Nicole Hurtubise

Chief Executive Officer

Nicole Hurtubise joined Tree Canada as its CEO in May 2022.

An energetic and collaborative leader with over 25 years of experience in the non-profit sector, she has always been passionate about contributing to change through poverty alleviation, environmental sustainability, and gender equality.

Nicole has worked, lived, or traveled in over 40 countries for organizations such as CARE, the Canadian Red Cross, Oxfam, Save the Children, UNICEF, the World Food Programme. In her roles as Country Director and Lead Evaluator, she led the management and evaluation of large, complex programs in Africa and Central Asia. In other executive roles, including with United Way Centraide Canada, she led strategic change and organizational transformation with thought leadership, strategic acumen, and a commitment to excellence.

Before joining Tree Canada, Nicole was CEO of WaterAid Canada for seven years, where she had the privilege of leading the organization through transformational growth and resilience, broader geographic footprint, quantifiable program impact, and a high-performing cohesive organizational culture.

Nicole has an Honours Degree in the Science of Languages, a Master’s Degree in Human Security and Peacebuilding, and has completed executive programs in non-profit and strategic change leadership, evaluation, and data management. She is fluently bilingual in English and French, and lives with her family west of Ottawa, where she loves to explore the local forest and fauna.

Viola Hoo

Chief Administrative Officer

Viola Hoo joined Tree Canada as Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) in September 2023.

In this role as CAO, Viola is responsible for the overall management and direction on aspects related to Financial Services, Human Resources, Information Technology and administrative functions at Tree Canada.

Throughout her career, Viola has made significant contributions to both non-profit and profit organizations in sales & marketing, operations, finance, and change management. Viola credits her client and member focussed strengths to her roles at 3M Canada and then Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices. She played a pivotal role in membership engagement and digital transformation at the Royal College of Physician and Surgeons of Canada.

In addition to her Engineering Chemistry degree from Queen’s University, Viola has successfully completed an MBA at the Richard Ivey School of Business, University of Western Ontario with a double focus on Management Accounting, and the Health and Life Sciences Sector. Her finance skills as a CPA CMA, and her skills in operations and change will be well utilized in Tree Canada’s growth strategy.

Growing up in North Bay, Ontario, Viola is an urban outdoor enthusiast. She led the green scaping and community hub project at her children’s elementary school, she has volunteered for both Scouts Canada and Girl Guides of Canada and is an avid dragon boat paddler out of the Rideau Canoe Club.

Viola is equally dedicated to her family. She resides in Ottawa with her husband, three teenagers and cats.

Greg Hotte

Chief Development Officer

Greg Hotte joined Tree Canada in 2020, and became Chief Development Officer in September 2024.

Before coming to Tree Canada, Greg worked in the Social Services and Health Care sector where he was the Director of Corporate Philanthropy for a national charity. Before his time in not for profits, Greg worked as a Senior Manager in Corporate Sales and Sponsorship in professional sports, national events and entertainment for over 20 years. As a fundraising trainer Greg has hosted international fundraising conferences, and mentored development programs across the country.

Weekend farmers, Greg and his wife provide foster care for various animals in need and tend to their burgeoning forest, reclaimed heritage orchard and wetland areas. Working for Tree Canada allows Greg to combine his career path with his passion for the land.

Brijpal Patel

Chief Program Officer

Brijpal Patel joined Tree Canada as Chief Program Officer (CPO) in September 2024.

In this role as CPO, Brijpal is responsible for the oversight and successful implementation of Tree Canada’s reforestation, restoration and greening projects, in both rural and urban settings.

Brijpal started his change-making journey as a young environmental leader in India. During his schooling years, he mobilized students to stop the City administration from cutting down a 100-year-old mango tree that provided shelter and food to both animals and humans. Since then, he has deepened his passion, gaining over 20 years of progressive leadership experience in the design and delivery of significant programs on climate change, natural resource management, and child and youth development.

In his previous leadership roles at Right To Play and the Center for Environment Education, Brijpal demonstrated strategic and operational leadership to deepen organizational impact and create operational efficiencies. At Right To Play, he provided program leadership and developed two new innovative program pathways of technical assistance and digital programs. He believes in the power of partnership to create change and has nurtured strategic relationships with all levels of governments, foundations, the private sector, academic and peer organizations, and UN organizations.

With his lived and professional experience in over 20 countries, Brijpal understands the complex interactions and relationships between culture and environmental sustainability. He believes that celebrating diversity and ensuring inclusion for everyone is at the heart of creating a sustainable future. Brijpal lives in Toronto with his wife and two children.

Dr. Adrina C. Bardekjian MFC, PhD

Director, Research and Engagement & CUFN Chair

Dr. Adrina C. Bardekjian is a seasoned urban forestry researcher, educator, and writer with nearly two decades of experience in the field. She holds a Master of Forest Conservation from the University of Toronto and earned her PhD from York University, followed by postdoctoral research at the University of British Columbia. Dr. Bardekjian’s academic work explores the social dimensions of arboriculture and urban forestry, focusing on topics such as identity, labour dynamics, and women’s leadership and equity within the field. She has contributed to numerous publications, including serving as an editor for the influential book Urban Forests, Trees and Greenspace: A Political Ecology Perspective. To broaden her outreach, she has also created engaging short films, such as Women Branching Out, to share her research with wider audiences. As co-creator of the discussion series Where Women Choose to Walk: Paths to Improving Cities and Nature, Dr. Bardekjian fosters dialogue on gender and environmental issues. In addition to her research and outreach, she is an Adjunct Professor at the Institute of Forestry & Conservation, Daniels Faculty, University of Toronto. Recognized for her contributions, Dr. Bardekjian has received several prestigious awards, including the Society of Municipal Arborists Award of Achievement and the International Society of Arboriculture’s Honourary Membership Award. Currently, she leads the Research and Engagement department at Tree Canada, driving strategic initiatives and collaborations like the Canadian Urban Forest Network and the National Urban Forest Conference.

Robert Henri

Director, Communications and Brand

Robert has over 12 years’ experience in communications and marketing with diverse public institutions and environmental non-profits. He has worked in health care and higher education and was most recently senior manager of public outreach for educational programs at Parliament. Robert has a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of Ottawa and is a UX Certified Practitioner. Robert is excited to help Tree Canada reach and inspire more Canadians to learn about the value of trees and their role in mitigating climate change. In his spare time, he enjoys cycling, skiing, reading, and spending time with this family.

