SHN FOUNDATION - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Director, Stewardship & Donor Engagement
Abbey joined the SHN Foundation team in October 2021 as Director, Stewardship, and Donor Engagement. Before joining SHNF, she spent 12 years as a member of York University's Donor Relations team, most recently as the Manager, Donor Relations, and brings a wealth of experience in donor relations, stewardship, stakeholder engagement, and program and policy development. During her time at York, she managed the entire donor stewardship program, including the gift agreement and fund establishment process, established a donor compliance portfolio, developed a comprehensive endowment reporting program, and advised University senior leadership on strategic stakeholder development to improve donor stewardship.
In her free time, Abbey keeps busy with her Australian Shepherd, Molly, and her cats, Flynn and Baby. She also enjoys traveling, spending time with her young nieces, watching baseball, and a good road trip!
Job Titles:
- Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Akilah joined SHN Foundation in February 2023 as a Marketing and Communications Coordinator.
Prior to arriving at SHN, Akilah has always had a passion for Marketing & Communications since her early high school days, where she was a Communications Intern at a not-for-profit organization. Akilah then moved on to graduate from York University in 2021 with a Bachelor's of Communication Studies. While pursuing her degree, Akilah dedicated her time working an internship as a Social Media and Online Writer at Toronto radio station VIBE105 FM, where she wrote compelling digital storytelling material and created creative online content. Soon after graduating, she found her first role working as a Communications Lead at a local Boys & Girls Club where she managed all internal and external communications and social media channels. Akilah is passionate about bringing awareness to the many issues underserved communities face through her online work.
In her free time, Akilah enjoys travelling, eating at new restaurants, online shopping, and playing with her Yorkie-Maltese Mix, Mylo.
Al has been active in advancing the accounting profession providing advice to the Accounting Standards Board on its development of guidance for non-gaap reporting and as a member of CPA Canada's Advisory Group on Value Creation; which is a key part of the "future of the profession framework".
He is also active as a corporate director and in the community. He is on the Board of Community Trust Company, the Board of Pelmorex Investments (the Weather Network). He is a member of the Board of Governors of Huron University College, the Board of Scarborough Health Network Foundation, and is a past board member of Summit Veterinary Pharmaceutical, St. Michaels Hospital Foundation and The Donalda Club (where he was also President).
Al is an FCPA, FCA, has a degree in Economics, a B. Comm., is a graduate of the Stanford University Executive Program (SEP) and has an ICD.D designation.
Job Titles:
- Senior Partner, Lifeworks ( Formerly Morneau Shepell )
As Senior Partner and Executive with Lifeworks (formerly Morneau Shepell), Al has extensive experience and expertise advising Board committees in healthcare and financial institutions on risk management, governance, strategy, financial and policy matters regarding pension, investments, and employee benefits. Al has been a resident of Scarborough for more than 45 years, and also volunteers with the Association of Canadian Pension Management and the Knights of Columbus.
Job Titles:
- Fellow of the Association of Healthcare Philanthropy
- Special Advisor to the President
Alayne lives in Scarborough and began her career at Centenary Hospital Foundation where she previously served as President.
Between 1995 and 2017, she served as President of St. Michael's Foundation at St. Michael's Hospital. During her tenure at St. Mike's, she spearheaded four successful fundraising campaigns, including a recent $238 million campaign to advance patient care and research, and increased the hospital's fundraising revenues from $5.5 million to $53.5 annually.
In addition to being a Fellow of the Association of Healthcare Philanthropy, Alayne is also a recipient of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee award.
On January 6, 2020, Scarborough Health Network Foundation welcomed Alicia Vandermeer as our new President & CEO. Alicia spent 19 years in senior roles at the Art Gallery of Ontario, with her final role as Deputy Director & Chief Advancement Officer leading Development & Campaign, Marketing & Brand, Membership/Annual Giving, Digital, Visitor Experience and People & Culture.
Prior to AGO, Alicia was a Campaign Director at DVA Navion, Executive Director of the Canadian Hearing Society Foundation, and worked on the York-Finch Hospital Foundation campaign.
Alicia has an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies from the University of Toronto, an MBA from Schulich School of Business, and is a graduate of Claremont Graduate University's Getty Museum Leadership Program.
On January 6, 2020, Scarborough Health Network Foundation welcomed Alicia Vandermeer as our new President & CEO. After spending 19 years in senior roles at the Art Gallery of Ontario, and previously working in fundraising in the health care and social services sectors, Alicia is excited to join SHN Foundation to lead our fundraising and donor relations efforts.
Prior to AGO, Alicia held various positions at a national fundraising consulting firm, the Canadian Hearing Society Foundation, and the York-Finch Hospital Foundation. "SHN serves a population of close to 1 million people, putting the need for donor support into sharp focus," says Paul Torrie, Co-Chair, Board of Directors, SHN Foundation. "Alicia is passionate about bringing her skills in fundraising, branding, marketing and data analytics to lead our Foundation in supporting a healthier Scarborough community."
