The members of our Board volunteer from business, labour, government, health and social services sectors, and the community at large. They truly represent the best this community has to offer.
2011-2012 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
* Executive Committee Member
RICK GIBBONS*
Board Chair
Publisher and CEO
The Ottawa Sun and 24 Hours Ottawa
Rick Gibbons was appointed Publisher and Chief Executive Officer of the Ottawa Sun in April 2004, capping a 30-year career in journalism that included
two three-year stints in Europe (Germany and England), several years in
Toronto and five years as a political journalist on Parliament Hill
for Broadcast News, the radio arm of the Canadian Press news agency.
Today, his responsibilities also include the free commuter newspaper 24 Hours, as well as the Ottawa Smart Shopper and a busy Ottawa press that prints numerous daily and weekly
newspapers from across Eastern Ontario. A veteran journalist, columnist
and broadcaster, Rick has served in a variety of capacities since
joining the Board of United Way in 2004, including roles on Campaign
Cabinet and with an Impact Council. Most recently, he chaired United
Way’s Corporate Services Committee. His voluntary career included many
years as an advanced-level certified coach, manager and board member in
minor hockey. He is currently a member of the Board of Directors of
the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce. Rick graduated from the University of
Ottawa in 1975 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree and, though he has lived
in many communities and four countries, has always called Ottawa home.
He and his wife, Kathryn
have two grown sons, Jesse and Lucas, and a grandson, Jacob, who
remind us daily that Ottawa is the greatest city in the world to live
and raise a family.
JAMES McCRACKEN*
First Vice-Chair
Director of Education and Secretary Treasurer
Ottawa Catholic
School Board (Retired)
James McCracken was with the Ottawa Catholic School Board for 20 years in several capacities, having arrived from the Dufferin-Peel Catholic School Board. He has served the Ottawa Catholic School Board as Vice-Principal, Principal, Supervisory Officer/Superintendent of Schools in several families of schools and a number of portfolios including Information Technology, Continuing Education and Staff Development, Evaluation and Research, before assuming the role of Deputy Director and Assistant Secretary-Treasurer in 2000. In 2003, James was appointed Director of Education and Secretary-Treasurer. He is an active member in the Ottawa community and education sector with the following organizations:
- Chairperson, Campaign Cabinet United Way for 2009
- Chairperson, Success By 6
- Member of the Board of Directors, Shepherds of Good Hope
- President, Catholic Education Foundation of Ottawa
- President, Nectar Foundation
James is widely recognized for his organization and communication skills and continues to be approached as a keynote speaker for both national and international conferences. On a personal note, he has been married to Colleen for 34 years and they have three children. His recreational interests include music and art.
MICHAEL ALLEN*
Secretary to the Board
President and CEO
United Way Ottawa
Michael Allen was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and after 22 years in this community he now calls Ottawa home. Following a career that saw Michael practising law and then working on Parliament Hill, Michael was drawn to United Way by the opportunity to help others in his adopted community. For Michael, what really sealed the deal was the ice storm, which took place during his first year at United Way. "At a time when the community really had to pull together, United Way didn't seem to have a role in helping during that disaster," says Michael. "I wanted United Way to be thought of as a place where the community could turn to in these different times of need. More and more often, that's happening today." Michael gets involved in other ways in his community. A committed soccer dad, he has also been a fundraiser for his children's hockey teams. For Michael, working at United Way is a constant source of inspiration. "Our volunteers are here helping out in their spare time and our staff is extremely committed and motivated. We share a common goal of helping others in their community."
SAL IACONO*
Chair, Corporate Services Committee and Treasurer
Senior Vice-President
Enterprise Group, Bell (Retired)
Sal was born in Belgium and was just a child when his family emigrated to Canada. The family settled in Montreal and Sal moved to Ottawa when he joined Bell Canada. A long-time United Way supporter and donor, Sal became a volunteer member of the Campaign Cabinet in 2005 and in 2008, he was the campaign chair. “My experience has been absolutely wonderful. It was the right thing for me. I am delighted to be associated with United Way because of the great impact we make in our community.” For Sal, the best part of being a volunteer for United Way is “knowing that our work makes a huge difference today in the lives of many people and it builds opportunities for brighter and better futures.”
