a variety of business, policy and legal issues that include public private partnerships and associated alliances. Among Lou’s clients are a wide selection of Canadian municipalities, provincial governments and IT services companies as well as industry, professional and trade associations. In public procurement initiatives, Lou has been a resource and sometimes member of the client’s team and has participated in most aspects of RFP preparation, proposal review and evaluation, and on occasion, assisting in preparation and presentation to Council, Committees and Boards, of staff reports and recommendations. Lou is also counsel to MISA Ontario (Municipal Information Systems Association), CIPS Ontario (Canadian Information Processing Society, Ontario Chapter), and to URISA (Urban and Regional Information Systems Association) of which he is also a past president. He also provides services to AMCTO (Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario) and for 12 years acted as general counsel to ITAC (Information Technology Association of Canada). A graduate of the University of Toronto (BA) and of the Osgoode Hall School of Law of York University (LLB), Lou has been listed in LEXPERT as a leader in Computer and IT Law. For a number of years, Lou has been a visiting lecturer at the University of Waterloo’s Faculty of Environmental Science on “GIS and the Law” and launched an extended “GIS and the Law” graduate level course at Ryerson University. Lou is a member of the Board of KINSA (Kids Internet Safety Association) is a also member of the Executive Committee of the Ontario Bar Association’s (OBA) Public Sector Lawyers Section and often presents at OBA educational seminars on public procurement and ethics issues. Over his career, Lou has also written extensively in a cross-section of professional, industry and trade publications and given hundreds of lectures, speeches and presentations at domestic and international conferences and seminars around the world addressing a wide variety of technology and law-related topics and issues. He is also the editor of Canada Law Book’s O’Brien’s series of Legal Precedents for “Computers and Information Technology” as well as specific chapters in other volumes.
DON EDMONDS Don is a partner in our Greater Toronto Area (GTA) Private Company Services practice and specializes in audit and general advisory services. Don has been involved with private companies for over 25 years. He understands the many needs of growing and mature private businesses, particularly those needs far beyond the basic compliance services of audits, review engagements and tax returns. Don is responsible for providing a full range of assurance and advisory services to a number of privately held businesses in a variety of industries covering distribution, manufacturing, steel processing, and some retail. In addition to the core audit services, he has been involved in many business advisory services, including: succession planning, information system selections and implementations, process improvement, financing, accounting and other special projects. Don is a Chartered Accountant and is a graduate of the University of Manitoba Commerce program. He joined PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP in 1977 in Winnipeg, did a two year secondment in Stockholm, Sweden (1983 to 1985), and then joined the Assurance practice in GTA. He has been actively involved in our Japanese practice since 1990 and from 1999 to 2003 Don was the leader of our e.business advisory service practice. Since early 2003 Don has been providing leadership to the PwC Private Company Service practice in GTA. Don is a Director on the Board of the Greater Toronto Marketing Alliance and the Board of the Living Arts Centre of Mississauga. Don is also a past Chair of the Board of Directors of Erinoak, a Halton Peel based treatment centre for children and youth with physical, developmental and communication disabilities. Don has also been involved with the United Way of Peel allocation process in the past. Don and his wife Lori reside in Mississauga with their two daughters, Lisa and Stacy.
PATRICK DRAPER Patrick Draper is a prominent business leader with broad sales, marketing and general management experience gained in corporate, public sector and entrepreneurial organizations in Canada, the United States and Internationally. He has over 25 years experience leading organizations including: Marketing Director Pepsi Cola USA, VP Sales and Marketing Nielsen Cadbury, VP International Chiquita, President L&F Products Canada, Deputy Minister Economic Development, Trade and Tourism Ontario and Owner/President of The Webcasting Network and Paramount Travel. Presently, he is the Director of Economic Strategy and Tourism for the Regional Municipality of York. Patrick is a graduate of McGill University, Faculty of Commerce, past member of The Young Presidents Association and former board member of the Canadian Tourism Commission, Ontario Place and the Grocery Products Manufacturers of Canada. He is Chair of the Greater Toronto Economic Development Partnership and has memberships in the Economic Developers Association of Canada and the Economic Developers Council of Ontario.