Alicia has an Honours Bachelor of Arts with a major in Urban Studies from the University of Toronto, a Master of Business Administration with a Major in Marketing & Entrepreneurial Studies from York University, and is a graduate from Claremont Graduate University's Museum Executive Development Program.
Arlene Manankil-Boyce has over 20 years of progressive fundraising experience with a focus on major gifts, leadership giving, and corporate philanthropy. She recently served 10 years at University Health Network first as the Director of Development for Toronto Rehab Foundation, where she helped lead the successful completion of its $100M Where Incredible Happens Campaign. Additionally, she ran its physicians' leaders campaign, a stewardship community engagement program, and managed the corporate partnerships team. In 2021, under the newly amalgamated UHN Foundation, Arlene was the Campaign Manager for the Divisions of Infectious Diseases and Palliative Care and supported select funding priorities within Toronto Rehab. She successfully raised $12M to enable key research initiatives in youth transitional care, vaccine development, infectious diseases surveillance, and COVID-19 research.
Prior to UHN, Arlene worked for 11 years at SickKids Foundation in progressive major gift roles, led its Operating Suites Redevelopment campaign and the SickKids Leaders initiative that has since raised more than $37 million since its inception. She returns to Scarborough Health Network Foundation where she started her career in fundraising in 1998 at its legacy organization, Centenary Health Centre Foundation.
Arlene holds an Honours BA from the University of Toronto, a Fundraising Management Certificate from Ryerson University, and a Project Management Certificate from the University of Toronto.
Job Titles:
- Board Chair of FLAP Canada
- Manager, Special Projects & Campaigns
Ben Coleman joined the SHN Foundation team in June 2022. He previously worked in the arts sector for five years, most recently as Manager, Government Relations at the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. At the TSO, Ben worked as part of the executive office team, securing grant funding, supporting sector-wide advocacy, and working with the TSO board. Before the TSO, he worked as part of the government relations team at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Outside of work, Ben serves as the board chair of FLAP Canada, a charity that seeks to prevent birds from becoming injured or dying from window collisions. He graduated from the University of Toronto with a BSc in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, and during his studies served as President of the University of Toronto Students' Union, as an elected member of the University of Toronto Governing Council, and later as an appointed member of the University of Toronto Business Board.
A consummate relationship-builder and results-based leader, Bruce brings over twenty years' experience of successful fundraising to his current position. Prior to joining the Foundation in 2017, Bruce managed several major gift portfolios, including Science, Engineering, Nursing and Athletics, at York University and the University of New Brunswick. His past roles in politics include provincial executive director, campaign director and senior advisor with extensive experience in organizing, fundraising, event planning and volunteer development. A Scarborough native and former athlete and football coach, Bruce holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from York University.
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Finance & Operations at Scarborough Health Network Foundation
Cameron Rogers is the Vice President, Finance & Operations at Scarborough Health Network Foundation. He has oversight of financial affairs, gift processing, information management, grant management, human resources, and administrative functions.
Prior to joining SHN Foundation, Cameron spent eleven years in senior finance roles at York University. His last role at York University was Director of Budgets & Planning, a role in which he was responsible for developing and reporting against an operating budget exceeding $1 billion. In this role, Cameron was awarded The President's Leadership Award which annually recognizes one individual who is committed to excellence and who performs at a level that inspires professionalism, creativity and innovation among peers.
Cameron is a designated CPA CA and holds an Honours Bachelor of Business Administration from Wilfrid Laurier University.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Arts and Entertainment Consultant
Charlie Cutts is a Scarborough resident for over 65 years and has been involved with charitable agencies, primarily as a board member, all of his adult life. A chartered accountant by profession, he has been the CEO of both O'Keefe centre and Roy Thomson and Massey Halls for 33 years.
Charlie was part of the Scarborough Hospital fundraising volunteer team 2000-2003 and now as an SHN Foundation board member since 2019.
Job Titles:
- Ex - Officio
- Interim President and CEO of Scarborough Health Network
David Graham is the Interim president and CEO of Scarborough Health Network. No stranger to SHN, David joined our organization in June 2018 as the Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer where he led SHN through the pandemic while keeping the networks major projects, such as EPIC, Scarborough Research Institute and the $1B capital and master plan redevelopment approvals, on the pathway to success.
David has extensive public sector experience in the hospital, University and college sectors, having held multiple executive leadership positions in finance, planning and administration.
In addition to holding an Executive MBA from the Ivey School of Business, David has an MBA from the Odette School of Business and is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and a Certified Management Accountant (CMA).