Michael Petryk, ISA

Director, Urban Programs

Michael Petryk is an ISA Certified Arborist who has completed programs in resource management and arboriculture at Trent University, Sir Sandford Fleming College, and Humber College. He has a combined 10 years’ experience working with trees; with Conservation Authorities as a forest and water technician, for private firms as a climbing arborist, and as a consulting arborist. His most recent work has included managing and providing GIS support for municipal tree inventory projects, writing Urban Forest Management Plans, preparing Arborist Reports, completing Invasive Insect Studies, and performing Tree Risk Assessments. He carries certifications in Tree Risk Assessment Qualification, Ecosystem Land Classification, Butternut Health Assessor, and the Ontario Pesticide Applicators License (Landscape).

Scott D’Cunha

Chair

Scott D’Cunha is a seasoned marketing and ecommerce executive with over twenty years of experience in delivering ambitious visions and executing plans across multiple industries, and leading people to work together to deliver exceptional results. In addition to marketing and ecommerce, Scott’s expertise extends across strategic market planning, business development and customer acquisition, and loyalty and retention management.

As the Vice President, eCommerce, of the LCBO, Scott was responsible for building out and growing their online channel and digital capabilities in Ontario. Prior to joining the LCBO Scott led Staples’ commercial marketing and commerce functions in Canada, building an industry award-winning team and managing the P&L for Staples’ online business – doubling online revenues over his tenure to create one of the largest online businesses in Canada. Previously Scott spent almost five years consulting with Capgemini, a major multi-national consulting organization, focusing on delivering Strategy & Transformation projects across the retail, government, energy, lottery and entertainment sectors, specifically in the areas of Marketing and Merchandising across North America. Prior to consulting, Scott worked for well-known retailers, Marks & Spencer and Bata International. Through his career, Scott has worked across North America and Europe, and has a strong global perspective.

Scott received his BA (Hons) in Economics from Lancaster University in the UK, and his MBA from the Schulich School of Business, York University. Scott also holds a Professional Postgraduate Diploma in Strategic Marketing and a Diploma in Digital Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (UK), and is an accredited Chartered Marketer in both the UK (CIM) and in Canada (CMA). Scott has also completed courses with the Schulich School of Business in Leading Sustainable Strategic Change, and Creating Extraordinary Customer Service and Client Marketing Strategies. He is also a desired speaker on the topics of Customer Loyalty, Customer Experience, Digital Transformation and Strategic Marketing.

Scott resides in Oakville, Ontario with his wife and three young children, and enjoys travelling, watching soccer (a die-hard Liverpool supporter), playing tennis, reading classical history and listening to 1980’s British pop music. Scott has also served on the Board of Directors of the Oakville Literacy Council, a charity dedicated to improving adult literacy skills, and regularly volunteers with Junior Achievement.

Moe Assaf

Vice Chair

Moe is a seasoned financial services executive with over 20 years of management and senior leadership experience. He is currently the Vice President of Financial Services for the LFL Group which includes Leon’s Furniture and The Brick – Canada’s largest home furnishings retailers. Moe sits on the company’s senior leadership team, plays a key role in the strategic planning for the organization.

Moe provides executive leadership and oversight for several divisions and wholly owned subsidiaries of the organization, including the consumer and commercial credit divisions, two regulated insurance companies and a warranty division.

Over the last 20 years at LFL, Moe has helped the organization navigate through periods of tremendous change including expansions, acquisitions, recessions, an initial public offering and more recently – change management and substantial growth in profitability.

After earning a specialization degree in Economics and Mathematics from the University of Alberta, Moe later completed his Executive MBA in 2013.

Happily married with four children, Moe spends his free time with his kids’ activities and sports, enjoys hockey and travelling.

Léo Duguay

Past Chair

Léo Duguay brings a wealth of experience to Tree Canada from his work in sports, community service and public life. He played semi-professional hockey before beginning his career as a teacher and high school principal in 1966.

He is a Past President of the Canadian Teachers Federation and has served on the boards of numerous community organizations, receiving awards for his hard work and dedication. Léo was named to the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame in 2007. A former Member of Parliament for St. Boniface, Manitoba, Léo served on many House of Commons Standing Committees as well as being Canada’s representative on the Human Rights Committee at the United Nations 40th Assembly. Léo joined the Rothwell Group in 2006, where he provides government relations counsel to a variety of clients. Like many Ottawa residents, Léo is proud of his own urban forest and is dealing with the effects of Emerald Ash Borer in his neighbourhood.

Anne Lehouillier

Québec

Anne holds a college diploma in forestry technology and is in the process of completing a multidisciplinary bachelor’s degree at Laval University combining a general certificate in forestry management, entrepreneurship and management of small and medium-sized businesses, and horticulture and management of green spaces. Her professional career began in the traditional forestry world on private and public lands, and she gained experience as a project manager on forestry sites working with harvesting teams. Through various forestry and academic experiences she became increasingly aware of the importance of conserving the natural and urban canopy and joined Forestry Association of the Two Shores (AF2R), whose mandate is to manage and develop planting projects. She works there as a project manager for community greening initiatives.

Marie-Louise Bédard & Audrée Guérin

Montreal Region

Marie-Louise and Audrée work at Soverdi, a nonprofit organization that has been implementing urban greening strategies for 30 years to increase tree canopy and improve the health and well-being of the population. Marie-Louise, a professional horticulturist specializing in edible plants, is responsible for developing greening strategies within the Greater Montreal area and bridges various stakeholders through social impact projects for the Grand Montréal Urban Forest Alliance. Audrée, a technologist in horticultural and environmental production, manages the Replacement of Residential Ash Trees program for the City of Montreal and oversees greening projects for community plantations. Working together, they combine their expertise as Forestry Specialists for the Greater Montreal region.

D’Arcy Schenk

Saskatchewan South

D’Arcy has a diploma in horticulture from Olds College in Alberta, a certificate in administration from the University of Regina and a certificate in arboriculture from the International Society of Arboriculture. He was the Manager of Forestry & Horticulture at the Wascana Centre Authority for 29 years. He has also worked for the City of Regina’s Forestry Department and at a private greenhouse firm.