PAUL GREEN As Director, Market Development since 2005, Paul Green is accountable for marketing functions including mass markets and new construction, business markets, natural gas vehicles and marketing communications at Canada’s largest natural gas distribution utility. His team develops and implements demand side management, or energy efficiency, programs and load-growth programs (customer addition and/or burner-tip application) across all markets. Mr. Green began his career at Enbridge in 1976 and returned in October 2005, after three years at a separate energy company, Direct Energy Essential Home Services. He is a senior management professional with 30 years of sales, marketing, and human resource experience with increasing accountability in both the regulated utility and retail environment. While engaged in the non-regulated retail Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) environment, Paul was a key team member in the start-up operation of Enbridge Home Services in 1999. Later, he was on the Canada East Operations Management team for the Business Services division at Direct Energy. Mr. Green holds a Bachelor of Administrative Studies Degree from York University and attended the Queen’s University Executive Development Program and the Graduate School of Sales and Marketing Management at Syracuse University. He and his wife reside in Mississauga and have three children.
As Director, Market Development since 2005, Paul Green is accountable for marketing functions including mass markets and new construction, business markets, natural gas vehicles and marketing communications at Canada’s largest natural gas distribution utility. His team develops and implements demand side management, or energy efficiency, programs and load-growth programs (customer addition and/or burner-tip application) across all markets. Mr. Green began his career at Enbridge in 1976 and returned in October 2005, after three years at a separate energy company, Direct Energy Essential Home Services. He is a senior management professional with 30 years of sales, marketing, and human resource experience with increasing accountability in both the regulated utility and retail environment. While engaged in the non-regulated retail Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) environment, Paul was a key team member in the start-up operation of Enbridge Home Services in 1999. Later, he was on the Canada East Operations Management team for the Business Services division at Direct Energy. Mr. Green holds a Bachelor of Administrative Studies Degree from York University and attended the Queen’s University Executive Development Program and the Graduate School of Sales and Marketing Management at Syracuse University. He and his wife reside in Mississauga and have three children.
JOHN HOWE
Professional ExperienceMay 2007 to PresentMetrolinx (Greater Toronto Transportation Authority) Vice-President, Investment Strategy and Project Evaluation
October 2003 to May 2007
May 1999 to January 2002
January 1997 to May 1999
September 1988 to January 1997
Education
About Myself
Linda Franklin Linda Franklin was appointed President and CEO of Colleges Ontario in January 2007. Colleges Ontario is the advocacy and outreach association of Ontario’s 21 Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology and three College Institutes of Technology and Advanced Learning. Linda Franklin was the President of the Wine Council of Ontario, a position she held for the past ten years. Under her leadership, the Ontario wine industry has partnered with the LCBO and the government to develop a 20 year strategic plan, supported by $40 million in government and industry funding. During her tenure, the industry has also lobbied successfully for legislation creating a regulatory body to oversee VQA wines, and gained approval to deliver VQA wines directly to restaurants, a change which has encouraged strong growth in the estate wine sector over the past five years. Prior to joining the Wine Council, Mrs. Franklin was a writer and communications specialist whose career included time as a consultant, five years as the head of communications for a regulatory body, and heading up a department charged with meeting the communications needs of MPPs at Queen’s Park. She has also served as the Chief of Staff to an Ontario cabinet Minister. Currently, she serves on the Board of Directors of Ontario Place, CNEA and GTMA. Linda Franklin has a degree in English and History and an M.A. in journalism from the University of Western Ontario
Bill Fisch Bill Fisch became Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Regional Municipality of York in 1997. He served previously as a York Regional Councillor for the Town of Markham from 1994 to 1997 and a Town of Markham Ward Councillor from 1988 to 1994. Bill is a results-oriented leader with a proven track record of bringing people and organizations together to address important community needs. In his fourth term as the Region’s Chairman and CEO, Bill continues to be a driving force behind the Region’s award-winning Viva Rapid Transit system, in addition to two TTC subway expansions into York Region. His visionary plans in the area of municipal service delivery and his ability to establish clear and concise policies have resulted in the introduction of new, innovative programs for the citizens of York Region. Bill holds an L.L.B. from Osgoode Hall Law School (1974) and a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Queen’s University (1971). He is a board member on the York Regional Police Services Board, Association of Municipalities of Ontario and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority.
