| Member Organization |
Lead Member |
The Regional Municipality of York
www.york.ca |
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John Taylor
Regional Councillor,
Town of Newmarket and Co-Chair of the Human Services Planning Board of York Region.
Regional Councillor Taylor is in his second term as Regional Councillor for the Town of Newmarket. John sits on a number of York Region committees, including Community & Health Services and Housing York. He is also the Chair of the Planning and Economic Development Committee. During his first term in office, John championed a long-term strategic plan for community and health services, the elimination of GTA Pooling, and reduced transit fares for ODSP recipients.
John has a particular interest in public policy in the area of human services. In the 1980's he was an advisor at Queen's Park to the Minister of Community and Social Services. He also has an extensive background working with First Nations communities. John has a Master's Degree in Canadian Studies and a Ph.D. in Education. He has been active as a community volunteer for over 20 years with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, the Lake Simcoe Conservation Foundation, Voices of Joy (an all ability choir), and the Heart and Stroke Foundation. |
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Bill Fisch
Chairman and CEO
The Regional Municipality of York
In his fourth term as the Region's Chairman and CEO, Chairman Fisch is a results-oriented leader with a proven track record of bringing people and organizations together to address important community needs. A team builder with an in-depth knowledge of a wide variety of services provided by all levels of government, Chairman Fisch is known for his ability to develop partnerships. His visionary plans in the area of municipal service delivery and his ability to establish clear and concise policies have resulted in the introduction of new, innovative programs for the citizens of York Region. While increasing service delivery levels, Chairman Fisch continues to enhance the Region's position as one of the best places in Ontario to live, work and play. |
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Adelina Urbanski
Commissioner of Community and Health Services,
The Regional Municipality of York
Adelina Urbanski is Commissioner of Community and Health Services for The Regional Municipality of York. Adelina's responsibilities include the administration of Family and Children's Services, Housing Services and Social Assistance/Ontario Works, Emergency Medical Services, Long Term Care and, in partnership with the Medical Officer of Health, Public Health programs and services. Prior to joining York Region, Adelina served as Halton Region's Commissioner of Social and Community Services. In addition to her work, Adelina provides support and consultation to a number of organizations and community partners. |
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David Cox
Director, Human Resources and Occupational Health and Safety,
Southlake Regional Health Centre
Vice-Chair
David Cox was nominated by the three York Region Hospitals: Southlake Regional Health Centre, Markham-Stouffville Hospital and York Central Hospital to represent their shared membership at the Human Services Planning Board table. In his position at Southlake Regional Health Centre, David has supported a number of key initiatives such as the establishment of a Wellness Committee, a Diversity and Inclusivity Committee and has assisted in revising and creating a number of employee centered policies. Prior to David's work at Southlake, he held several other key positions in human resources including tenure as the Director of the Employee Relations Team at the University Health Network (UHN). He has 11 years experience in healthcare, primarily in senior leadership roles including being the first Director of Human Resources for the Northern Ontario School of Medicine in 2004. Throughout his career, a major focus of David's work has been on improving client support and service. |
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Canadian Mental Health Association, York Region (CMHA York Region)
www.cmha-yr.on.ca |
Carol Lever (Alternate Member)
Director, Integration and Quality Improvement,
Canadian Mental Health Association, York Region |
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Vaughan Community Health Centre
www.vaughanhealthcarechc.com |
Isabel Araya
Executive Director,
Vaughan Community Health Centre
Isabel has worked in the non-profit sector for over 20 years. Prior to joining VCHC, Isabel held positions in the field of health care as an Executive Director and a Social Worker. Currently, she is the Executive Director of VCHC which provides social services and illness prevention programs to the City of Vaughan by helping residents' access healthcare services and overcome barriers due to culture, language, age and chronic illness. Priority areas for the VCHC include health needs of persons with mental health and addiction issues as well as local youth and seniors. |
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| Forum for Children, Youth and Their Families in York Region |
Sylvia Pivko
Executive Director,
Blue Hills Child and Family Centre
As Co-Chair of the Forum for Children, Youth and Their Families in York Region, Sylvia represents the 57 Planning Forum member organizations at the Human Services Planning Board table. The Forum for Children, Youth and Their Families in York Region creates linkages and opportunities among organizations and other stakeholders to build resiliency within the families and communities of York Region. Sylvia's work experience includes children's mental health, child welfare, young offenders and violence against women. Sylvia has a strong commitment to children, youth and the need for partnerships, collaboration and integrated planning. |
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Women's Centre of York Region
www.wcyr.ca |
Kirsten Eastwood
Executive Director,
Women's Centre of York Region