DENNIS JACKSON*
Past Chair
District Vice-President
Scotiabank
District Vice-President, Scotiabank
Originally from Northern Ontario, Dennis Jackson's’ job took him across central and eastern Canada before he settled in Ottawa for the long term. As someone who personally benefited from the work of United Way in the late ’80s, he was keen to want to demonstrate his thanks in a tangible way: “A provider suggested that one day I could return the favour by helping out. When that day arrived, I was thrilled to help make a difference.” Dennis plans to continue to volunteer for many tomorrows to come. “A volunteer friend of mine is 88 years old; I’m aiming for at least 99,” he says. For Dennis, the best part of working as a volunteer is “knowing that individually and collectively we can, and do, make a difference; we are helping to make Ottawa the best place in which to live, work and play.”
MAX KEEPING*
2011 Campaign Chair
CTV Ottawa Ambassador
to the Community
Follow @Max_Keeping on Twitter
After more than 37 years as CTV News at 6:00 anchor and News Vice-President, Max Keeping is now CTV Ottawa’s Ambassador to the Community. Max is a member of the Order of Canada and the Order of Ontario. He holds honourary degrees from the University of Ottawa and Carleton University, is a former United Way Community Builder of the Year, and has received numerous other awards and citations for his distinguished journalism career and extensive charitable and community work.
Max is credited with helping to raise more than $100 million for charities in our community, including the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, the Ottawa Senators Foundation and the Max Keeping Foundation. A wing of the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) is named in his honour.
Max has been a United Way volunteer for many years, most recently as a member of our Community Services Cabinet and now as Chair of the 2011 United Way Ottawa Community Campaign. Max says he “feels privileged to help shape and promote United Way’s important work with agencies and partners. I believe in our great potential to deliver results. And I know we will have lots of news to share about our success in creating positive and lasting change in neighbourhoods and communities across Ottawa.”
LAWRENCE GREENSPON*
Chair, Community Services Cabinet
Lawyer
Greenspon, Brown & Associates
When Lawrence moved to Ottawa from Montreal in 1976, he didn’t know a single person in Ottawa. A lot has changed. A long-time volunteer and 2008 Community Builder of the Year recipient, Lawrence is a presence in Ottawa. He uses his profile to raise awareness for the causes he cares about, like United Way. Lawrence volunteers at United Way because he enjoys the opportunity to work with the highly motivated and energetic staff and the ranks of dedicated community volunteers. “Having an impact on the lives of people who need a hand up is what it’s all about,” says Lawrence.
WILLIAM V. BAKER*
Chair, Resource Development Committee
Deputy Minister of Public Safety Canada
As Deputy Minister, William Baker is responsible to coordinate and support the efforts of federal organizations ensuring national security and the safety of Canadians. He is charged to work with other levels of government, first responders, community groups, the private sector and other nations to enhance the safety of Canadians. William began his career with the Government of Saskatchewan in 1979. In 1987, he joined Revenue Canada Taxation as Director of Program Evaluation, Internal Audit and Evaluation Directorate, and later held the positions of Director of the Corporate Development Division and of the Administration Consolidation Task Force. William was Director General of the Policy and Intergovernmental Affairs Directorate before becoming the Assistant Deputy Minister of Appeals Branch in 1997 and Assistant Commissioner of Compliance Programs Branch in 1999. In 2003, he joined the Canada Firearms Centre as Commissioner. He was appointed Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer of the Canada Revenue Agency on May 23, 2006 and Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Canada Revenue Agency on April 2, 2007. William earned both a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Psychology and a Master of Arts in Public Administration from Carleton University. He is a graduate of the ICD Corporate Governance College, Directors Education Program, September 2007. He also obtained the professional ICD.D designation granted by the Institute of Corporate Directors in November 2007. In March 2008, William was awarded the 2008 Alumni Award for Distinctive Contribution to the Public Sector by the Carleton University's School of Public Policy and Administration. He was the National Chair of the 2009 Government of Canada Charitable Workplace Campaign. He is married to Nicole Jauvin. Together, they have six children.