He is a past board member of Metrolinx (formerly Greater Toronto Transportation Authority) and the GO Transit Board.
Mr. Hanus joined the GTMA in 2010. Prior to joining, George worked for 2½ years as Director, ICT and Advanced Manufacturing in Investment Attraction at TRRA-Toronto Region Research Alliance. Before TRRA he had spent over 25 years in economic development and investment attraction for Ontario's Ministry of Economic Development and Trade. Most recently, he was posted to Munich, Germany from 2002-2006 where he opened the Ontario International Marketing Centre as Consul (Economic Affairs-Ontario). He was previously posted to Frankfurt, Germany for Ontario from 1990-1993. George has extensive experience with companies in auto parts, traditional and advanced manufacturing, plastics, ICT, energy and environment/green-tech, and life science sectors. He has advised hundreds of companies, mainly from Europe, about the advantages of Ontario, and more recently the Toronto Region, as an investment location. His efforts, in collaboration with numerous partner organizations, have resulted in several tens of millions of dollars in investments and hundreds new jobs coming to Ontario. George holds an MBA in international business and marketing and a B.Eng. (Mechanical) both from McGill University. After completing his engineering degree, he worked in cargo operations and Arctic projects for a Montreal-based private international ship-owning and operating company. After his MBA, he worked in management consulting and international banking before joining the Ontario Government. George speaks French, German, Czech, and some Spanish. George has travelled extensively on business and holidays and has visited over sixty countries. He had also published several travel articles in the late eighties. In earlier years George was on the Boards of the McGill University Graduate Society in Toronto, the King-Bay Chaplaincy and Operation Bootstrap. He was also Vice-President and President of the Toronto Bicycling Network and was active on a committee of the High Park Ski Club.
MAYOR CAM JACKSON On November 13, 2006, Cam Jackson was elected the 27th Mayor of the City of Burlington. With over 30 years of elected public service dedicated to the citizens of Burlington, Mayor Jackson has extensive experience with and operational knowledge of government at all levels. After serving five terms as a Halton School Board trustee, Burlington citizens first elected Cam Jackson in 1985 to serve as their MPP in the Ontario Legislature. He was subsequently re-elected in six more provincial elections. Following the election of the Progressive Conservative government in 1995, Cam was appointed to Cabinet and served as Minister Responsible for Workers’ Compensation Reform; Minister Responsible for Seniors; Canada’s first Minister of Long Term Care; Minister of Citizenship with Responsibility for Seniors and Minister of Tourism and Sport. During his 22 years at Queen’s Park, Cam developed a reputation as a tireless worker dedicated to advocating for seniors, children, persons with disabilities and victims of crime. Cam’s passion for seniors is reflected in a number of his achievements including: the creation of the Ontario Seniors’ Secretariat; Canada’s first Alzheimer’s Strategy; the development of Ontario’s Community Care Access Centres; 20,000 long term care beds for seniors; the Ontarians with Disabilities Act 2002 – Canada’s most comprehensive disabilities legislation; Canada’s first strategy to combat Elder Abuse. Mayor Jackson also hosts a Seniors Seminar. Cam has long been recognized as a community leader and is an active member of numerous local community associations. The Mayor also sits on the boards of Joseph Brant Memorial Hospital, Burlington Hydro, the Burlington Economic Development Corporation, Tourism Burlington, Team Burlington, the Halton Tourism Advisory Committee (Chair), the Charles Stuart University Teacher Education Advisory Committee, as well as the GTA Marketing Alliance and the Council of GTA Mayors and Chairs. Mayor Jackson also sits on the United Way Fundraising Cabinet and the Burlington Performing Arts Centre Board of Governors, as well as being a member of the Municipal Leaders for the Greenbelt, a Honourary Scout with Scouts Canada and Chair of Burlington Food Share. The Mayor is an Officer of the Order of St. John. Prior to serving as an elected official, Cam worked in the real estate profession and became the Chief Executive Officer of the Metropolitan Hamilton and Burlington Real Estate Board. He attended Nelson High School and McMaster University. Cam is married to Elaine (Cuthbert) and they have three daughters Amy, Lauren and Michelle.