David was a long term resident of Scarborough. He has called this dynamic community home at various points in his life, and is familiar with the vibrant and diverse population we serve.
Diana is a Partner within RSM's Transaction Advisory Practice based in Toronto and leads overall Transaction Advisory Services and Private Equity for RSM Canada nationally. Diana has over 23 years of professional experience across M&A Advisory, Accounting & Finance Advisory, Finance integration, post-close integration, accounting litigation advisory and IPO readiness. Diana specifically focuses on enhanced diligence areas as it relates to commercial, operational, technology, human resources, synergies and carve-outs. Her past experience includes audit, finance optimization, technical accounting, and close & consolidation. Diana is a CPA and holds both a Master and Bachelor degree in Accountancy Studies from the University of Waterloo.
Prior to her involvement with SHNF, she was a Board member and Treasurer for the Ethics Centre for over 6 years. She has been an active member of her community, including participating in campaigns for the United Way Toronto. She is passionate about justice, equality, healthcare and kids. She is actively involved in the mentorship of students and professionals. Diana joined the Scarborough Health Network Foundation as the Treasurer and Board member in July 2022. She strongly believes in the vision for the Scarborough hospitals to increase the quality of patient care and make it accessible to all.
Job Titles:
- Anesthesiologist at the SHN Centenary
- Anesthesiologist, SHN President, Medical Staff Association
Dr. Cindy Wang is an anesthesiologist at the SHN Centenary hospital. Cindy is from Montreal where she completed medical school at McGill university and completed her anesthesiology residency at Toronto. She has worked extensively with the resident association, PARO, where Cindy was the Toronto site chair, on contract negotiation, resident wellbeing and member advocacy with hospital administration and registration bodies. Currently she serves as the VP Medical Staff Association at Scarborough Health Network and sits on the hospital foundation board.
In order to better understand the facets of current public health policy discourse and socio-political dimensions of public health policy, Cindy most recently completed a Masters of Public Health program at Harvard University.
Cindy loves her work family at Scarborough Health Network and wishes to share this little tucked away gem with all of Toronto. When she's not at work, she enjoys spending time goofing with her family, exploring lovely ethnic foods all around Toronto.
Job Titles:
- Chief of Staff and Interim Executive Vice President, Medical
Robert Ting is a graduate of Western Medical School and did his Internal Medicine and Nephrology training at University of Toronto and Stanford University.
He has served as the Chair of the OMA Section of Nephrology, was President of the Medical Staff Association at The Scarborough Hospital from 2012 to 2015. He is the recipient of the Ralph Jane Humanitarian Award from Sick Kid's Hospital and the Archie Sopman Humanitarian Award for The Toronto Hospital as well as the Resident Teaching Award from Scarborough General Hospital. Robert currently serves as the Secretary-Treasurer of Overseas Missionary Fellowship Canada and is the Dean of the Medicine Track for Christian Medical Dental Education Commission organizing continuing medical education for health professionals serving in Africa and Asia.
Robert has been on several medical missions trips to Angola, Kenya, Cambodia, Myanmar and China. Both his children have followed him into a career in Medicine. Robert's parents are longtime residents of Scarborough and he loves the people of Scarborough and feels it is a privilege to serve them.
Robert joined the Foundation Board because he is passionate about telling the story of underdogs who deserve to get their fair share of health care resources.
Job Titles:
- Community Development Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Associate Director, Prospect Research
Howard joined SHN Foundation in 2015 after earning a degree in library and information science from the University of Toronto. He also holds a master's degree in history of medicine from Cambridge University and is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). In his spare time he enjoys learning languages and collecting rare books.
Job Titles:
- Marketing & Communications Officer
Jacqueline joined SHN Foundation in February 2022 as a Marketing and Communications Officer.
For the past five years, she has been the Sr. Communications Designer for Hockey Helps the Homeless, where she worked in the not-for-profit, fundraising, and event industry to put on some of the best hockey tournaments while raising funds for homeless agencies. At HHTH, she became a jack-of-all-trades and wore multiple hats including graphic design, copywriting, digital marketing, and much more to ensure the success of the organization. As she helped HHTH grow from coast-to-coast and thrive in many aspects, she decided it was time to seek out a new challenge and bring her experience on how to make a community/organization stronger through design. Jacqueline is also an award-winning graduate from OCADU with a Bachelor's of Design, majoring in Advertising, which is a multidisciplinary program that focuses on strategy, design, and art direction. She also recently completed a Digital Marketing Certificate of Continuing Studies at the University of Toronto.
In her free time, Jacqueline is an avid adventurer with her trusty sidekick, Sachi, her Australian Shepherd-Corgi mix. Whether it's eating at a new restaurant that just opened up in her community, attending a fun event, or hiking and chasing waterfalls, Jacqueline is ready for anything that life brings to her.