Celia Johnstone

Greater Toronto Area

Having worked as a prosecuting attorney in England for over 20 years, Celia moved with her family to Canada in 2008 and is now actively pursuing her lifelong passion for trees and plants. In 2014 Celia graduated from Ryerson University in Landscape design and in 2016 completed her Masters in Forest Conservation at the University of Toronto. Celia manages her own forest in Prince Edward County and grows trees from seeds that she collects from local sources.

Celia works with local communities in Toronto and the GTA to help them establish a healthy urban canopy. In 2015 she worked on an urban forest management plan for St James Town and in 2016 conducted a full tree inventory for Playter Park community.

Don White

Yukon

Don White began his career with the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs in Inuvik, North West Territories but has worked out of Whitehorse, Yukon since 1978. As a silviculturalist for the Forest Management Branch, Don has taken part in the evolution of a responsible forest industry in the Yukon. He is a graduate forest technician.

Bruce A. Roberts R.P.F.

Newfoundland & Labrador

Bruce A. Roberts, Ecologist and Registered Professional Forester, with 35 years of experience as a former Sr. Research Scientist with the Canadian Forest Service, and brings considerable academic, mapping, and field experience to the Tree Canada team since 2009. He is the author & co-author of more than 200 publications in more than 20 scientific journals and has presented ecological work at over 30 international conferences. He has served on numerous Ecosystem Management Planning Teams in Newfoundland, in most Management Districts, including Labrador, contributing his knowledge on forest ecology and the effects of forest harvesting. But his work as Field Ecologist and Soil Scientist, leading field trips and presentations, has been one of his best contributions to operational forestry and sustainable forest and resource management. In 2007, Bruce was awarded the CIF Tree of Life award.

Bruce was appointed first Chairperson of the Torngat Wildlife and Plants Co-Management Board (First Tri-level Board, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Nunatsiavut Government, Federal Government of Canada) in September 2008 and served and completed his 4-year term in 2012. Initially he helped to staff the Torngat Secretariat and from May 2009 – 2012 chaired the 7-member Board.

In 2020 he received the East Coast Trail Flamber Head Award honoring the commitment, leadership and skill he has contributed to the East Coast Trail as the Chair of The Standards Committee.

Recent community service to the City of St. John’s includes a decade of service as a member of the Tree Committee, Chair of The Urban Forest Committee and Vice Chair of the Environment Committee. He has Co- Chaired successful National Tree Days from 2011-2022 with the St. John’s Arbor staff and has initiated and contributed to many other City tree-related planting events.

Bruce is a native of Gros Morne Park, Western Newfoundland.

Bruce Smith

Prince Edward Island

Bruce Smith has a Masters of Science in Wildlife Management from Acadia University. He worked with the PEI government for 30 years which included 10 years with Provincial Parks managing natural resources, developing forest management plans and supervising the interpretive programs across the Province. He also worked for 18 years with the Fish and Wildlife Division working with community organizations to develop and implement habitat enhancement initiatives. This included establishing community forest nurseries and planting trees. Between these 2 endeavours Bruce spent 2 years at the PEI Executive Council helping to develop the first Provincial Conservation Strategy in Canada.

Following retirement from Government Bruce served as the Executive Director of Island Nature Trust, an organization dedicated to the protection of environmentally important habitats on private and public lands. Subsequently he joined a watershed association conducting environmental enhancement including the planting of thousands of trees and working with farmers to reduce the applications of nutrients and pesticides which were impacting the groundwater.

Over the last two years Bruce has focussed on bee keeping, volunteering with watershed groups, raising scallops, volunteering as a firefighter/first responder and supporting Tree Canada initiatives.

Bruce has been involved with Tree Canada for over 20 years.

Ed Borczon R.P.F.

Southern Ontario

Ed has been an advisor with Tree Canada for over 15 years. As a forester he has worked with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. As an educator he has taught numerous forestry courses at the School of Continuing Studies, University of Toronto. He is a forestry graduate (B.Sc.F.) from the University of Toronto.

Donald Craig R.P.F.

Southwestern Ontario

Donald received a Bachelor of Science of Forestry from the University of Toronto in 1971. He spent the next 37 years planting trees, managing deciduous forests and plantations among other tasks at the ST Clair Region Conservation Authority. Since retirement from the Conservation Authority he operates a forestry consulting business. He has spent several years trying to identify populations of rare tree species in the region and protect them. In 2013 he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Carolinian Canada Coalition. He is a member of the Ontario Woodlot Association, the South West Woodlot Association, the Ontario Forestry Association and the Ontario Professional Foresters Association. He currently volunteers with the Thames Talbot Land Trust to try to protect, enlarge and improve forest habitats in the region.

Kelvin Kelly R.P.F

Northern Saskatchewan

Kelvin is a ISA certified arborist and registered professional forest technologist. He has recently retired from the public service after serving 17 years with the forest service and 19 years with the provincial park service in Saskatchewan.

He has extensive experience working with the public developing and implementing forest management plans, land use plans and landscape designs.

Kelvin has an arborist consulting service and continues to promote afforestation and urban forestry within his home province of Saskatchewan. He enjoys the “hands on” approach working with community tree planting projects.

Gerard Fournier

Southern Alberta

Gerard has been in love with trees most of his life, and started his first tree service company at the age of seventeen. Since then, after two other tree outfits and eight years’ work with a major tree service company in Calgary, Gerard founded his own tree service and tree nursery in Didsbury, Alberta, back in 2000. Serving the industry on various boards and professional organizations most of his career, Gerard has also been a Community Adviser for Tree Canada in Southern Alberta since 2007. Board Certified Master Arborist, Red Sealed Journeyman Landscape Horticulturist and Tree Risk Assessment Qualified, Gerard spends most of his time in the winters now teaching apprentices at Olds College. Specializing in tree retention consultations and afforestation projects, Gerard is happy to be sharing his knowledge abundantly with all those who love and work with trees!

Sheila Flint

Northern Alberta

Sheila Flint is a graduate of Guelph University in Park Horticulture. She is also an ISA Certified Arborist and a Journeyman Landscape Gardener.