CARL KNIPFEL As Manager of Marketing for Toronto's Economic Development Office, Carl is responsible for all City of Toronto marketing initiatives aimed at investment attraction, business retention, film promotion and International alliances. These initiatives include advertising, publications, events management, media relations and communications as well as electronic messaging. Carl is also the Brand manager for Toronto unlimited, the brand identity shared by the City of Toronto, Tourism Toronto and the Province of Ontario.
TOBY C.D. LENNOX Mr. Toby Lennox was appointed Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Communications of the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) in 2007. Mr. Lennox manages all aspects of media relations, corporate communications, government relations and corporate social responsibility for the GTAA. Mr. Lennox has been with the GTAA since 1995, and previously held the position of Senior Legal Counsel in the organization. He originally assisted with the negotiations on the transfer of Toronto Pearson International Airport to the GTAA in 1996. Mr. Lennox is Chair of the Steering Committee for Partners in Project Green, Canada’s largest industrial eco-park, as well as a member of the Board of Directors of the Greater Toronto Marketing Alliance. Prior to joining the GTAA in 1995, he practiced corporate law with Osler, Hoskin and Harcourt in Toronto. Mr. Lennox has a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from Trent University, a Masters of Arts from Dalhousie University and law degrees from Oxford University and Dalhousie University.
DON MACINTOSH Don is partner at Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP, one of Canada’s leading business law firms, with over 500 lawyers and offices located in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. Don practices in the area of corporate and commercial law, and specializes in mergers and acquisitions, venture capital transactions, joint ventures, and outsourcings. In addition, Don works with numerous public and private companies (including entrepreneurial and start-up companies) advising them on business strategy and day-to-day commercial law matters. Being actively involved on an ongoing basis in the acquisition programs of a number of clients, Don has often been responsible for managing the legal aspects of large and often complex transactions involving multiple parties and many levels of professional advisors. Don provides advice on a wide range of corporate and commercial law matters in many industries, including energy, manufacturing, transportation and technology. Don has served, and continues to serve, on the Boards of Directors of numerous private and not-for-profit companies. He has spoken at business law conferences, and is a former lecturer on business law at the Law Society of Upper Canada’s Bar Admissions Course. Don obtained his law degree from Queen’s University in 1986. He articled at Fraser & Beatty (as it then was) and has practiced at Fraser Milner Casgrain as an associate and partner since.
DEREK MILLAR Derek Millar graduated from Ryerson University from the Mechanical Engineering program. He expanded his education through attending the University of Toronto (Rotman School of Management) and graduated from the APHRM (Advanced Program in Human Resource Management) and has been certified as a CHRP (Certified Human Resource Professional). He has enhanced his education through completion of an eMBA in Management. His career started with Renco Design Limited (RDL) as a Systems Design Engineer. In 1988 Derek purchased controlling interest in RDL and assumed the position of President. Under his direction, RDL grew from a team of 10 to a group of over 50 designers and engineers specializing in the Power Industry. This included projects in both transmission and generating station upgrades. Derek sold RDL in 1995 to an International Company interested in establishing themselves in Canada. His mandate was to grow into other regions of Canada, establishing offices to service key sectors. Derek held the position of General Manager for seven (7) years. During this time he was instrumental in opening offices in Ottawa, London, Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver. Derek left this company to join his current employer (Ian Martin Limited) in 2002. Ian Martin Limited operates 17 offices across Canada. Derek is the National Manager specializing in staffing, outsourced services and recruitment. In 2005 he established an outsourcing team that provides Technical Writing and Engineering Services to clients across Canada. He has full P&L responsibility and reports directly to the president/owner. In addition to serving on several sub-committees and boards (including the Board of Directors for the GTMA) he manages the Eastern Operations and Central Canada. Derek and his wife Nancy reside in Mississauga with their daughter Jenna and two sons, Jeff and Paul.