Job Titles:
- President, Islamic Foundation of Toronto
Prior to joining the SHN Foundation Board of Directors, Javaid served on the SHN Members Nominating Committee and the Major Gifts Committee. Javaid has raised funds for SHN Foundation by scaling the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, participating in Scarborough World Cup of Cricket, Brave TO, the Birchmount hospital MRI campaign, and many other community initiatives.
Before starting his full-time real estate career, Javaid completed a hospitality management program at Concordia University in Montreal, and later worked with major corporations like Steinberg's, Miracle Food Mart, Sheraton Corporation of America, Canadian Pacific, Aetna Canada Insurance, and Imperial Life.
Javaid is a long-time community service volunteer, having begun in 1998 by raising funds for hospitals and humanitarian projects in partnership with the City of Markham. Javaid has served at the President of Islamic Foundation of Toronto, and public member to the Council of Ontario College of Pharmacists, appointed by the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario at the time.
Javaid also currently serves on the Boards of the Islamic Foundation of Toronto, Progressive Career Planning Institute, Hall of Fame Committee (City of Markham), Cancer Education and Research Foundation, and the Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital in Pakistan.
Job Titles:
- Associate Vice President, Marketing & Communications
Jennifer Lee joined SHN Foundation in October 2021, bringing 20 years of marketing experience on both the agency side and the brand side. She brings a unique perspective to growing brands (national and global) through building compelling stories to shift business results forward. Her career has touched a multitude of categories from CPG to automotive to non-for-profit to government to telco and sports media. She has had the fortune to have worked on many industry-leading campaigns. Jennifer is passionate about the creative process!
Jennifer graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University with an Honours Bachelor of Business Administration degree. She lives in Etobicoke with her twin boys. And, Scarborough holds a special place as her father has had a small business practice in Scarborough for over 50 years.
Job Titles:
- Executive Vice President, Retail Sales, Scotiabank
Job Titles:
- Director
- Vice - President, Retail Service Centre, Scotiabank Global Operations Group
A transformational change leader with over 21 years experience in the Financial Services Industry, with a solid track record of turning around business lines, sales teams, and business operations, across a Global footprint. Mr. Gallagher is known for his energetic, resilient and results focused resolve, coupled with a laser sharp focus on re-engineering End-to-End processes focused on the end customer experience, inspiring elevated team performance, and influencing positive change aligned to the future. Mr. Gallagher currently serves as Scotiabank's Vice-President, Retail Service Centre, within the Bank's Global Operations Group. He joined the Bank in 2000.
As a philanthropic leader across Toronto and Canada, Mr. Gallagher currently sits on the Board of Directors for Scarborough Health Network (SHN), and is Co-Chair for the Campaign Leadership Committee, tasked with supporting the $100 Million SHN Capital Campaign. Prior to his appointment on the SHN Board of Directors, Mr. Gallagher was Co-Chair for Scotiabank's Employee Giving / United Way Campaign, implementing a National strategy and raising a record $15 Million to help strengthen the communities across Canada. In addition, Mr. Gallagher has supported the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto, and the YMCA of GTA - being named Volunteer of the Year in 2011.
Mr. Gallagher earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Toronto (2001), and holds the Insurance Industry FLMI Designation (Fellow, Life Management Institute). Mr. Gallagher lives with his wife Andria Gallagher, and has two children, Kaitlyn & Rachel Gallagher.
John has held a number leadership and philanthropic roles. He is a decisive executive experienced in impacting business direction and performance with successful leadership strategies, proven history coaching executives and development of strategy through strong leadership
As principle of Hallmark Insurance group of Companies before selling the business in 2016, The leadership team of the company in concert with its independent Board and staff developed Core Values, Mission and Vision and completed 22 acquisitions. John has an Undergraduate Business Degree from Schulich, is a Certified Risk Manager and served as a Faculty Member of The Directors College of The Conference Board of Canada from 2010 to 2013. He has been panelist on several Insurance and non-insurance industry forums as well as a Director with The Toronto Insurance Conference, The Ontario Chapter of Canadian Association Family Enterprise and advisory Board Member for the Argosy Partner's Shotgun Fund and past President of Rotary Club of Willowdale.
John and his wife Jackie are residents of King City and have 3 adult sons, Tye, Devon and Brock. They enjoy skiing, their cottage, and travel.
Job Titles:
- Director, Annual Programs
Job Titles:
- Associate Director, Community Development
Krishni has established a strong connection to Scarborough after working in the community for almost 15 years. She understands and relates to the rich diversity the people represent and has developed lasting relationships. She has been with the SHN Foundation since 2010 and connects with the community to support health care in Scarborough through fundraising events and community partnerships. She has worked on raffles, golf tournaments, walkathons, radiothons and proprietary events including The Scarborough World Cup of Golf, Scarborough Win A Car Raffle, Canadian Tire Brave TO, and the Kaleidoscope Ball. Krishni graduated from UofT with a BA (Hons) and holds a post-graduate management certificate in HR from Seneca College. Krishni loves travelling, playing sports, and enjoys the outdoors with her husband and 2 children.