WAYNE WOUTERS*
Chair, Board Governance Committee
Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet
Privy Council Office
Mr. Wayne G. Wouters was appointed Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet by the Prime Minister on July 1st, 2009.
From December 2004 to June 30, 2009, Mr. Wouters was Secretary of the Treasury Board.
Prior to this Mr. Wouters was Deputy Minister, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) and Chairperson, Canada Employment Insurance Commission and previous to that, Deputy Minister, Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) and Deputy Minister of Labour.
Mr. Wouters was born in Edam, Saskatchewan. He attended the University of Saskatchewan where he received his Bachelor of Commerce (Economics). After graduation, he studied at Queen's University, earning his Master's Degree in Economics.
In 1975, Mr. Wouters started his career as a Lecturer in Economics at the University of Saskatchewan. He began his public sector career in 1977 with the Government of Saskatchewan where he held several positions between 1977 and 1982, culminating in the position of Director, Energy Policy Branch, Department of Mineral Resources (Saskatchewan).
In 1982, Mr. Wouters joined the federal Department of Energy, Mines and Resources as the Director of Industry Analysis. In 1986, he became Deputy Director General, Project and Fiscal Analysis and in 1989, he was appointed Director General, Financial and Market Analysis.
In 1990, Mr. Wouters accepted a position as Director, Economic Development Policy Branch with the Department of Finance, becoming General Director in 1993.
In 1994, Mr. Wouters joined the Privy Council Office (PCO). From March until September of that year, Mr. Wouters was the head of the federal Task Force on the Newfoundland Economy. Upon completion of those duties in September 1994, he became the Assistant Secretary to the Cabinet (Program Review), where he oversaw preparation of the expenditure reduction plan that was part of the 1995 federal Budget. In December 1994, Mr. Wouters was appointed Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet (Plans and Consultation).
Mr. Wouters remained with the Privy Council Office until September 1997 when he was appointed Deputy Minister of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (Canada).
LYNNE CLARK*
Marketing and Community Investment Professional
As Director of Marketing for the Ottawa Citizen, Lynne Clark manages marketing, promotions and external communications as well as the paper's community investment. In addition, she oversees the regional implementation of Canwest's corporate programs, Raise a Reader and the Canspell Spelling Bee. Lynne's community activities include the Citizen's Literacy Foundation Board, the United Way Campaign Cabinet, the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce and the Bruyère Continuing Care Foundation Board. She previously served a term on the United Way Ottawa Board of Directors from 2004-2008. Lynne is past Chair of the Newspaper Business Development Network Board (Chicago) where she received the Helms-Colluci Award in 2007 for her leadership in the newspaper industry.
VERONICA ENGELBERTS*
President
Vector Media
Veronica Engelberts is the President and co-founder of Vector Media, an Ottawa-based advertising agency that specializes in media planning and buying for domestic and international markets. Veronica is a graduate of Toronto's Ryerson University (Radio & Television Arts, BA) and has a Master of Business Administration from Queen's University. Veronica has been recognized as one of Ottawa's 40 Under 40 business leaders, and was a finalist for Ottawa's Business Woman of the Year in 2004.
Veronica has volunteered for more than 25 years with several non-profit organizations in our community. She was a member of the Board of Directors of the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation for nine years, where she also served a term as Chair. She has also co-chaired Communications for United Way Ottawa's Annual Community Campaign since 2006. Veronica recently completed a six-year term as a Governor of Algonquin College, and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Newspaper Audience Databank (NADBank).
Veronica is looking forward to bringing her communications and community experience to the Board of United Way: "These are exciting times for United Way here in Ottawa and communications will be key to sharing United Way's compelling vision for the future."
