Kylie leads communications and marketing for Tapestry Community Capital. With a background in journalism covering the social purpose sector, Kylie is keen to spread the word about community finance and its potential to change economic systems for the better. Read More
Manager of Community Engagement, Multifaith Housing Initiative
Dr. Sahada Alolo serves as the Manager of Community Engagement at Multifaith Housing Initiative. She is currently on secondment as the co Director for the Ottawa Guiding Council for Mental Health and Addictions Secretariat. Sahada has spent her career working with organizations striving to create meaningful connections between diverse communities. Read More
Vice President/General Manager, Sales, Yardi Systems Inc.
Peter Altobelli is Vice President of Sales and General Manager for Yardi Canada Ltd. Yardi develops industry-leading property and investment management software for all real estate asset classes. Peter has worked in the technology industry for more than 40 years and began collaborating with Yardi to establish a footprint in… Read More
Executive Director, Hotinohsioni Inc. (Brantford Native Housing)
Alma Arguello (she/her) is an influential advocate for social justice, diversity and inclusion. Her expertise in supporting the most vulnerable by developing practices and policies that empower and mobilize change has turned around countless lives. She has catalyzed ground-breaking programs to reduce stigma, exposed local human trafficking and built alliances… Read More
Sean Baird is a dedicated public service executive with a passion for providing high-quality services to vulnerable populations. He joined Toronto Community Housing on April 2, 2024, taking on the role of President and CEO. Prior to becoming the President and CEO of TCHC, Sean was the Commissioner of Human… Read More
Chief Operating Officer, Victoria Park Community Homes Inc.
Petr Bakus, Chief Operating Officer at Victoria Park Community Homes Inc., brings over 20 years of expertise in the non-profit housing sector. He has a proven track record in coaching and supporting staff, collaborating effectively with Boards of Directors, and addressing complex business challenges to achieve organizational goals. Petr… Read More
Zachary Bastien is a Senior Manager, Projects at Haerko Inc. His 7 years in the sector has involved helping affordable housing providers to maintain existing assets, undertake deep energy retrofits, develop new housing, and secure capital funding. Whether it involves asset management consulting or project delivery, he strives to create… Read More
Kate Bird is the Executive Director of Ecuhome Corporation, a provider of housing and supports for individuals who have experienced homelessness. She transitioned from a successful business career, where she earned accolades like Canadian Woman Entrepreneur of the Year and was recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Women Business… Read More
Susan Bisaillon is a healthcare executive with over 30 years of experience in academic and large community healthcare organizations as well as the community. As a healthcare leader, Susan has overseen operations in various clinical programs, patient flow, infection prevention and control and implementation of strategic priorities associated with a… Read More
Darcy Boucher is an entrepreneur, marketing/communications professional, Veteran, and mother to two boys and two rescue dogs. She is a graduate of the University of Ottawa, and spent 14 years in the Canadian Armed Forces as a Naval Reservist. In 2013 she founded Bowda Creative Co., a full service… Read More
Matt Bowen is a social entrepreneur and CEO of the Haldimand Norfolk Housing Corporation (HNHC). He has over 20 years of leadership, advocacy, technical experience, and expertise in the housing and mental health sector, including non-profit and municipal governments. Matt is a passionate people leader who holds an MBA… Read More
Lenna Bradburn is a seasoned executive with extensive expertise in leadership and board governance. Through the three decades of her professional career, she held executive positions in several public sector organizations, including social housing. Lenna is known for her ability to drive change in a practical way. With a… Read More
Mike (he/him) has worked with the Ottawa Community Land Trust (OCLT) since December, 2022. Throughout the 20 years prior, he worked at the intersections of policy, research and community mobilization in various environments. These experiences included several positions with the federal government – developing policy on issues including homelessness, social… Read More
Sarah Button is the Executive Director of the Centretown Citizens Ottawa Corporation (CCOC). Her 15-year career in affordable housing development, delivery, planning, and policy, spans the public, private, and non-profit sectors in Canada and the UK. Sarah is a Member of the Canadian Institute of Planners and a Registered… Read More