Job Titles:
- Manager, Marketing & Communications
Originally from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Kyla moved to Toronto in 2013 to pursue a degree in Communications and experience big city living. Soon after graduating and armed with an additional certificate in event management, she found her first role in the non-profit health care sector. As a special events team member, Kyla helped plan and execute fundraising events - and felt right at home. While putting on fundraising events was incredibly fun and rewarding, Kyla missed what she loved most - storytelling and digital communications. Thus, started an adventure to find the perfect place to make a difference and do what she loved. And that's when she found SHN Foundation.
Kyla is responsible for telling the stories you read about our incredible donors, patients, staff and volunteers in our monthly e-newsletter and digital channels. She also creates fundraising proposals, letters, speaking remarks, and really anything to do with words. Kyla is also passionate about digital marketing and analytics and recently obtained a graduate certificate in Advanced Marketing from the University of Toronto.
In her spare time, Kyla enjoys reading (surprise, surprise), taking classes, travelling wherever she can, or watching basketball, baseball and football (Canadian football, of course. Go Riders!). With experience in both the non-profit and corporate worlds, Kyla can confidently say she is exactly where she belongs - fundraising and making a difference in the Scarborough community.
Job Titles:
- Database & Administrative Coordinator
Laurie Breeze joined the Scarborough Health Network Foundation office as the fulltime receptionist in 2007, at the Centenary site. However, Laurie first joined the Foundation on a part-time basis in 2003, at the Ajax site, helping with fundraising events such as the Festival of Trees and the annual gala and golf tournaments.
As Database & Administrative Coordinator, Laurie is responsible for processing, data entry and receipting of donations, memorial reporting to families, monthly processing of recurring gifts and the staff payroll. She is administration assistant for office staff and handles queries from front line staff, donors and visitors, in person as well as through the phone.
Before coming to the Foundation, Laurie left the work force for a number of years to raise her two children. Prior to that, Laurie was an Automobile Adjuster with Crum & Forester Insurance Company, where she started as the mall clerk and was promoted to administration assistant before she where took on her role as an Automobile Claims Adjuster.
Lily joined the SHN Foundation team in June 2023 and brings over twenty years of experience in data processing and database management in the fundraising sector.
Lily has been involved in all stages of the donation process in several healthcare foundations, including data entry, donor relations and database management through events, campaigns, direct mailings, and solicitation of major donors.
In her free time, Lily enjoys High Tea, BBQs and spending time with her family and friends. Lily also volunteers at events for numerous non-profit organizations.
Job Titles:
- Relationship Manager
- Director, Development
Linda is the relationship manager for prolific donors, and her role in Major Gifts has raised significant funds in support of urgently need medical equipment and the development of the hospitals since 2019.
Linda grew her strong network in the Chinese community during her decade-long career as a popular TV news reporter with Chinese-language media. She found her dream job 3 years ago with SHN Foundation that fulfills not only her passion for serving the community but also helping the sick and vulnerable.
Linda has been involved in raising a record-breaking close to a million dollars from two Chinese Radiothons with A1 Chinese Radio within 12 months, along with the inaugural virtual Valentine's Day Concert in 2021 raising over $150,000. She organized meal deliveries to SHN frontline staff through the Feed Our Frontlines initiative, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) donations, and expanding SHN Foundation's donor base.
The producer of the award-winning documentary, "Chinese Restaurant", Linda still follows her passion for film and photography.
Linda is also the recipient of the Canada 150 medal, recognizing her as a passionate leader and dedicated advocate serving her community.
Mark Wood is the CEO of Microart Services, located in Markham. Microart is an Electronic Manufacturing Services Company manufacturing products for customers ranging from Telecommunications to Medical to Aerospace. Microart has two plants in Markham and one in Buffalo NY. Currently the staff numbers over 350 making Microart one of the largest private employers in Markham.
Mark was born and raised in Scarborough. After moving to Markham, he returned to Scarborough and raised 3 children. He now resides in Markham but still has strong ties to Scarborough. Many of his staff are Scarborough residences and he is keen to ensure they have access to the best health care available.
During his residence in Scarborough, he was involved in coaching minor hockey, baseball and soccer.