Sheila has worked for Strathcona County, Recreation, Parks & Culture for over 30 years as the Foreman of Urban Forestry and Horticulture. She has established a tree maintenance and horticulture program for Strathcona County and was one of the first Certified Arborists in Alberta.

Sheila has recently retired from Strathcona County and works for Strathcona County, Transportation and Agriculture Services Department on a part time basis establishing an arboretum, orchard and community garden at an historic site called Bremner House.

Sheila’s passions have always centred around trees and anything growing! She has worked with Tree Canada for over 25 years on tree planting projects throughout Alberta and particularly Strathcona County.

Christian Walli BScF

British Columbia

Christian Walli BScF graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor Degree in Forestry. He has been a Tree Canada Community Advisor since 1993 for British Columbia. Over the last 40 years, he held managing position with several forest companies involved in developing and managing seed orchards, forest research facilities and forest nurseries in British Columbia and Ontario.

In addition, he was involved with British Columbia Tree Improvement program, the Swedish/Canadian Cooperative introducing lodgepole pine to Sweden and the Poldi Bentley NSERC/Industrial Chair in Forest Genetics group in cooperation with the Austria Forest Research Department. He has also served in the Council of Forest Industry Spruce Budworm Task Group and was Director of the Consulting Foresters of British Columbia.

More recently Christian is involved in the advancement of Canadian urban forestry including a national and regional network, UBC urban forestry department and urban forestry being an integral part of Association of British Columbia Professional Foresters.

He is passionate about the development and protection of green spaces.

Jamie Floyd R.P.F.

New Brunswick

Jamie graduated from the University of New Brunswick, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry & Environmental Management, with a minor in Wildlife Management.

Since graduating in 1995 from UNB, Jamie has worked as a forester for the SNB Wood Co-operative Ltd. in Sussex. He provides management services to private woodlot owners in the southern NB region, including forest management plans, harvest operations management, timber and capital gain appraisals, property line reconnaissance, hardwood plantation establishments, drone mapping/surveys and wildlife population/habitat management services.

Jamie has also become the acting General Manager of the Fundy Model Forest in Sussex, NB, liaising with all forms of government and First Nations to ensure the support of the Model Forest program.

Jamie currently serves on several committees and boards including being the chairman for the southern branches of Delta Waterfowl, Canadian Wild Turkey Federation and Northern Deer Alliance Association.

Born and raised on a farm, Jamie has a true passion for the outdoors and nature. One of his top priorities is to teach the next generation about the importance of managing our Acadian forests and natural resources now and into the future; to mitigate climate change and aid in carbon sequestration. Jamie is devoted to his family, enjoys hunting and fishing, manages a gourmet mushroom farm and works at his hardwood tree nursery with his wife Katrina.

Randall Van Wagner

Head, National Greening Program

Randall Van Wagner has formerly worked for the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority as the Manager of Conservation Lands and Services. During this period, he established an entire land stewardship department that planted 100,000 trees annually, developed partnerships with ALUS Canada and Ducks Unlimited Canada and created a species-at-risk program.

Before the Conservation Authority, Randall worked with the Ministry of Natural Resources restoring Tall Grass Prairies and as a Forest Consultant in British Columbia.

With a degree in Natural Resource Management and a member of the Ontario Professional Forestry Association, Randall is excited about the opportunity to work for Tree Canada and target large land restoration projects through the National Greening Program.

Nathalie Gauthier

Executive Assistant and Office Manager

Nathalie’s extensive experience in administrative work, in both the private and non-profit sectors, provide a sound base to complement the Tree Canada team.  As well, her bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from Trent University has deepened her knowledge of environmental issues, and her commitment to make a difference. Having grown up in Northern Ontario, it’s no surprise that Nathalie spends time outdoors everyday; running is her favourite way to explore parks and trails.

Paola Guillen

Financial Analyst

Paola graduated with a Bachelor degree in Industrial Engineering from the Technology Institute of Monterrey in Mexico. She also holds a Master of Engineering in Environmental Engineering from Carleton University. Before moving to Ottawa, Paola worked at several manufacturing companies where she mainly focused on the optimization of processes and quality assurance. She also worked as an Administrative Assistant at the Military Attaché Office of an Embassy in Ottawa and did volunteer work at different organizations in the City of Ottawa. Paola loves dancing, scrapbooking, traveling, and doing outdoor activities that involve being in-touch with nature.

Shelley Gronski

Board Member

Shelley brings over twenty years of broad, global consulting experiences having worked with for-profit and not-for-profit clients across many industry sectors around the world. Her consulting career began at Capgemini, a multinational information technology services and consulting firm, before starting her own consulting business almost ten years ago.

Shelley is engaged by clients to deliver strategic plans, business and technology strategies and to support technology transformation projects. She is also known for her significant experience in large group facilitation and helping clients bring together diverse stakeholders to gain alignment on their strategies and implementations plans.

She holds an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and Biology as well as a Bachelor of Education from Queen’s University. Her Master’s degree in Continuing Education was awarded by the University of Calgary.

Residing in Oakville, Ontario, Shelley is actively engaged in her community. With a keen interest in emerging technologies, she is involved in the local technology start-up ecosystem. She was previously on the Board of Directors for the Oakville Gymnastics Club, one of the largest gymnastics clubs in Ontario. She served as the Chair for two terms and is proud to have successfully navigated the club through the many challenges of the pandemic. Shelley enjoys playing soccer year-round and is actively involved in many amateur sports organizations in Halton Region through the involvement of her children.

Travel has been a personal passion. She has travelled extensively around the world having visited all seven continents!

Jack Harris

Board Member

Jack Harris has had an extensive career in legal and public affairs. He represented St. John’s East in Parliament and also served as a Member of the Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts from Memorial University of Newfoundland, a Bachelor of Law from the University of Alberta and a Master of Law degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).

He has had a long history of professional legal experience in a broad range of practice areas, including labour relations, personal injury, civil and criminal litigation and was appointed Queen’s Counsel (now King’s Counsel) in 1997.

He has also completed ADR training at the Harvard Law School Program on Negotiation and received the University of Windsor Faculty of Law Executive Certificate in Conflict Management.

His background in provincial and national affairs has afforded the opportunity for advanced policy analysis, communications and media relations and earned him a national profile as spokesperson on matters of public importance and interest.