Ainsley Chapman is the Executive Director of Evangel Hall Mission (EHM), a housing agency that provides safe homes in downtown Toronto. She brings over 20 years of experience leading projects and programs in the areas of health, community development, and housing. Her experience is in organizational change and growth, and… Read More
Assistant Deputy Minister of Community & Supportive Housing, Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing
Burke Christian is the Director of Communications with the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing since July 2021 but is currently acting as the Assistant Deputy Minister of Community & Supportive Housing. Burke is a dynamic professional with a passion for leading and managing public sector transformation. Prior to… Read More
Manager, Community Housing Equity and Supply Unit, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Monica Chu is the Manager of the Community Housing Equity and Supply Unit with the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Monica is a strategic, inclusive, and authentic leader and changemaker with experience and strong focus on building and leading teams to deliver policies and initiatives. Monica has been… Read More
Marlene Coffey is Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association (ONPHA). Marlene’s leadership at ONPHA has helped the organization redefine its focus on leading sector transformation through an economic development approach to housing. With a background in strategic planning, Marlene has led economic development initiatives in municipalities… Read More
Alex Colvin is an Energy Solutions Advisor at Enbridge Gas, with a primary focus on improving energy efficiency for new affordable housing across Ontario. Alex oversees the day-to-day operations of the affordable housing ‘Savings by Design’ program, which uses energy modelling and a handpicked team of experts to find pathways… Read More
Director of Policy, Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services
Chelsea is Red River Métis, from St. Eustache, Manitoba in Treaty 1 Territory. Chelsea has recently joined Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services as the Director of Policy. For over a decade, Chelsea has worked to influence public policy. Through progressive experience working with the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres,… Read More
Senior Manager Business Development, Real Estate, Vancity Community Investment Bank
Kevin brings over 11 years of banking, construction and real estate finance experience. He holds his MBA from the Rotman School of Management. Kevin has been at Vancity Community Investment Bank for close to a year where he has specialized in land, bridge, construction and term financing on a variety… Read More
Senior Legal Counsel, Ottawa Community Housing Corporation
Gabriel Cormier has been with the Ottawa Community Housing Corporation (OCH) since 2007. During that time, he has actively represented OCH at the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) in both official languages, as well as at the Small Claims Court and the Human Rights Tribunal. Before joining OCH, Gabriel… Read More
Senior Manager, Conservation and Sustainability, Ottawa Community Housing
As Senior Manager of Conservation and Sustainability, Dan Dicaire P.Eng focuses on GHG reduction planning, high-performance building development and sustainability. Over the past 13 years, his team has coordinated the installation of over 625 kW of solar arrays on 37 different sites and managed $10M lighting and plumbing retrofits that… Read More
Chief Digital, Data and Innovation Officer, PwC Canada
Chris Dulny is the Chief Digital, Data and Innovation Officer and a member of the firm’s Canadian Leadership Team. In addition to leading PwC’s innovation mandate, he helps some of the country’s leading companies to adapt, digitize and reinvent themselves to remain competitive. For more than 20 years, Chris… Read More
As the Chief Financial Officer, Greg and his team are focused on delivering a cost effective, robust suite of services to both internal and external stakeholders. Greg is responsible for all financial reporting, payment processing, sourcing, and contracting, fleet management and other support services for OCHC. A Chartered Professional Accountant,… Read More
Cheryl Fort, an Anishinaabe kwe from the Treaty 9 territory, is in her second term as Mayor of the Township of Hornepayne. She works for Canadian National Railway and is an avid volunteer with 28 years of experience, having served as a school board trustee, library board member, and hospital… Read More