Job Titles:
- Director
- SHN Board Chair ( Ex - Officio ) Construction Consultant and Adjudicator, and Chair Board of Directors, Scarborough Health Network
Matt Ainley has over 40 years of experience in the Canadian construction industry, retiring in 2017 having held senior leadership positions with Bird, Carillion and Vanbots Construction. He began his career as a superintendent and has held positions as a project manager, chief estimator, Executive Vice President and President and Chief Operating Officer. Matt is currently Chair of the General Contractors Alliance of Canada and is a past Chair of the Ontario General Contractors Association (OGCA) in 2006/07. He was the recipient of the 2011 Chairman's Award of Recognition from the OGCA, which honours individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the general contracting industry in Ontario and the 2018 Giffin Award from the Toronto Construction Association, which recognizes leadership and major contributions to the construction industry. Matt graduated from Centennial College as an Architectural Building Technologist. He completed the Executive Master of Business Administration Program at Queen's University and the Directors Education Program.
Job Titles:
- Manager, Signature Events
Michelle joined SHN Foundation in February 2023. She is an events and fundraising enthusiast with over 9 years of experience within healthcare philanthropy, covering a variety of event portfolios including community, stewardship, cultivation, and signature events. She takes pride in connecting people by curating experiences that build relationships, create a platform for impactful stories, and strengthen the community. She loves getting creative through strategy, growing peer-to-peer fundraising, and engaging volunteers. Michelle has roots in Scarborough and has been passionate the Love, Scarborough campaign from the launch.
Michelle holds a Bachelor's Degree in Global Development Studies and Psychology from The University of Western Ontario and a Fundraising Management certificate from Seneca College. She is currently pursuing her Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential.
Outside of work, Michelle loves hanging out with her family, volunteering with Hand Over Hand Community Organization leading their Social Group Program, and advocating for sibling caregivers through panels and workshops. She enjoys waking up early during the summer to venture through local farmers' and artisan markets and exploring events and neighbourhoods around the city.
Job Titles:
- President of the Carpenters' District Council of Ontario
- President, Director of Public Affairs and Innovation, Carpenters' District Council of Ontario
Mike Yorke, president of the Carpenters' District Council of Ontario, has over 25 years of experience in Ontario's unionized construction industry. As president, he has extensive knowledge of collective bargaining and arbitration issues and is involved in numerous political, community and training initiatives. Mr. Yorke has a solid background in workplace health and safety issues, from both training and site representation perspectives.
He is a strong community supporter of outreach to "youth at risk" training programs with the City of Toronto and the Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) highly regarded CHOICE and CRAFT programs and he plays an active role on the Local 27 College of Carpenters and Allied Trades Board of Directors. He sits as an editorial advisory board member of the Daily Commercial News, Toronto.
Mr. Yorke is also the recipient of the Wood Works Ontario Wood Champion Award in 2016, and the Harry Jerome Award for Diversity in 2018. He holds certificates in labour studies from George Brown College and human resources management from Ryerson University.
Job Titles:
- Executive Assistant & Manager of Board Governance
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Scarborough Health Network Foundation
- Founder and President of Global Resolutions
Paul Torrie is the founder and president of Global Resolutions, a nationally recognized leader in providing of mediation and arbitration services to the legal, business and public sector communities.
Paul is a pioneer in alternative dispute resolution in Canada and a leading expert in the field. The focus of his work is to find efficient, effective and equitable solutions to disputes.
Paul serves as Chair of the Scarborough Health Network Foundation. Together with his fellow Board members, Paul shares a commitment and passion for supporting the standard of excellence provided by the Scarborough Hospitals.
Job Titles:
- Research Officer, Major Gifts
Phillipa joined the Foundation in April 2023 as a Prospect Researcher. She has over 15 years of experience in the not-for-profit sector with extensive experience in the education industry. Prior to joining SHN, she held various roles in advancement at York University, Ontario Nature, the University of British Columbia and the Bishop Strachan School. She has an interest in education, health, environment and philanthropy. An active member of Apra Canada, she has served on several conference committees. She is a volunteer with the Rouge Valley Conservation Authority. She holds a BES from York University and a diploma in Ecosystem Management from Fleming College. Read More About Philippa Vaz
Job Titles:
- Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Sunray Group
Ray Gupta is Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Sunray Group. Ray conducts stringent market studies to unearth underutilized, well-located assets with upside opportunities.
Sunray is known for going that extra mile to surpass brand standards and has won the prestigious Pinnacle award for Regional Company of the Year. Ray started by strategically growing his portfolio along the 401 corridor and now has representation in almost every city from Windsor to Kingston, Ontario. His Group owns and manages 58 hotels and now has expanded their horizon with properties in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, New Foundland and Texas in the USA. His group is one of the largest privately-owned operator of hotels in Canada. Ray's company is successfully building a portfolio of award-winning brands, which include Marriott, Hilton, Carlson, Best Western, Wyndham and Choice Hotels.
Ray came to Canada in 1976 and settled in Agincourt. His two sons were born at Scarborough General. He later settled in Port Hope with his family, and moved back to Toronto in 2006. His first home in Toronto was in Scarborough, and he has now moved to Pickering.