Jack was a founding executive member of the Canadian Association of Labour Lawyers, has served on the Board of Directors and as Vice-President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Credit Union and currently serves as President of the Newfoundland Pony Society and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Association of Former Parliamentarians.

Julie Barker-Merz

Board member

Julie is Regional Vice-President, South Western Ontario Division for Bank of Montreal where she leads a team of retail and business banking professionals across 10 markets and 150 branches, from Owen Sound to Niagara Falls and through to London and Windsor. She is a Board Member of The Accelerator Centre; the Greater Kitchener Chamber of Commerce; The Museum in Kitchener; Advisor to sheEO’s Radical Generosity movement; and is the former Director and Treasurer of the Canadian Women’s Hockey League. She is a long-standing and strong supporter of women in business, sport and the community and a 2015 recipient of The International Alliance of Women’s (TIAW) top 100 World of Difference awards, as well as one of Canada’s Top 50 to watch in Wealth Management in 2016. And in 2018, she was most recently awarded Ontario’s Leading Women, Building Communities award of excellence.

Throughout her 20+ year career with BMO Financial Group, Julie has earned the reputation of being a leader who executes with pace, courage, and excellence, inspiring multi-disciplinary teams to come together towards a common vision. Julie received her undergraduate degree at the University of Ottawa, her Fellow from the Institute of Canadian Bankers and her MBA from Dalhousie University. She is fluently bilingual (English/French), a mother of 2 young girls and a proud resident of the Waterloo region.

William G. Knight ICD.D

Board Member

Mr. Knight has extensive experience in the financial services industry. From 2001 to 2006, he was the first Commissioner for the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada. His mandate was to oversee the $3.24 trillion dollar financial services’s sector market conduct. He received the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal for excellence in Public Service on behalf of Canada.

Prior to the Agency, he was the president and CEO of Credit Union Central of Canada where he undertook a number of strategic initiatives, to position credit unions competitively to the banks.

In the early 70’s, Mr. Knight distinguished himself as one of the youngest Members of Parliament when he was elected to the House of Commons.

He is a member of a number of corporate and volunteer boards including the Vancity Community Investment Bank of Canada, Assuris, and the Broadbent Institute.

Hannah Scott

Manager, Corporate Development

Hannah graduated from the University of Ottawa with an Honours bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in the History and Theory of Art. From there, she went on to explore her passion for nature by studying horticulture at Algonquin College. Combining both disciplines, Hannah worked in the non-profit sector providing adults with developmental, psychological, and physical disabilities with specialized horticulture programming and education. In 2016, Hannah began the design and implementation of the A4 District Lion’s Club Memorial Forest located in Navan, On. Over the next three years, she expanded the forest to include sensory gardens, urban agriculture, as well as outdoor learning spaces. In her spare time, Hannah loves painting, hiking, and creative landscape design.

Lawrence Lewis

Board Member

Lawrence believes strongly in community services and is presently a Rotarian since 2003. He is a member of the We Wai Kai Nation (Cape Mudge) and presently resides in Victoria, BC. Lawrence most recently was the Chief Executive Officer of the Malahat Nation/Investment Corporation and is now focused on working with other First Nations throughout western Canada to advance and focus their governance, administrative structures, and install effective modern economic and business authorities. Most recently, he has been appointed Chair/President of the Industry Council for Aboriginal Business. Lawrence has completed the Directors Education Program through the Institute of Corporate Directors. He also has a Bachelor of Arts along with other Diplomas in Governance and Public Administration all from the University of Victoria. Other diplomas include Business Management, First Nations Schools Management, and International Trade.

Rebecca Seltzer

Lead Manager, Urban Programs

Rebecca joins Tree Canada with previous experience in agricultural research, outdoor education, customer service, horticulture, and viticulture. As a program manager she loves collaborating with tree-lovers across the country just as much as she loves digging into spreadsheets and data management. She graduated from McGill University with a Bachelor’s of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and is passionate about soils and regenerative farming. Outdoorsy since day 1, Rebecca enjoys anything that can be done outside between spring thaw and autumn frost. We’re getting there with the winter!

Valerie Molino

Communications Coordinator

Valerie is a recent graduate from Carleton University, with a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and a Minor in Women and Gender Studies. She has combined her love of storytelling and her passion for social justice to pursue a career in communication and social media marketing in the non-profit sector. With some education in Environmental Studies and Environment and Science Journalism, Valerie is ready to take on any campaign or project that Tree Canada throws at her.

Fun fact: Valerie loves photography and gardening. She’s already looking forward to early May when she can plant flowers in her garden and take photos for her personal Instagram account.

Emily Harris

Communications Coordinator

Emily joins Tree Canada with a background in marketing and communications in the food industry, in the private and non-profit sectors. She completed her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Nutritional and Nutraceutical Sciences at the University of Guelph. Through both programs, Emily developed her passion for knowledge transfer and translation, which launched her into communications and marketing roles.

Emily’s passion for sustainable living and her love for being outdoors–whether it be camping, hiking, or biking along the Ottawa River–has her excited to continue learning about the environmental and social benefits of trees with the communications team at Tree Canada.

Rebecca Chow

Development Coordinator

Rebecca grew up in Calgary and has, over the years, lived in Taipei and Hong Kong. She has a Bachelor’s degree in economics and a Master’s degree in journalism. Before joining Tree Canada, Rebecca worked as a private sector partnership assistant for UNHCR in Hong Kong. Passionate about sustainable development, Rebecca has recently finished her Master’s degree in Development Practice at the University of Waterloo. She speaks English and Chinese and runs a weekly podcast covering various topics, from book reviews to productivity tips. Rebecca loves travelling, reading, and trying out new plant-based recipes in her spare time.

Alexandra Durand

Development Coordinator, Stewardship

Alexandra grew up in France, near the Alps, and spent a lot of time at her grand-parents family farm. It was in a quiet little village surrounded by nature and animals. Alex received her Communications degree at Marseille’s journalism university as well as a diploma in administration. She has provided administration and logistics support to executives and their teams in different countries in the private and not-for-profit sectors. Alex loves running, hiking, relaxing in nature or having dinner out with friends. She also enjoys plogging (picking up litter whilst jogging).