Kirsten has 25 years of consulting, marketing, project management and human resource experience in not-for-profit and private sector organizations. She specializes in business development for women, curriculum design and delivery, writing and editing for business and researching innovative business policies and practices. Kirsten has also served on the York Region Small Business Enterprise Centre Advisory Committee for five years. |
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York Regional Police
www.yrp.ca |
Chief Eric Jolliffe
York Regional Police
Over his 30 year policing career, Chief Jolliffe has served in a number of operational and administrative capacities and on December 13, 2010, he was appointed to Chief of Police. Eric is active in the community and is proud of the partnerships he has developed with the various diverse communities in this Region. Eric has been a member of the Police Appreciation Dinner Committee for the past 18 years. He is the only Canadian police officer to have been received the Arthur J. Barnett "Planner of the Year" Award in 1996 by the International Association of Law Enforcement Planners. Chief Jolliffe has received the Police Exemplary Service Medal and 30 Year Bar and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal for outstanding service to our citizens, community and country. In May of 2007, the Governor General of Canada presented the Member of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces medal to Chief Jolliffe, recognizing commitment to this country and to honour a career of exceptional service within policing in Canada. |
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York Region District School Board
www.yrdsb.edu.on.ca |
Ken Thurston
Director of Education,
York Region District School Board
Ken brings expertise in education as Director of Education for the YRDSB and past experience serving as Senior Advisor to the Ontario Minister of Education. Prior to working for the province, Ken held positions as Superintendent for the YRDSB, President of the Ontario Public Supervisory Officials' Association and Director of Policy and Research with the Ontario Education Improvement Commission. He has been named a Fellow of the Ontario Teachers' Federation and has received the Distinguished Leadership Award from the Ontario Directors of Education and Superintendents |
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York Catholic District School Board
www.ycdsb.ca |
Susan LaRosa
Director of Education,
York Catholic District School Board,
Co-Chair
Susan LaRosa, Director of Education for the YCDSB is a dedicated leader in Catholic education and the community. Her previous experience includes Superintendent of Education and Human Resources with the Lanark Leeds & Grenville Roman Catholic Separate School Board, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources with the YCDSB and 20 years as a teacher and principal. Susan serves on many councils and committees including the York Region Character Council, the York Regional Police Appreciation Committee, Director of the Youth Bocce Canada Board, founding member of the Georgina Trades & Training Inc., and is a founding partner of York Catholic/Centro Scuola Canadian Academy in Italy.
Susan has been honoured for her commitment to improving education and the community. Her awards include the "York Region Woman of Distinction Award" in recognition of her leadership in Education Administration; Niagara University's "Administrator of the Year" Award in recognition of enriching the lives of North American children. In addition, The Learning Partnership recognized her as the "2009 Champion of Public Education" for her commitment in making the Canadian public education system one of the best in the world.
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Seneca College
www.senecac.on.ca |
Tina DiSimone
Dean, Faculty of Applied Arts and Health Sciences and
Principal of King Campus,
Seneca College
Tina has a proven track record in educational leadership including senior positions with progressive levels of responsibility. During her time in the Ontario College system, Tina has worked in a variety of areas including health sciences, community studies, technology and apprenticeship training. Tina has also had extensive experience working closely with boards of education, government, and business in the area of program development. |
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Vaughan Chamber of Commerce
www.vaughanchamber.ca |
Deborah Bonk Greenwood
President and CEO,
Vaughan Chamber of Commerce
The Vaughan Chamber of Commerce represents a cross-section of approximately 1000 member companies with over 1300 representatives. Through Deborah's leadership, the Chamber provides a strong, proactive voice for Vaughan businesses within all levels of government. Deborah sits on or chairs several committees and has been awarded for her work in both business and the community. She brings a varied and extensive background in personnel and organizational management. |
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| Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC) www.triec.ca |
Elizabeth McIsaac
Executive Director,
Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC)
Established in 2003 by the Maytree Foundation, TRIEC has focused on creating and championing solutions to better integrate skilled immigrants in the labour market. This work has focused particularly on working with employers to address the challenges they face and to build their capacity to include and integrate immigrants in their workplaces. Elizabeth has also held various positions at the Maytree Foundation, most recently as the Director of Policy. |
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Welcome Centre Immigrant Services
www.welcomecentre.ca |
Patricia Cousins
CEO,
Social Enterprise for Canada
Pat currently serves as the Chairperson for the Welcome Centre Immigrant Services Governance Council. At the Human Services Planning Board table Pat represents the five Welcome Centre Immigrant Services lead organizations including; Social Enterprise for Canada, COSTI Immigrant Services, Catholic Community Services of York Region, Centre for Information and Community Services and Job Skills. The Welcome Centre is a one-stop multi-stakeholder service hub designed to guide and support immigrants through the complexities of information and resources in York Region.