He is engaged in community work and helping various charities.
Job Titles:
- Board Secretary and Chair of the Governance Committee, Association Fundraising Professional of Canada
- Vice President, Philanthropy
Rea has 19+ years in the sector, with over 13 years in senior leadership roles at hospital foundations and health charities where she has been directly involved in strategic and business planning while managing revenue and staff teams. Prior to joining Scarborough Health Network Foundation, Rea's roles included Vice-President, Philanthropy and Strategy at North York General Foundation, National Director, Development and Marketing at Children's Wish Foundation and Vice-President, Development at Crohn's and Colitis Canada. She also worked at Mount Sinai Hospital Foundation, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation and Heart and Stroke Foundation.
In addition to her day to day, Rea serves as the Board Secretary and Chair of the Governance Committee, Association Fundraising Professional of Canada - the national voice for the fundraising profession. She is a huge advocate for women of colour in leadership roles and is a part of the Women's Mentoring and Leadership Program. Most recently, Rea started her Executive MBA at Kellogg-Schulich School of Business.
Job Titles:
- Professional Engineer and Retired Executive
Richard is a professional engineer and retired executive, with extensive business and financial management experience. He has a degree in electrical engineering and a MBA from University of Toronto.
Richard served as the Director of Planning and Evaluation, and Assistant Treasurer at Ontario Power Generation prior to his retirement in 2016, responsible for capital project investment planning, strategy development, evaluation of development and acquisition opportunities, financial structuring and modelling; design of performance metrics/incentives, treasury management, and project financing.
Richard was a volunteer advisor at the MaRS Discovery District from 2017 - 2021, providing advice and mentoring start-ups in the energy and environment space. In 2018, Richard joined the Board of Scarborough Health Network (SHN), and was also a member of its Quality, and Master Planning and Capital Redevelopment Committees, until 2021. Richard joined the SHN Foundation Board in 2021 and currently serves on its Finance, Investment, and Campaign Leadership Committees. Richard actively participates in many SHNF community events to raise funds to support clinical care delivery at SHN.
Job Titles:
- Manager, Database & Operations
Rose joined SHN Foundation in June 2018, bringing with her years of experience in various areas in the non-profit sector; and the Raiser's Edge, an essential fundraising database. She comes with her expertise in managing and administration of fundraising data systems.
In her role at the Foundation, Rose is responsible for the overall operation, maintenance, and security of Raiser's Edge, as well as overseeing all routine data input and extraction.
Rose has a plethora of experience working in the non-profit and healthcare sector including her role as a database manager at Mount Sinai Hospital Foundation and St. Michael's Hospital Foundation.
In her most recent roles, Rose has managed a database with over 6M records and worked in an organization that had locations across Canada like Canadian Cancer Society and Nature Conservancy of Canada. She managed ongoing information system maintenance and data needs for donor and prospect management, among many other significant responsibilities.
Rose obtained her bachelor of science in computer engineering from Adamson University in Manila, Philippines.
Job Titles:
- CEO, Prime Care Health Centre Inc
Sandy has been serving the community with her range of companies. As the CEO of Prime + Care Health Centre Inc. she has demonstrated philanthropy with great support to SHN Foundations Radiothon 2020, 2021, and 2022, and Valentine's Day Concert in 2022. She has also made a generous donation to the development of the Digital Imaging Center.
Alongside her leadership role in the health care business and being an active advocate and professional in her community. Sandy is also involved heavily at Perfect Chinese Restaurant, which has served the Scarborough community for over three decades. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Perfect Chinese Restaurant donated hundreds of dim sum meals to the front-line workers of SHN hospitals. Prime + Care Health Centre Inc. has also donated thousands of masks and PPE to the hospitals.
As a dedicated business entrepreneur, Sandy believes in giving back to the community because her community has been the biggest supporter of her business trajectory. Sandy's slogan is "giving back to the community through charitable services".
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer of the Bridlepath Properties Group
- Chief Executive Officer, Bridlepath Properties Group Inc
Shafiq Punjani is the Chief Executive Officer of the Bridlepath Properties Group, an integrated group of companies, involved in the development, management, financing and investment of commercial and residential real estate in Southern Ontario. The Bridlepath Properties Group is part of the Punjani Family's global business interests, which also include companies in the United States, United Kingdom, the Middle East and East Africa, primarily in the Healthcare, Real Estate and Automotive industries. Shafiq has managed various family businesses throughout the globe over the last 30 years, since graduating with a Master's degree in Finance from the London School of Economics.