John is a partner at law firm Robins, Appleby LLP practicing Real Estate and Development. John leads Robins’ housing team working with municipalities, housing providers and private developers in connection with the delivery of affordable and social housing. John also has an active practice in private development. John is a former General Counsel (Development) and Vice President,… Read More
Liza (Leeza) Franses is an older adult advocate that has worked with diverse older adult communities in Toronto and the GTA; from long-term care to adult day programs, managing a Seniors Active Living Centre, to currently working as the Project Manager of Sheridan College’s Anti-Bullying Project. Liza holds an Honours… Read More
Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
The Honourable Sean Fraser was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Central Nova in 2015. He has previously served as Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance and to the Minister of Middle Class Prosperity and Associate Minister of Finance, and… Read More
Chief Officer, Community and Tenant Support, Ottawa Community Housing
Brian Gilligan is Ottawa Community Housing’s Chief Officer of Community and Tenant Support where he is responsible for OCH’s 24/7 uniformed security service, community development, tenant support, the volunteer program, and community partnerships. Brian’s desire to successfully house those coming from chronic homelessness and living with complex mental health and… Read More
Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada
Janet Goulding assumed the role of Senior Assistant Deputy Minister (SADM) at Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC), leading the Community Policy and Programs Branch in 2022. This Branch is responsible for housing and homelessness policy and programming, working in close collaboration with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). Read More
Marcel Greaux is a city-builder and innovator with over 18 years in real estate development and financing. He provides planning, development management, and financing consultancy to nonprofit and private sector initiatives via Planexa. Previously, he founded Garrison Alternative Asset Management, specializing in developing, investing, and managing missing middle properties and… Read More
SVP, Corporate Affairs, Canadian Apartment Properties REIT
Larry Greer is Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs at Canadian Apartment Properties REIT (CAPREIT) and has more than 30 years of finance and tax experience in public accounting and industry. Larry leads the Environmental, Social and Governance, Government Relations and Taxation teams at CAPREIT. Larry is a Board Member of… Read More
As CEO of Ottawa Community Housing (OCH), a $4 billion+ housing portfolio, Stéphane Giguère leads Canada’s largest social and affordable housing provider in the National Capital. He directs an award-winning organization that serves over 32,000 residents in 15,000 homes, with support from 455 employees, 400+ contractors, and 1,000 volunteers. Stéphane… Read More
Manager, RentSmart, Community Housing Transformation Centre
Teresa Guillem is a seasoned professional skilled in project management, and she manages the RentSmart program with the Community Housing Transformation Centre. With a strong track record of supporting organizational success through strategic initiatives, Teresa excels in developing and delivering cross-functional learning programs, particularly in career development and management leadership… Read More
Managing Partner of Cohen Highley LLP, Laura Gurr, is a member of the Multi-Residential Housing Group, with a focus on condominium law and affordable housing. Laura represents condominium corporations, non-profit housing providers, property managers, and developers in every faction of their business including development, governance, operations, and litigation matters. Laura… Read More
Interim Director of Engagement, Partnerships and Communications, Toronto Seniors Housing Corporation
Arlene Howells is an award-winning change management and communications leader with over 30 years of experience. She has led change, communications, and engagement programs to support large-scale, complex change programs and projects in Canada and around the world. Her experience includes 20 years of implementing pivotal healthcare change initiatives in… Read More
Lee Ann has been working at KWUNWP since January 2019 and previously spent over 5 years on the Board of Directors. She is a mother of 4 and Nokomis (Grandmother) to 4 wonderful grandchildren. From Sagamok First Nations, they spent their childhood in the city of Sudbury and the reserve… Read More
Chief Executive Officer, Toronto Seniors Housing Corporation