PATRICIA BAXTER
Consultant
Patricia Baxter, has specialized in human resource development, community development, facilitation and training with aboriginal people across Canada. Efforts include working on aboriginal women's issues, in the areas of economic, business and human resource development and managing the first national economic development institute for Aboriginal women (Economic Development for Canadian Aboriginal Women). She is the past Co-President of the Canadian Women's Foundation and Chairperson of the Women's Economic Development Consortium. These activities led to the establishment of a bursary provided to Trent University in her name — the Patricia Baxter Anishnawbe Kwe Award. Since 1994 Pat has been self-employed, working with a variety of clients both in the public and private sectors and non-profit organizations across Canada. Her business specializes in facilitation, training, research and evaluation, program design and management. She has worked on national facilitation events such as the Prime Minister's Roundtable and corresponding national roundtable sessions in 2005 as well, facilitated at the National Aboriginal Women's Summit in 2007. For seven years, Patricia chaired the Joint Management Committee of the Aboriginal Healing and Wellness Strategy in Ontario. Patricia is a member of Shegundiah First Nation and currently lives in Aylmer, Quebec.
DR. NALIN BHARGAVA
Owner
Southgate Dental
Since graduating as a Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Toronto in 1987, Dr. Nalin Bhargava has held leadership positions as chairman of the Ontario Dental Association's Membership Services Committee (1997) and president of the Ottawa Dental Society (2001). Since 2003, he has been a member of Ottawa's Bytown Dental Study Club and has donated his time to many other Ottawa-area charities. Nalin's community involvement includes member of the University of Ottawa Heart Institute 1991 telethon committee, co-chairman of the Ottawa Dental Society-Ottawa Hospital 2001 fundraising gala and member of the Canadian Cancer Society's 2005 Relay for Life organizing committee. For the past three years, he has been a member of the Bruyère Continuing Care Foundation Board. Since 2006, Nalin has chaired the Maharaja's Ball, one of Ottawa's newest and most popular charity events, which supports a range of community organizations.
SUSAN BIHUN
Director, Ministry of Community and Social Services
Ministry of Children and Youth Services (Retired)
Throughout her career, Susan has provided strategic leadership to organizations within the social services and health community, providing guidance in areas such as system-wide transformation, new program development, community engagement, and organizational and management reviews. As Director, Eastern Region for the Ministry of Community and Social Services and the Ministry of Children and Youth Services, she worked very closely with the United Way and other community organizations. Previous to her career in government, Susan worked in the not-for-profit sector at the Family Service Center of Ottawa, the Ottawa Housing Authority and the Ontario Housing Corporation. She also lived and worked in Northern Ontario where she was greatly influenced by working with northern communities.
"I understand community systems, how they function, and their complexities. I believe my career in the social services sector has given me a deep understanding of community needs and interests, which will enable me to make important contributions to United Way's board of directors". Susan has strong family and community roots in Ottawa, where she and her husband Gordon have raised their three sons.
BROCK CARLTON
Chief Executive Officer
Federation of Canadian Municipalities
Since joining FCM 20 years ago, Mr. Carlton has established himself as a leader on municipal issues domestically and internationally. He managed ideas, resources and opportunities to create the Federation's global program that focuses on fortifying municipal government, local governance and enhancing policy frameworks toward local sustainability. He has a commitment to strong communities and strong municipal government. He believes that strengthening municipal government through FCM's vast network of members and stakeholders is the best way to build a stronger Canada.
Brock is pleased to bring his perspectives and experience to United Way. He looks forward to "discussing and discovering ways to strengthen our community here in Ottawa."
JEFFREY DALE
Corporate Director and Co-Founder, Odawa Group Inc.
An Ottawa native, Jeffrey has been involved with United Way Ottawa since his university days. Since then, his roles as President and CEO of OCRI and as a member of United Way's Community Services Cabinet have deepened his understanding of the impact United Way makes in the community. "My parents taught me that volunteering and making a difference in my community are important. They were right. By volunteering, I have always received more than I have been able to contribute. My father taught me the importance of giving back to my community and I hope to do the same for my children."
Jeffrey is delighted to be appointed to United Way's Board of Directors. As he says, "My favourite part of being a United Way volunteer is seeing the results of our work and being involved in helping to create something that benefits everyone in our community."