COUNCILLOR CASE OOTES Case Ootes is the elected municipal Councillor for Ward 29, Toronto-Danforth, which is home to approximately 46,000 residents. Mr. Ootes graduated from York University with a Masters in Business Administration, and had a distinguished management career with Imperial Oil, serving in such positions as Corporate Credit Manager, and Manager of Accounting Services. Mr. Ootes entered public service as an East York Councillor in 1988. He was elected to Metro Council in 1994 and to the newly amalgamated City of Toronto in 1997. He was appointed as the first Deputy Mayor of Toronto and held this position for six years. He has served, and continues to serve, on many Committees, Agencies, Boards and Commissions. Currently Mr. Ootes serves on the Economic Development Committee and on the Toronto and East York Community Council. He also sits on many local boards, such as Greektown on the Danforth BIA, the Danforth BIA, the Pape Village BIA, the Todmorden Mills Museum Board of Management, the Don Valley Brickworks Advisory Committee and the East York Community Centre Advisory Board. In 2005 Mr. Ootes was appointed as one of two Executives in Residence to the Seneca College Centre for Financial Services (and Centre for Excellence), as a resource to students and staff. He is also closely affiliated with the Toronto Financial Services Alliance. Mr. Ootes has had the privilege of serving on many other Committees, Boards and Agencies, most notably: the Toronto Transit Commission, GO Transit, Greater Toronto Services Board, Provincial Central Smart Growth Panel (and Traffic Gridlock Sub-Panel), Ontario Regional Chairs Board. Other significant appointments have included the following agencies: Toronto Hydro Corporation, Toronto Police Services Board, Toronto and Region Conversation Authority, Toronto Economic Development Corporation (TEDCO), Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC). Additional municipal committees that Mr. Ootes served on include: Policy and Finance Committee (Chair), Planning and Transportation Committee, Striking Committee, Labour Relations Advisory Panel, Economic Development and Parks Committee, and Telecommunications Steering Committee. In his local community, he has been actively involved with the Toronto East General Hospital, and the East York Kiwanis Club.
KEVIN PEESKER Kevin Peesker serves as Dell Canada's Vice President and General Manager responsible for the high growth 1.1 Million Customer Canadian Small and Medium Business market. Kevin is responsible for all aspects of Dell’s sales and marketing activities as well as guiding a team of professionals who deliver customized product and service offerings created for Canadian commercial businesses of 1 to 500 employees. Within Dell’s PartnerDirect Program, Kevin also works actively with solution providers offering services to SMB customers. Previous to his current role, Kevin was responsible for Dell's Medium Business segment and the rapid expansion and growth of Dell Canada’s Software and Peripherals business leading sales, marketing and operations. Prior to Joining Dell in January 2003, Mr. Peesker held management and executive leadership roles in finance, operations, marketing, sales and general management. Born and raised in Canada, Kevin possesses a global mindset having worked overseas for 15 years on 5 continents, including travel to over 55 countries. Kevin began his international career as National Vice President for AIESEC Canada and has worked with Sun Life, IBM, Lexmark, Gateway, British based UTC and Dell Inc. Kevin holds a BPI Greenbelt, attended the University of Texas, Pan Am Campus on an athletic scholarship prior to transferring to and completing his bachelor degree at the College of Commerce, U of S. In addition, Kevin holds a Masters of Business Administration (Executive) with High Distinction from the Australian Graduate School of Management at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia.
MICHAEL RAS Michael Ras brings an impressive track record of leadership across multiple sectors. At Temple Scott Associates, he provides a variety of clients with strategic programs that shape opinion among consumers, governments, investors and media. He specializes in market development for companies looking to penetrate the public sector market in the fields of technology, infrastructure and outsourcing. Michael is also Director of Development for the newly created Richard Ivey School of Business, Centre for Health Innovation & Leadership – an institution dedicated to identifying, assessing and commercializing innovative technologies, systems and processes that will make real change for healthcare providers, patients and the healthcare system. In his community, Michael devotes time as the Vice Chair of the Kids’ Internet Safety Alliance (KINSA) – a charity dedicated to ending the sexual exploitation of children on the Internet. Michael is an honours graduate from Wilfrid Laurier University and is a husband and father of two young children.