Meryl Abrahams

Manager, Urban Programs

Meryl graduated from Carleton University with a Bachelor of Economics and a Minor in Statistics. Meryl developed a love for the wilderness through her work as a remote canoe trip guide for youth and while working as a tree planter in Northern Ontario. She brings to Tree Canada a knowledge of native plants and a passion for the outdoors. She is very excited to be apart of the Tree Canada team.

Maya Colombani

Board Member

Maya Colombani has been Chief Sustainability & Human Rights Officer at L’Oreal Canada, since 2019.

Strong of an international career of more than 20 years at L’Oréal, Maya Colombani distinguishes herself through a rich and comprehensive career path. She joined L’Oréal Group’s Professional Products Division in 2001. She held positions there in operational marketing as well as in DMI (International Marketing Direction), on the Kérastase and L’Oréal Professional brands. She carried out missions of brand creation in India, before joining L’Oréal Brazil in June 2010 as Marketing and Innovation Director. Since the end of 2016, she has served as Sustainability & Human Rights Director for Brazil.

In this role, she profoundly transformed L’Oréal Brazil’s value chain including sustainability impact in all the decision taken from the product creation until the recycling process. She has implemented strong social actions with communities and autochthones, created an impactful Amazonia regeneration program and launched the living wage movement that inspired the L’Oréal Group and positioned L’Oréal Brazil as an international benchmark. L’Oréal Brazil has been regularly cited as a reference and is used to fuel new reflections on environmental challenge, climate change commitment, social protagonism as well as human rights respect, especially in relations with the indigenous peoples of Brazil and communities’ inclusion.

Her projects have been rewarded by prestigious rankings such as Guia exame 2017/2018/2019; were recognized as The best company in climate change as well as biodiversity management; and have received the WEP Gold Award 2021 on Women empowerment supported by ONU Women and Compact Global. In 2022, thanks to her strong inclusive social programs for indigenous and communities, the GLOBO recognized L’Oréal Brazil as ” The company that makes the difference in term of inclusion and diversity”.

In Canada, Maya’s mission, together with the local teams in place, is to increase L’Oréal Canada’s positive footprint internally and externally in terms of sustainable value chain transformation, empowering its ecosystem, scaling up its social protagonism and warranty human rights respect. Her first projects since she joined the L’Oreal team has been to focus on achieving the company’s full carbon neutrality on all of its sites, as well as accelerating ambitious targets on water management and implementing clean tech partnership and eco-design business with committed brand.

Vicki Corker, CPA

Board Member

Vicki is a partner in Ernst & Young LLP’s Financial Accounting Advisory Services practice, with 18 years of comprehensive financial reporting experience. She holds a CPA in British Columbia, as well as a CA from ICAS (Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland) and is dual British-Canadian citizen.

Her expertise spans a breadth of financial competencies, technical accounting, finance processes, external audits and internal controls, and accounting policies. Her role also includes supporting her client’s finance teams in sustainability-related reporting. She was recently featured on CPA BC’s sustainability podcast with Lori Matheson covering the evolving regulatory landscape in this space, and has lead EY’s webcasts on this topic.

She works together with her clients’ finance teams as they go through periods of significant, complex accounting and financial reporting change, typically due to high growth, changing business models, restructuring, fundraises and Initial Public Offerings, acquisitions or divestitures. Vicki’s clients are across various sectors, including Technology, FinTech, Telecommunications, Media, NPO, Retail and Mining,

Locally, she is also the partner sponsor of EY’s Eco-Innovators network, a group of individuals passionate about sustainability matters who drive employee engagement in EY’s various sustainability initiatives.

Prior to moving to Canada eight years ago, Vicki worked across the world with EY – in Stuttgart, Germany; Tokyo, Japan; and London, Leeds, and Manchester in the UK.

Outside of her day-job, Vicki is a dedicated cinephile, hiker, travel-lover and needleworker. She lives in North Vancouver with her husband Chris, a Japanese translator and PhD candidate at York University, and they have a rescue cat, Caesar.

Peter Duinker

Board Member

Peter Duinker is Professor Emeritus in the School for Resource and Environmental Studies at Dalhousie University. He has taught and researched a wide range of themes, most of which deal with forests and environmental assessment. Peter got involved in urban-forest issues when, following Hurricane Juan, Halifax put together its Point Pleasant Park Restoration Task Force in fall 2003. He then joined the team preparing the Point Pleasant Park Comprehensive Plan to help with the forest sections. With his students and research assistants, Peter and city staff prepared Halifax’s first Urban Forest Master Plan in 2012. He continued his collaboration with the city up to 2022 by providing ongoing monitoring and research in support of plan implementation.

Peter’s investigations on urban forests, with his students, address diverse topics including citizens’ values, planning, conservation of urban old-growth, naturalization of urban forests, effects of sub-division development on urban-forest biodiversity, effects of climate change on urban forests, establishment of urban orchards, canopy development in urban greenspaces such as cemeteries and golf courses, and others.

At his home in downtown Halifax, Peter is slowly removing the Norway-maple canopy and replacing it with native species associated with Acadian old-growth forests. Peter shares a home with his wife Maggie and, when not chasing academic and consulting pursuits, enjoys home-brewing, choral-singing, cycle-touring, home-renovating, high-score golfing, and tree-hugging.

Meghan Harris-Ngae

Board Member

National ESG Strategy & Advisory Leader, PwC Canada

Meghan is a Partner and leads the ESG Strategy & Transformation practice for PwC Canada. She is also the Global ESG Leader for Private Business. She has over 22 years of combined international and local experience in sustainability (including climate change) and international government relations.

Meghan has global expertise working with multinational organizations to develop strategies for building long term value for stakeholders and society. She spends her time working with Boards, and Leadership teams to develop integrated and transformational ESG strategies that have a significant impact on business resilience and long-term performance.

Meghan has a degree in International Relations from the University of Calgary. She has also completed the Harvard Leadership Program and the Corporate Social Responsibility Program at the Harvard Business School (HBS).

She was recognized among the top Sustainability leaders in Canada by Clean50, and by Clean16 for her achievements in advancing the cause of sustainability and clean capitalism in Canada. She was also the award winner for Young Women in Energy in 2019.