As CEO of Social Enterprise for Canada, Pat developed, structured and launched SEC, the first blended business and benevolent service organization in Canada. SEC is committed and focused toward public good and the provision of social services within the context of culture, community and family. She also serves as the Co-Chair of the Workforce Planning Board.
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CHATS - Community & Home Assistance to Seniors
www.chats.on.ca |
Wyn Chivers
CEO,
CHATS Community & Home Assistance to Seniors,
Wyn supports the health and well-being of seniors and caregivers in York Region with in-home and community supports, prevention and wellness programs. Wyn brings extensive experience in the areas of strategic planning, fundraising, organizational and community development. She has participated in many collaborative initiatives in York Region and was a founding member of the former Human Services Planning Coalition. |
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United Way of York Region
www.uwyr.on.ca |
Daniele Zanotti
CEO,
United Way of York Region
For the past three years Daniele has served as CEO of the United Way of York Region. Committed to building strong partnerships with community leaders, business, labour and government to target critical social issues affecting quality of life, Daniele inspires and drives change by combining creativity, passion and action. During the last 17 years Daniele has held senior positions with organizations in the charitable sector including the Rexdale Community Health Centre, York Region's Community and Health Services Department, Family Day Care Services, Villa Charities Foundation and Safe Communities Foundation Canada. |
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| Category/Sector - Community Leader |
Community Leader Member |
| Homelessness |
Professor Stephen Gaetz
Associate Dean, Research and Field Development, Faculty of Education,
York University
www.homelesshub.ca
Stephen has committed his research to social justice and makes research relevant to policy and program development. His research interests include homelessness, youth culture, criminal victimization and community development with a focus on economic strategies, health, education and legal and justice issues. He led Canada's first national homelessness research conference in 2005 and is the Director of the Canadian Homeless Research Network and the Homeless Hub – a clearing house for homelessness research. |
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Faith/Homelessness Sector
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Rehana Sumar
Executive Director (Acting),
Mosaic Interfaith Out of the Cold Programs
www.miotc.ca
MIOTC is a non-profit organization that provides emergency overnight shelter to the homeless throughout southern York Region by providing shelter and meal programs to those in need. Rehana has an extensive background in social services and development both nationally and internationally. She has worked overseas in war affected areas with human rights organizations, refugee camps and think-tanks involved in conflict resolution and government negotiations. Rehana has also volunteered in many capacities in York Region and has served on several boards. |
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| Community Development/Education |
Bill Hogarth
After 16 years in the role of Director of Education for the YRDSB, Bill retired in December 2009. Bill has dedicated his working life to the teaching profession and is committed to the principal of life long learning. He has held positions as teacher, principal, university instructor, education administrator, faculty advisor and member of the Senate at York University. He was the past Co-chair and founding member of the former Human Services Planning Coalition. Bill is passionate about the importance of community capacity in all facets of social service. |
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| Housing |
Jim Baird
Commissioner of Development Services
Development Services Commission
Town of Markham www.markham.ca
Jim brings 29 years experience in urban planning and municipal administration with the Town of Markham. In his current work as Commissioner of Development Services Jim's portfolio includes Planning & Urban Design, Engineering, Building Services and Economic Development. Markham has come to be known as a leading municipality in such areas as new urbanism, environmental protection, heritage preservation, community planning, and the quality of the built environment. |
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| Government Advisor and Resource Member |
Lead Government Advisor and Resource Member |
Central Local Health Integration Network
www.centrallhin.on.ca |
Victoria van Hemert
Senior Director,
Planning, Integration and Community Engagement,
Central Local Health Integration Network |
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Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities
www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/tcu |
Sandy McMillan
Service Delivery Manager,
Ontario Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities |
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Ontario Ministry of Culture
www.culture.gov.on.ca
Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration
www.citizenship.gov.on.ca
Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion (Sport and Recreation Branch)
www.mhp.gov.on.ca |
Catherine Campbell
Regional Advisor Ministry of Culture
Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration
Ministry of Health Promotion, (Sport and Recreation Branch)
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