CHRISTOPHER RIDABOCK Mr. Ridabock joined J. J. Barnicke Limited in 1976. He was promoted to Vice President in 1983, Senior Vice President in 1995 and President in 1997. His 30 plus years of experience in commercial real estate includes a comprehensive knowledge of the office and industrial sectors, commercial real estate investment, and the overall strategic direction of corporate real estate strategy throughout global markets. Chris was for many years a top-producing broker in Barnicke Corporate Services, serving the national needs of firms like Xerox, Canada Wire and Cable, Noranda, Levis Strauss, IBM and others. Chris also has led many of the Office Leasing Teams serving the needs of leading landlords who have built some of the country’s finest office projects. He has been called upon many times for advice on design and utility features that will enhance tenant benefits and reduce leasing lead times. Chris is Past Chairman of The Toronto Board of Trade, serving many years on its Board of Directors and Executive Committee for some seven years. He was also Senior Director of Viceroy Homes Limited, a TSE-listed company, serving on its Audit and Compensation Committees. Reflecting community service, Chris was a Past Director of The Greater Toronto Marketing Alliance, representing the 36 towns and cities of the GTA. In prior years, he was elected President of the Downtown Toronto Business Council and served in that capacity for nine terms promoting the interests of the business community within the City of Toronto. Chris is also a frequently invited keynote speaker and forum panelist with leading international real estate organizations, including BOMA, IDRC, SIOR, IFMA and CCIM.
DR. PAMELA RITCHIE Prior to joining UOIT, Dr. Ritchie was Professor of Accounting at the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton. She also served as Associate Dean (Research and Outreach) for the Faculty of Business Administration at UNB. At that time she was responsible for setting up BBA partnership programs in Trinidad and Egypt. She also oversaw the development of an undergraduate co-op program in business and an MBA internship program. While at UNB Pamela was an active member of the committee for Senate Reform, the small group which designed the interface for the implementation of Datatel at the University and of Team Renaissance which created UNB’s innovative Renaissance College in leadership using with funding from the McConnell Foundation. Pamela has a BA in Economics from the University of New Brunswick, a Master of Science in Accounting from the University of Saskatchewan and a Ph.D. in Accounting and Finance from the University of Lancaster where she focussed on the interaction between regulation and the market and the role of accounting disclosure. Her current publications are primarily in the areas of transportation, particularly aviation, mergers and acquisitions, and economic efficiency. She is currently Vice-President (Awards) for the Canadian Transportation Research Forum and is a founding member of the editorial board of the Canadian Journal of Transportation. Dr. Ritchie is a former treasurer of the New Brunswick Craft Council and the New Brunswick Craft Foundation.
MAYOR DAVID RYAN David J. Ryan was first elected to Pickering City Council in 1994. In 2003, he was elected Mayor and re-elected for a second consecutive term in 2006. Mayor Ryan and his wife Anne have raised their two daughters, Laura and Colleen in Pickering since 1985. In 2003, he retired from a 33-year career in general business and management at IBM. He is also a past Director of the American Marketing Association Toronto Chapter and a past member of the Advisory Committee at Seneca College Business Administration Faculty. Prior to elected office, Mayor Ryan was active on the executive of many community organizations including the Rouge Valley Community Association, Pickering Waste Reduction Committee, Pickering Ajax Citizens Together (PACT), Pickering Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Citizens Task Force Against Dumps. Mayor Ryan is the Ex Officio on all City Committees and sits on the following Ad Hoc Committees:
Mayor Ryan has identified Business Development and Responsible Growth as the priorities for his office. In the June 2006 issue of Profit magazine, the City of Pickering received nation-wide recognition as one of the Top 10 Cities in Canada to Start and Grow a Business. In 2008, the City of Pickering received the FCM-CH2M Sustainability Award in Planning for its nation leading work in Sustainability and the Environment. Intensification and revitalization of the downtown core are high priorities for Mayor Ryan. The Province of Ontario has designated Pickering’s downtown as an Urban Growth Centre and future Mobility Hub, which together will help transform this key area. Construction will commence in July 2009 for a landmark LEED-Silver, Class “A” office tower to rise in our downtown. Community Building is what Mayor Ryan is most proud of. In 2007 and 2008, the City of Pickering was awarded consecutive 5 Booms in the Communities in Bloom program. In November 2005, the Inaugural City of Pickering Mayor’s Gala was held. Since then, this annual event has raised over $400,000 for veterans, the future construction of the Durham West Arts Centre, local youth initiatives, Special Olympics Ontario and the Rouge Valley Ajax-Pickering hospital – one of our community’s most valuable assets. As Chair of the Race Relations Committee for three consecutive terms, Mayor Ryan has successfully worked with the various faiths and cultures in Pickering to create a more vibrant and accepting community. For the past three years, the Masjid-e-Usman has held its Eid celebrations at the Pickering Recreation Complex. And every year since 2006, City Hall Pickering has raised India’s flag to mark its Independence Day.