LOUIS DOUVILLE
Vice-President & General Manager
CTV Ottawa
Louis has been with CTV for 30 years and for the past 10 years, has been the Vice-President & General Manager for CJOH-TV (CTV Ottawa). Originally from Montreal and raised in a bilingual home, Louis began his career with CTV as a news editor in Edmonton. He then transitioned into the creative department and produced commercials. He enjoyed dealing with clients and subsequently transitioned to sales where he excelled for 12 years. In 1997, he moved to Saskatoon to oversee the sales operation for CTV's four Saskatchewan stations. In 2001, Louis moved to Ottawa building a vast network of colleagues, contacts and politicians on both sides of the Ottawa/Gatineau border.
Louis is actively involved with many charities, colleges and hospitals and has served on many boards and advisory councils in our region. In 2009, he was named "Entrepreneur of the Year" by Le Regroupement des Gens d'Affaires (RGA) of the National Capital Region. Louis says: "Through my work, I have seen the great work that volunteers and supporters do for United Way first-hand. I'm proud that I will now be able to play an important role in advancing this work."
MARIA FITZPATRICK
Correctional Service of Canada
Maria began her career in the Federal Government in 1982 with Transport Canada, moving to the Correctional Service of Canada in 1983. She remained in the field of Corrections until June 2008 at which time she was elected as the Regional Executive Vice-President for the Public Service Alliance of Canada, responsible for the National Capital Region. Prior to being elected to this position, Maria was an active member of the Regional Women's Committee, Education Committee and was an Alliance Facilitator in Ottawa as well as in Edmonton. While in Edmonton, she was a member of the May Works Committee. Maria was part of the Volunteer United Way team in her workplace in Ottawa and in Edmonton. Her educational background includes four years at Memorial University of Newfoundland in the field of education and physical education, a diploma in 'Train the Trainer' (teaching adults) from St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, NS, along with a multitude of courses through the union and the employer over the last 26 years.
ROBERT FONBERG
Deputy Minister of National Defence
Robert Fonberg was appointed Deputy Minister of National Defence in October 2007. He provides advice and guidance on defence policy and international defence relations to the Minister of National Defence and is accountable for the sound administration and financial management of this $20 billion a year institution. He leads, together with the Chief of the Defence Staff, an integrated defence team with an international presence and a significant economic footprint. Prior to this appointment, Robert was Senior Associate Secretary to the Treasury Board, Deputy Minister of International Trade and a member of the board of Export Development Canada. He also served as Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet (Operations) and Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet (Plans and Consultations) at the Privy Council Office. In the 1990s, Robert spent time in the private sector as senior Vice-President for the Business Development Bank of Canada and as a senior strategy consultant with a global professional services firm.
As chair of the 2010 Government of Canada Workplace Charitable Campaign, Robert saw the campaign "as a great opportunity to celebrate caring and team spirit across the entire federal public service and to encourage the involvement of future leaders, who joined the public service because they want to make a real difference."
ZUL KHOJA
Education & Mediation Consultant
From his childhood in the Asiatic Bazaar — a segregated area of Pretoria — Zul, an apartheid survivor, has been a life-long volunteer. "I am proud to be associated with United Way," he says. "As a life-long learner, I continue to grow with United Way. Who knows where I may be able to apply what I've learned in establishing another such organization in South Africa or elsewhere?"
SCOTT LAWRENCE
Vice-President, Systems Integration
CGI
With over 22 years in the computer systems and consulting industry, Scott Lawrence brings a wealth of proven leadership, management, finance, and planning capabilities to his role on the United Way Ottawa board. Over the past decade, he has also played a vital role in the Ottawa community, spearheading many fundraising initiatives for eight local charities focused largely on children and youth.
However, Scott's greatest contributions to the community have been through the United Way where he has led the High Tech Division of the Community Campaign raising more than $18 million over the past few years. Scott believes that "The work I do in the community is integral to my life, and I can't imagine living in a community that I was not helping to improve in some way."