As CEO of Toronto Seniors Housing Corporation (TSHC), Tom oversees the delivery of essential housing to about 15,000 seniors across 83 buildings in Toronto. Under Tom’s leadership, TSHC has implemented strategies informed by tenants, staff, and community partners to help senior tenants remain in their homes to age with dignity… Read More
President & CEO, Federation of Rental-housing Providers of Ontario
Tony Irwin is President & CEO of the Federation of Rental-housing Providers of Ontario (FRPO) and Interim President of the Canadian Federation of Apartment Associations (CFAA). With 2,200 members, FRPO is the leading advocate for strong and stable rental housing in Ontario. CFAA is the national voice of the rental… Read More
Student Teacher, Chen Yingjun Taijiquan Association
For the past 20 years, Devin has worked in health and wellness, blending evidence-based movement research with traditional practices. His disciplines include yoga, dance, parkour, martial arts, and Chen family taijiquan (Tai Chi). As a therapist and teacher, he aims to help people use movement to enhance their happiness, strength,… Read More
Emmy Kelly is COO at Blue Door, where she has led a 400% expansion in the organization’s services for those facing homelessness and poverty. With over 16 years in poverty alleviation and non-profit leadership, Emmy integrates visionary ideas into sustainable operations. She holds an MBA from the University of Liverpool… Read More
Bryan Keshen was appointed CEO of Reena May 2014 where he supports a team of over 800 employees providing services to over 1,000 individuals with diverse disabilities in over 30 locations throughout the Greater Toronto Area. In his previous 24 years of Jewish Communal Service, Bryan worked at the Toronto… Read More
Eryn Kirkwood is a seasoned yoga instructor with 20 years of full-time teaching experience, specializing in accessible yoga practices for all ages and abilities. With a passion for making yoga inclusive, Eryn has developed expertise in Chair Yoga, providing a gentle yet effective approach to enhance flexibility, strength, and relaxation. Read More
Hans is the President and founder of Haerko Inc., a consulting and project management firm dedicated to supporting non-profit housing organizations. Haerko’s mission is to assist these organizations in developing new housing projects and enhancing the sustainability of their existing assets, ultimately improving the lives of their residents. With… Read More
Jane Kuchma is the Executive Director of Richview Residence for Seniors in Toronto. She is also a Board Member with St. Matthew’s Bracondale House, a provider of housing for both seniors and families as well as the site of a Seniors Active Living Centre. Jane believes that beyond the… Read More
Sherry Larjani is the founder of Spotlight Development Inc., which specializes in traditional condo and affordable housing projects. She is currently spearheading “The Inclusive,” an innovative affordable housing initiative offering wrap-around services including 24-hour daycare, clothing, and food retailers. The Inclusive is collecting non-profit partners and is currently working with… Read More
Suzanne Le joined Multifaith Housing Initiative as Executive Director in 2013. Since that time, she has led the organization in a period of rapid growth – doubling MHI’s membership, more than tripling MHI’s unit count and operational budget. In addition to overseeing the construction and operations of the award-winning… Read More
Director, Realty Initiatives, Ottawa Community Housing
As the Director of Realty Initiatives, Robert is responsible for the organization’s complex real estate (re)development projects; their master planning, front-end re-housing of tenants and demolition, due diligence, scoping, design, municipal approvals, coupled with acquisitions, dispositions, and lease-outs, as a steward of OCHC’s housing portfolio. With nearly 30 years… Read More
Maryse Martin is the Finance Director at Centretown Citizens Ottawa Corporation (CCOC), where she oversees financial planning, risk management and strategic investments. She has over 15 years of in-depth experience in private and international NGO sectors. Maryse is a Chartered Professional Accountant and a CFA Charterholder. She is passionate about… Read More
Elizabeth leads Maytree’s work to advance economic and social rights in Canada. She has a deep history with Maytree having previously served as its Director of Policy and as the executive director a key Maytree idea: the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC). Before returning to Maytree in 2014, Elizabeth… Read More
Director of Operations, Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association
Andrew McKenzie is an executive management professional with almost 20 years of experience in customer relations industries. He has led all aspects of operations over the course of his career in both the public and private sectors. Within the housing sector Andrew led large scale programs focused on organizational change and process… Read More