Meghan is married and has a son (aged 7) who keep her very busy with sports outside or work. She enjoys spending time with her family and traveling as much as possible.

Kassandra McKeown

Observer

Kassie McKeown is a young professional, born and raised in Alderville First Nation, located on the southern shore of Rice Lake, Ontario.

Kassie grew up in her community, surrounded by family and culture. She is a dancer, hand drummer, and crafter. She has worked in many capacities within her community, be it at the Health and Social Services Building, the Alderville Black Oak Savanna, or volunteering for many community events such as the annual powwow. Currently, Kassie sits on the Alderville Community Trust as Vice-treasurer, and on the Alderville Lands Advisory Committee, working to develop and implement a Land Code for the community. She also sits on the Board of Directors for Alderville Solar Inc., the first 100% First Nations owned and operated solar farm in Ontario.

Kassie graduated from Carleton University with a B.A Honours focusing on Law, Indigenous Studies and Psychology. During her time at Carleton, she began working at the Toronto Zoo as a Field Technician, where she gained in-depth knowledge of environmental conservation monitoring techniques and practices. This experience, coupled with her relationship with the Black Oak Savanna inspired her to pursue a post-graduate degree in Environmental Planning at Fleming College’s School of Environmental and Natural Resource Science. Through her post graduate degree, she obtained a fulltime, permanent position with Cambium Indigenous Professional Services (CIPS), currently in the position of Project Lead.

As Project Lead at CIPS, Kassie works in a variety of capacities to inform good practices regarding land stewardship and the bridging of Western Science with Indigenous Ways of Knowing. She works with many ENGO’s, Governmental departments, and Indigenous Nations throughout Canada to foster good relations.

Kassie recently finished facilitating a two-year program with the Ontario Aboriginal Lands Association that focused on enhancing community driven land stewardship for 7 First Nation communities in Ontario, following the process set out in the ECCC funded, CIPS developed, “Land Relationship Visioning” toolkit. Kassie is eager to learn and continue to grow professionally and personally, deepening her understanding of internal processes and the best path(s) forward for a prosperous future that cares for future generations.

Don Cameron

Nova Scotia

Don a grandi à Truro, en Nouvelle-Écosse, où il aimait faire du sport et profiter de la forêt. Son rêve de devenir athlète professionnel s’est envolé, mais sa passion pour la forêt est restée bien présente.

En 1985, il a obtenu un diplôme en foresterie à l’Université du Nouveau-Brunswick. Au cours des 35 dernières années, Don a travaillé pour le ministère des Ressources naturelles et des Énergies renouvelables de la Nouvelle-Écosse à Truro, en tant que coordonnateur régional de la gestion des terres boisées privées, de la médiation et de la sensibilisation. Jusqu’à sa retraite en janvier 2024, il a activement collaboré avec plusieurs parties prenantes, dont des propriétaires forestiers, des spécialistes de la forêt, des jeunes, le grand public et les médias. En plus de ses engagements professionnels, il a dédié plus de deux décennies à écrire une chronique hebdomadaire intitulée « A Walk in the Woods ».

Pendant plus d’un quart de siècle, il a été président bénévole du comité de la foresterie urbaine de Truro, menant des initiatives pour préserver et étendre la forêt urbaine et les parcs de la localité. Don a également représenté Arbres Canada à plusieurs reprises au fil des années. Il faisait entre autres partie du comité organisateur de la Conférence canadienne sur la forêt urbaine qui a eu lieu à Truro en 2010.

Kristin Mullin

Manager, Events Planning & Coordination

Kristin joins Tree Canada with over 15 years experience in the non-profit sector. She brings with her a mix of experience in the environmental and animal welfare fields and an educational background that includes biotechnology, business, and corporate sustainability.

Passionate about nature since childhood, Kristin’s love of the outdoors quickly led to a desire to protect her favourite playgrounds. She is motivated by sharing knowledge with others that encourages and facilitates actions that protect natural spaces.

When not at work, Kristin can most often be found hiking, cycling, or horseback riding through local wooded trails.

Paul Dickson

Head, Individual Giving

Paul has worked in fundraising, public engagement, communications, and stakeholder relations for over twenty years with organizations spanning academia, public libraries, healthcare, and international development. He’s particularly inspired by causes related to our natural world and climate change, human rights, water and food security, and Indigenous reconciliation.

Paul has a degree in international development and geography, and achieved fundraising executive accreditation in 2012. In joining Tree Canada, Paul is keen to help build awareness of the environmental and social good of trees and act as a conduit for philanthropy that will help grow better places to live.

He’s always respected nature, but regular hikes along local trails during the height of pandemic restrictions gave Paul an even greater appreciation of urban forests and their contributions to our mental health and wellbeing.

Colin Little

Manager, National Greening Program

Colin has over 10 years of experience in the environmental sector and is passionate about collaborating with businesses, government agencies, and landowners to implement solutions to address environmental challenges.

Before joining Tree Canada, Colin worked at the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority as an Agricultural Program Coordinator. Colin has extensive experience developing programs for rural landowners, agricultural businesses, and farmers to implement beneficial management practices (BMPs) with the goal of improving soil health, farm biodiversity, and water quality. He also gained experience managing agricultural research initiatives which were focused on validating the efficacy of BMPs at improving soil health and water quality.

Colin graduated from the University of Waterloo with an Honours Bachelor of Environmental Studies (Co-Op) Degree, specializing in Environment and Business. Colin lives in the rural community of Chatham, Ontario.

Jack Caldbick

Development Coordinator, Partnerships

Jack joins Tree Canada with a very interesting background, he has worked as a tree planter in Northern Ontario and Northern Alberta, was a Human Resources Assistant with Parks Canada, is an Apprentice Carpenter for sustainable housing development and recently became a Farm Manager. All these experiences have fostered his consciousness for environmental sustainability.

Jack has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Ottawa in Communications and Political Science. Currently, he’s completing a master’s degree in environmental practice at Royal Roads University.

In his spare time, Jack enjoys working on his farm in Quebec and backyard garden in Ottawa, playing softball and basketball, outdoor rock climbing, gravel biking, swimming, spending time at his cottage, and keeping his carpentry skills sharp with various projects.