DAN MAXWELL
Teacher
Ottawa Carleton District School Board
Dan Maxwell, a Secondary School Teacher with the Ottawa Carleton District School Board, has taught Communications Technology for the past 19 years. Currently seconded to the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation, Dan serves as President of the Teachers' Bargaining Unit, District 25 Teachers and is a member of the Ontario Teachers' Federation Board of Governors. In addition, he sits on the Executive Board of the Ottawa and District Labour Council, a position he has held for the past seven years.
Dan believes whole-heartedly in the importance of volunteering, whether it is through the annual co-ordination of a Terry Fox School Run or serving on a committee to encourage fellow teachers to participate in the "Walk for Kids Help Phone". Community service is a priority in Dan's life and he is pleased to be involved with United Way Ottawa, which he sees as the pinnacle of community service.
TUAN NGUYEN
Director, Recycle Frog
President, Healthgenie.ca
Tuan brings a dynamic set of knowledge, leadership skills, and energetic creativity to his role on the board. Over the last 15 years, Tuan has developed a strong reputation for his experience and leadership in marketing communications, Internet technologies, entrepreneurialism, and philanthropy. His friends know him for his passion in community involvement. Among a few hundred projects, he founded CASCO with chapters in Ottawa and Montreal, a non-profit that engages business students to apply their business skills to organize a dinner with a dance-inspired fashion show. CASCO has raised over $750,000 for local charitable causes including locally, CHEO Foundation, Ottawa Citizen's Raise-A-Reader Day and Max Keeping Bowl-a-thon. His projects raised over $1,000,000 by the age of 25 and is an invited speaker to young professionals and students across the country on topics of community involvement and professional development. He has received several recognitions including Top Forty Under 40, the United Way Community Builder Award, and induction into the Order of Good Bear (CHEO Foundation). Tuan sits on several other boards including the Ottawa Telus Community Board. Tuan's motto is "Everything you love to do in life, can be done with the community in mind".
As a directory at Recycle Frog, Tuan plays a key role in the company's expansion nationwide with a focus on the Recycle Frog Gold Drive, a partnership program that helps charities take advantage of the 'gold rush' to raise funds for their respective causes.
MARC QUESNEL
President, QMR Staffing Solutions Inc.
Marc Quesnel is President and co-founder of QMR, an Ottawa based resourcing firm specializing in the placement of senior-level financial and corporate management professionals. QMR was honored by Canadian Business Magazine as the 33rd Fastest Growing Company in Canada in 2009, and was named Ottawa's Fastest Growing Company in 2007 by Ottawa Business Journal. In March 2011, Marc received the Ontario Distinguished Award from the Certified General Accountants of Ontario in recognition of his exemplary service, leadership and dedication to the CGA Association and to the community. Throughout his career, he has been a member of many community and professional association boards and regularly volunteers for charity fundraising causes. Marc has been a member of the United Way Board of Directors since 2007. He also sits on the organization's Corporate Services Committee. Marc enjoys family activities as well as cycling and other outdoor fitness pursuits. He has completed several long distance races including the National Capital Marathon. He plays bass guitar in a weekend rock/blues band.
ELIZABETH ROSCOE
Senior Vice President and Deputy Practice Leader, Hill and Knowlton
Elizabeth was born and raised in Ancaster, Ontario, a small community that has instilled many of the values she sees reflected in Ottawa — community support, strong personal support groups and an active and engaged community. For Elizabeth, United Way epitomizes community-building. Many of her friends and colleagues have been involved in Ottawa's charitable organizations, and Elizabeth says, "United Way is a great fit. For me, the best part of being a volunteer is learning about the difference we can make on a daily basis in our community."
DAVE SEIBEL
Chairman
Chief Executive Officer and President
Mxi Technologies
Dave Seibel joined Mxi Technologies as Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President in December 2010. In his role, Dave is responsible for the overall management of Mxi operations, including research and development, services, sales, marketing, and finance and administration. Dave works with the Executive team to establish the vision and strategic direction for Mxi Technologies.