Director, Investments and Partnerships, The Daniels Corporation
Having earned Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor degrees from Columbia University and an MBA from the Rotman School of Management in Toronto, Alexis is well qualified to manage Daniels’ affordable housing initiatives, which include partnerships with and turnkey developments for non-profit organizations as well as headleases for units integrated… Read More
Jeff Neven is the CEO of Indwell, a leading Ontario charity focused on supportive housing. Under his servant-leadership for over 23 years, Indwell has expanded from supporting seven tenants to housing over 1,200 individuals, with more than 660 units underway. Jeff takes pride in helping people overcome homelessness and finds… Read More
Steve is an Ottawa based housing research consultant and part time lecturer at Carleton and McMaster. Widely recognized as one of the leading housing policy experts and thought leaders in Canada, Steve has 45 years of experience in the housing sector, working at the municipal and federal government, in non-profit… Read More
Taarshi De Silva Raghaven is a Development Coordinator at Cahdco. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Development and Globalization from the University of Ottawa. Through her degree, Taarshi has had the opportunity to work in research, communications, and marketing within the non-profit sector. In her role, she supports and… Read More
Eduardo Romero is an Energy Solutions Advisor at Enbridge – supporting social, co-ops and all other non-profit housing with their energy efficiency goals. Read More
David Rourke is a Principal at Round Table Procurement Services, an organization focused on helping non-profits manage their purchasing to better deliver on their mission.David has 20 years of experience in procurement including teaching, consulting and management roles with government, for-profit and non-profit organizations of all sizes. He specializes in… Read More
Rebecca Roy serves as the Executive Director of Housing Cambridge Inc. and Satellite Community Homes, overseeing nearly 1200 units of affordable housing in the Region of Waterloo. With over 30 years in the non-profit sector, Rebecca’s leadership is marked by a genuine commitment to poverty reduction, equity, and inclusion. … Read More
Manal Sayid is a seasoned facilitator and trainer with over 10 years of experience leading her boutique firm, Sayid Consulting. She specializes in working with non-profits, universities, and public organizations, excelling in designing and facilitating strategic planning processes, stakeholder engagement, change initiatives, and collaborative group decision-making. Manal’s approach to organizational… Read More
Director of Learning, Training and Skills Development, St. John Ambulance
Chris Schmied is the Director of Learning, Training and Skills Development for St. John Ambulance (Ontario). In his role, he is responsible for curriculum, instructor development, standards, and quality of training at branches throughout the province. Chris has been with St. John Ambulance in various roles for more that 20… Read More
Adrian Schut is Cahdco’s Director of Real Estate & Construction and Acting President. He is an experienced builder with a background in multi-residential structures and custom homes. As a project lead for the past ten years, he has successfully completed dozens of projects and built a strong network of local… Read More
Hamilton East Kiwanis Non-Profit Homes Inc., Executive Director
Brian Sibley has been the Executive Director of Kiwanis Homes Inc. since 2014. For much of his career, he has been involved in implementing and managing programs servicing marginalized client groups, including developing several transitional housing projects working with at-risk persons. He is a grandfather of two wonderful grandchildren, a… Read More
Chief, People, Communications and Strategy Officer, Ottawa Community Housing Corporation
As the Chief, People, Communications and Strategy Officer, Shaun Simms is a highly respected senior leader with over 30 years of experience at OCH. Her role highlights the importance of our people and their involvement in creating our desired culture. That is, connecting the dots between how the day-to day-work… Read More
Laura Simpson is a Supervisor in Housing Services at the Region of Peel, leading a team who supports 47 Community Housing Providers and several Affordable Housing communities. With over 20 years of experience in housing, she has been a Housing Provider working in Property Management and has served in a… Read More