ANNE VENTON From 2003 to 2006, Anne Venton, of Toronto, served as a Member of the Government of Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Board. As well she was a columnist for the Town Crier community newspaper and worked for over 20 years as Library Head at three Toronto District School Board secondary schools. For many years Ms. Venton has also been involved in community organizations as a volunteer and has served as President of the Ontario Women’s Liberal Commission which encourages women to run for public office. She is also a supporter of the Royal Ontario Museum and the Art Gallery of Ontario. She currently serves on the Council of the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario as a Public Member and has also served as a Lay Councilor for the Association of Professional Engineers of Ontario. Recently, Ms. Venton was appointed to the College of Electors, Governing Council at the University of Toronto for a three year term. Ms. Venton holds a Master of Arts from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Western Ontario.
DONNA WITTMANN Ms. Wittmann joined Cisco Canada as the Vice President of Channels in April, 2009. In this role, Donna leads a diverse organization with responsibilities for channel partners, distribution, and the Small and Medium business segment in Canada. Her team works to ensure that all channel partners have the necessary programs, tools, training, and support resources to create demand and preference for Cisco products in the marketplace. Donna is a recent addition to Cisco having previously served as the vice-president of Software Solutions for Dell where she was responsible for all elements of the marketing mix and vendor management for Dell’s software business in the Americas (US, Canada, and Latin America). She also had full profit & loss responsibility for Dell’s Software and Peripherals business in Canada and Latin America with responsibility for software, imaging, displays, and peripherals. Prior to joining Dell in 2006, Donna spent 15 years with Xerox Corporation where she held a variety of senior-level sales and marketing positions, most notably as the vice-president of Small and Medium Business for North America. She also served as Xerox Canada’s vice-president of Channels. Donna’s experiences have spanned four major geographies, including the U.S., Canada, Latin America, and Western Europe and four unique sales channels having led direct, agent, dealer, and VAR channels during the course of her career. Donna is active in the community, currently serving as a member of the board of directors and fundraising chair for Future Possibilities for Kids – an Ontario-wide organization that provides mentoring to underserved children and promotes leadership and community involvement. Donna holds a bachelor’s degree from Penn State University and an MBA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She lives in Toronto and enjoys golf, tennis, music and travel. Ms. Wittmann joined Cisco Canada as the Vice President of Channels in April, 2009. In this role, Donna leads a diverse organization with responsibilities for channel partners, distribution, and the Small and Medium business segment in Canada. Her team works to ensure that all channel partners have the necessary programs, tools, training, and support resources to create demand and preference for Cisco products in the marketplace. Donna is a recent addition to Cisco having previously served as the vice-president of Software Solutions for Dell where she was responsible for all elements of the marketing mix and vendor management for Dell’s software business in the Americas (US, Canada, and Latin America). She also had full profit & loss responsibility for Dell’s Software and Peripherals business in Canada and Latin America with responsibility for software, imaging, displays, and peripherals.
Prior to joining Dell in 2006, Donna spent 15 years with Xerox Corporation where she held a variety of senior-level sales and marketing positions, most notably as the vice-president of Small and Medium Business for North America. She also served as Xerox Canada’s vice-president of Channels. Donna’s experiences have spanned four major geographies, including the U.S., Canada, Latin America, and Western Europe and four unique sales channels having led direct, agent, dealer, and VAR channels during the course of her career.
Donna is active in the community, currently serving as a member of the board of directors and fundraising chair for Future Possibilities for Kids – an Ontario-wide organization that provides mentoring to underserved children and promotes leadership and community involvement. Donna holds a bachelor’s degree from Penn State University and an MBA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She lives in Toronto and enjoys golf, tennis, music and travel.
Honourary Board Members
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