Dave has more than thirty years of experience in business strategy, planning and organizational leadership, having previously held senior management positions with a number of top Canadians technology firm; most recently as chairman and CEO of Accenture Canada. Complementary to his work in managing top technology companies, he has also served on the Board of Ubiquity Software and the Advisory Board for BMB Fuels.
Dave has devoted several years of service to United Way as the former Chair of the Resource Development Committee, the Co-Chair of the Major Gifts Committee and now as an elected Board Member. He is also actively involved in his son’s school, Ashbury College, where he sits on the Ashbury Foundation Board, Board of Governors, Human Resources Committee and also chairs the Advancement Committee.
Dave has an enthusiasm, a vision and a drive to see his community evolve and is not afraid to put countless hours into his work. His main passion in life is his family. Dave lives in Ottawa with his wife, Nelly, and his son Stephen.
ZAINA SOVANI
President
His Highness Prince Aga Khan Ismaili
Council for Ottawa
Zaina began her career as an entrepreneur with The Brokerage Restaurant in the Rideau Center and then became a business process transformation executive with Nortel. She subsequently moved into the field of outsourcing administrative services with the Global Business Development group at PriceWaterhouseCoopers. In 2003, Zaina joined the Federal Government, where she is currently a Director General, Treasury Board Secretariat. She holds a MBA from the University of Ottawa.
Zaina has volunteered for a number of organizations since immigrating to Canada in 1975. She is now serving her second term as President of His Highness Prince Aga Khan Ismaili Council for Ottawa. She has held this position since 2005 when she was first appointed by His Highness Prince Aga Khan. Prior to this, Zaina served as the Chair of Human Resources Development, Chair of the Economic Planning Board, Chair of the Settlement of Refugees Board and was a community member to the Board of Directors for the Ottawa Hospital. In recognition of her community contributions, Mayor Larry O'Brien presented Zaina with the "Agent of Change" Medallion in June 2010.
Zaina was born in Uganda, East Africa, and she and her husband have two daughters. Zaina is "confident my involvement with His Highness Prince Aga Khan Ismaili Council for Ottawa and other community groups will serve me well in my new role on the Board of United Way Ottawa."
NATHALIE THIRLWALL
Co-Chair
Interfaith Ottawa
President of Capital Region Interfaith Council
Nathalie, a Montreal native, has called Ottawa home since the early 1970s. Her work with United Way is one way that she can put her faith — the call for service to others and promoting the well-being of humanity — into action. Nathalie has devoted her time and career to working with a wide range of people to build capacity and develop our community. She believes that social transformation brings positive and lasting change, and plans to continue this work: "Because systemic issues cannot be solved in isolation, United Way plays a vital role in bringing the different aspects of community together to find solutions. This is an extremely powerful experience."
MICHELLE VALBERG
Owner, Valberg Imaging
Michelle is an Ottawa native who's been involved in many local charities. She had heard wonderful things about volunteering with United Way, so when she was invited to participate she seized the opportunity. Michelle plans to stay involved with United Way for as long as she can. According to Michelle, the best part of being a volunteer is the chance to give back to community.
KAREN WILLIAMS
Vice President
Business Analytics, Customer Success and Support ,IBM Canada
With more than two decades of experience in the high tech industry, Karen Williams oversees operations, business transformation and communications for the Business Intelligence & Performance Management (BI & PM) Products organization at IBM Software Group. Karen leads process adoption, management and transformation to support product development and delivery for the BI & PM segment. She is also responsible for facilitating portfolio investment and driving management decision-making to realize the BI & PM strategy for growth and innovation. Previously, Karen served as Vice President, Product Marketing at Cognos, which was acquired by IBM in 2008. In this position, she led Cognos product marketing initiatives focused on the strategic application of business intelligence and corporate performance management solutions. Working in partnership with key executives and decision-makers within the Global 3,500, Karen and her team established and delivered the solution vision for Cognos. She also held several other management positions throughout her 13-year career at Cognos. Prior to joining Cognos in 1996, Karen held both business and technical roles in the technology sector including at Fujitsu Canada and Symantec.