Jagger Smith is a member of the Senior Executive Team at Baycrest Hospital. He is the administrative Director for Ambulatory Clinical Services. Jagger actively contributes to two Ontario Health Teams: North Toronto Ontario Health Team and North York Toronto Health Partners. Jagger leads specialist clinics, interprofessional outreach teams, and integrated… Read More
SVP Public Affairs and Partnerships, Chief Strategy Officer, CAMH
Lori Spadorcia is a seasoned executive in strategy, communications and systems transformation. A thought leader with a demonstrated commitment to engaging partners and influencing public policy, Lori is dedicated to driving social change. As CAMH’s Senior Vice-President, Public Affairs, Partnerships and Chief Strategy Officer, she leads cross-organization strategic initiatives including… Read More
Comedian Susan Stewart delivers a blend of wit and wisdom to help people see the lighter sideof life. While giving audiences lots of good laughs, she delivers powerful messages about stressmanagement, resiliency, and mental health.After earning a degree in theatre arts from the University of Waterloo, Stewart beganperforming stand-up comedy. Read More
Executive Director, Canadian Housing and Renewal Association
Ray Sullivan is Executive Director of the Canadian Housing & Renewal Association, the membership-based national voice of community housing, and a member of the Chartered Institute of Housing Canada. He has been fortunate over his 25-year career in non-profit housing to visit and meet with housers from around the world. Read More
Norm has worked in the real estate and construction profession for over 30 years. He is a Chartered Surveyor (Appraisal and Real Estate Management), a Chartered Building Engineer and has associate membership with the Institution of Civil Engineers and is a Member of The American Society of Civil Engineers. Read More
Catharine Vandelinde is the Executive Director of Options Housing, a non-profit organization in Ottawa that specializes in supportive housing, Housing First, and homelessness prevention. Before joining Options Housing in 2017, Catharine worked at the Mental Health Commission of Canada, where she played a key role in implementing the Housing First… Read More
Director of Communications & Advocacy, Redwood Park Communities
Jennifer van Gennip is the Director of Communications & Advocacy at Redwood Park Communities, a Barrie-based charity creating safe, affordable, hopeful housing where people thrive in supportive community. She is also the co-chair of the Ontario Alliance to End Homelessness. Read More
Deanna Veltri is a Senior Manager in Deloitte’s Public Sector Transformation team based in Toronto, and leads the Canadian Housing Impact Practice Network at the firm. She brings over ten years of experience in Canada’s public, private and non-profit sectors. The bulk of Deanna’s career has focused on Canada’s housing… Read More
Director of Commercial Real Estate, Vancity Community Investment Bank
Eric Visser is the Director of Commercial Real Estate at Vancity Community Investment Bank (VCIB), a subsidiary of Vancity Credit Union and the only bank in Canada that exclusively finances projects and organizations driving positive social and environmental impact. In this role, Eric leads the bank’s efforts to achieve long-term… Read More
Paige Waldock is Cahdco’s Toolbox+ Director, leading the Toolbox+ team in creating learning and networking opportunities for housing providers looking to develop their own affordable housing projects. She has six years of experience in affordable housing development and has worked as a project manager on development projects from initial feasibility… Read More
Dr. Carolyn Whitzman is a housing and social policy consultant. She has worked as an expert advisor to UBC’s Housing Assessment Resource Tools (HART) project, which developed standardized best practices for analysing housing need, using government land for nonmarket housing, and nonmarket property acquisition, using detailed, open data. Currently, she… Read More
Chief Development Officer, Ottawa Community Housing Corporation
Cliff Youdale is responsible for Ottawa Community Housing’s building assets worth over $4 billion. A professional engineer with over 35 years of experience, Cliff has developed long-term strategies for the maintenance, repair and replacement of OCHC’s ageing stock. With specific focuses on new construction, capital repair, preventative maintenance and green… Read More
Impact & Growth Associate, Tapestry Community Capital
Kyle Zhang leads business development at Tapestry. He is responsible for onboarding new clients and identifying growth opportunities. Kyle also oversees the impact measurement function at Tapestry. Since graduating from York University with a degree in Finance, he has held various roles in the social impact sector including strategy, investments,… Read More