Outside of the office, Shafiq is avidly involved with the philanthropic activities of the Punjani Family, being a trustee of the Punjani Charitable Trust, established in the United Kingdom, as well as a director of the MP Charitable Foundation, established in Canada. His community involvements include being a Board member and Treasurer of the Duke Heights BIA, one of the largest Business Improvement Areas in Ontario; as well as the past Chair and key member of the Capital Projects Committee of the ISIJ of Toronto, where he helped build and raise funds for the Jaffari Community Centre, a $30 million, 135,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art, multi-purpose Religious, Educational, Sports and Community Complex. Shafiq is currently involved in the ISIJ's 750,000 sq. ft mixed-use development of its 29 acre site, which includes a School, two mid-rise Seniors and Condominium Buildings, sixty Townhomes and a four level Parkade.
Shafiq resides in Vaughan, and enjoys spending time with his family, playing tennis and traveling around the globe.
Job Titles:
- Director of Operations and Supply Chain, Surati Canada and COO, Surati USA
Shalini Sheth is the Director of Operations and Supply Chain of Surati Canada and COO of Surati USA, the leading manufacturer of East Indian Snacks and baked goods. Shalini has worked in the manufacturing industry for more than 20 years in Supply Chain and Operations Management roles. As an industry leader, Shalini has honed her skills in Strategic Sourcing, Root Cause Analysis, Continuous Improvement, and Production Planning.
In her current role, Shalini oversees the production and supply chain functions at Surati's 65,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility in Toronto, a 250,000 sq. ft. facility in Springfield Ohio, four distribution centres across the U.S, and a manufacturing plant in India.
Shalini joined the Foundation Board of Directors on November 23, 2021, and currently sits on the Scarborough Women of Philanthropy, Coalition of Concerned Manufacturers of Canada as an Executive Board Member and a committee member of AMCHAM Mid Market initiative.
Job Titles:
- Founder and CEO of the CableShoppe Inc
- President & CEO, the CableShoppe Inc
Stan Muthulingam is a Founder and CEO of The CableShoppe Inc. (The CSI), a leading Canadian business process outsourcing company. After leaving war-torn Sri Lanka and arriving to Canada during the 1980s, Stan used his passion in electronics and entrepreneurship to help build The CSI from the ground up. The company is headquartered in his hometown, Scarborough, and has grown to an extraordinary team of over 180+ professional and highly skilled employees.
In the community, Stan is better known for his volunteer efforts. To name a few, he has received Canada's Sesquicentennial Pin and the Ontario Volunteer Service award. In 2012, he was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his community contributions.
Stan is also paying it forward for his hometown with his latest project: Mosaic Lab. It is a start-up incubator based in Scarborough, which allows researched ideas on potentially marketable products and services to be pitched and operationalized. As an immigrant and entrepreneur, Stan always found it troubling to see good ideas crushed before entering the market. Mosaic Lab will allow Scarborough's next generation to take risks and dream big.
Job Titles:
- Vice - President of Property Force ( Canada ) Inc
Sushrhth Mehan is the Vice-President of Property Force (Canada) Inc. and a Director of the Mehan Group.
Job Titles:
- President & Chief Executive Officer, Alphawave Semi
Tony Pialis is a visionary entrepreneur focused on developing technologies for next generation connectivity. In the last 25 years, he has privately funded and founded three semiconductor companies, and personally led two of them, all targeting semiconductor connectivity technologies. Tony is currently the CEO of Alphawave Semi, a vertically integrated semiconductor company and a global leader in high-speed connectivity for the world's technology infrastructure. Alphawave's solutions meet the needs of global tier-one customers in data centers, compute, networking, AI, 5G, autonomous vehicles, and storage. His two previous semiconductor companies, had successful exits, generating more than $100-Million in aggregate value. As CEO of Alphawave Semi (AWE), Tony took the company public in 2021 for $4.3-Billion USD, on the London Stock Exchange, and at that time, marked the largest semiconductor IPO in history.
Job Titles:
- Vice Chair
- Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer of Stonetrust Commercial Insurance Company
Tracy Chou is the Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer of Stonetrust Commercial Insurance Company. She is also a Director of Chou Associates Management Inc. She was previously CEO of Fuel Industries Ltd., a digital marketing agency and held executive roles at various social media startups.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics from the University of Waterloo, a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Wilfrid Laurier University, and a Master's of Science degree in Management Science from Stanford University.
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Community Development & Partnerships
Job Titles:
- Associate Vice President, Gift & Estate Planning
Verna Chen joined SHN Foundation in 2009 and has held a few different roles with increasing responsibilities over the years. She now leads our planned giving program with a major gift portfolio. Prior to joining SHN Foundation, Verna was manager of stewardship and donor relations at the faculty of medicine, University of Toronto, and manager of research and stewardship at Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation.
Verna holds a BA in English, an MA in Linguistics, and a master of library and information science. She is a member of the Canadian Association of Gift Planners and the Association of Donor Relations Professionals.