Caitlin Dixon

Manager, Urban Programs

Caitlin holds a BA in Geography: Urban Systems from McGill University and a MSc in Urban Regeneration and Development from the University of Manchester. She has previously worked for The Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) and One Tree Planted, bringing with her several years of experience in administration and event management with the social and natural sciences. With a passionate interest in urban environments, public spaces and sustainability, Caitlin is delighted to continue her work in community and urban forestry to help grow better places to live across Canada.

Caitlin loves exploring new cities and going on neighbourhood walks in her spare time.

Elysya Scerbo-Pasta

Communications Coordinator

Elysya was born and raised in Montreal where she studied Communications at Concordia University. From there she moved to Toronto, developing her managerial and client-facing skills as a Division Coordinator before falling back into her love for digital communications in the non-profit sector. A storyteller at heart, she excitedly harnesses her imagination into strategies and ideas for growth.

Her hobbies include learning and trying new things, reading, cozy games, podcasts, going on walks, and enjoying a good cup of coffee, especially with friends.

Jermaine Jacobs

Donor Relations and Database Officer

Jermaine has been a non-profit professional for over 15 years. His journey began as a volunteer while he was a student, a commitment he still upholds today. He holds a degree in Business Management and Entrepreneurship from Algonquin College, where he honed his strong analytical skills.

His expertise extends to CRM databases, allowing him to leverage data effectively for non-profit organizations.

Beyond Jermaine’s professional life, he has a passion for video games, he has been a former pro gamer, and he continues to embrace this passion. He balances this with an active outdoor lifestyle and a love for reading, making each day a well-rounded adventure.

Christine Earnshaw

Program Manager, Greening Communities

For over twenty years, Christine has worked in several community, national and international development organizations in the fields of health, education, and the environment.

In 2017, she co-founded Tree Fest Ottawa, a community-based nonprofit organization that raises awareness of Ottawa’s urban forest through initiatives such as large-format photography exhibits and annual tree festivals. Recently, she was a Project Lead at SOUL, the Canadian Society for Organic Urban Landcare where she led the establishment of SOUL’s Greener Greenspaces program.

With a Master’s degree in Geography and Northern Studies, Christine is passionate about the natural world and public spaces and is actively involved in a community initiative to co-steward an ecologically significant park in her neighbourhood.

Montanna Diakun

Program Coordinator, National Greening Program

Montanna has over 10 years of experience in environmental research, conservation, and restoration projects focused on multiple provinces across Canada. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Science in Geography from the University of Victoria and a Master of Forest Conservation from the University of Toronto.

Montanna is drawn to Tree Canada’s work and mission because of her love for trees and her appreciation for the diverse ecosystems they inhabit. In her spare time, you can find her reading, going for walks outdoors, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Ricardo D’Aguiar

Content Manager

Ricardo joins Tree Canada with international experience in communications for the commercial and non-profit sectors. He has participated in multimedia projects in various countries and has been involved with Amerindian epistemologies and the global women’s movement. In his former role as Communications Officer for an international feminist think tank, he worked on various themes, including analysis of the disproportionate impacts of the climate crisis on women in the global South. Ricardo’s passion for ecology is what motivated him to join Tree Canada. Ricardo has a background in journalism and a Master of Arts degree in Media and International Development from the University of East Anglia, UK. In his spare time, he practices yoga, swims and explores new cooking recipes.

Sylvia Jorge

Capacity Building Officer, Greening Communities

Sylvia brings to Tree Canada her experience in community-level urban forest stewardship and expertise in environmental conservation grants across Canada.

She completed her Master of Forest Conservation at the University of Toronto and her Bachelor of Science in Biology at the University of Waterloo.

Her passion for the environment, and particularly for accessible greenspaces in urban settings, led her to the Growing Canada’s Community Canopies (GCCC) initiative at Tree Canada.

Her hobbies include spending time outdoors, hiking and cycling, and advancing her bird, mushroom and plant identification abilities. She is excited to contribute her skills and knowledge to the Tree Canada team.

Emily Sayadi

Program Officer, Greening Communities

Emily brings a diverse background, ranging from hospitality and agriculture to non-profit work. She holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Ottawa and has volunteered with several environmental NGOs in the Ottawa region. Following her graduation, Emily spent several years backpacking in Australia and New Zealand, where she was inspired by the breathtaking landscapes, fuelling her passion to conserve the natural world. She looks forward to leveraging her experience in her new role at Tree Canada to enhance and safeguard our green spaces.

Kayleigh Hutt-Taylor

Coordinator, Research and Engagement

Kayleigh joins Tree Canada with strong research experience in urban ecology and socio-ecological systems. She brings specific expertise in ecosystem services, tree diversity and structure and science communication. Kayleigh completed her Masters in Urban Ecology at Concordia University and her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science (CO-OP) at the University of Guelph. She has a particular passion for understanding the relationships between people and nature.

Kayleigh hopes to combine her love of research and desire to connect diverse communities with science to her role on Tree Canada’s Research and Engagement Team. She loves ultimate frisbee, running, all things outdoors (camping, backpacking, bikepacking, foraging) and volunteering with isolated seniors in Montreal. She’s excited to bring her enthusiasm and skill set to Tree Canada’s growing team!

Donna Anderson

Accountant

Donna is a seasoned business professional with over 25 years of extensive accounting and finance expertise across diverse organizations. For the past seven years, she has focused her career in the not-for-profit sector, gaining valuable insights into systems and operational management. Donna is eager to leverage her experience by contributing to Tree Canada’s Finance Team.

Driven by a passion for nature and a commitment to enhancing quality of life, Donna finds Tree Canada an ideal match. Outside of work, she enjoys cultivating her love for the outdoors, particularly through gardening and exploring waterways. Donna also cherishes spending meaningful time with her family and friends.

Dheepag Ayyappan

IT Application Specialist

Dheepag is an IT professional with over 5 years of experience in healthcare and the air traffic sector, focusing on technical support and system administration. At NAV Canada, he worked on system analysis and managed various applications, which fueled his passion and commitment to work for non-profit organizations. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics and a postgraduate degree in Embedded Systems from Confederation College in Thunder Bay.

Dheepag is excited to join Tree Canada because of its commitment to improving natural spaces and engaging communities. Outside of work, he enjoys video gaming and staying active, including road trips with his wife and spending time with friends.