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.

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.

Scott is the Vice President, eCommerce, of the LCBO, with responsibility 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.

Michael Petryk, ISA

Director, Operations

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).

Greg Hotte

Director, Development

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.

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 Associate 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 (ages 16, 16, 11, and 6), Moe spends his free time with his kids’ activities and sports, enjoys hockey and travelling.

Robert Henri

Director, Communications and Marketing

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.

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.

Adrina C. Bardekjian MFC, PhD

Director of Research and Engagement, CUFN Chair

Dr. Adrina C. Bardekjian is an urban forestry researcher, writer, and educator, and has contributed to urban forestry for almost 20 years. She has a Master of Forest Conservation from the University of Toronto, she received her PhD from York University, and completed her Postdoctoral research with the University of British Columbia. Her academic research focuses on the social aspects of arboriculture and urban forestry, specifically arborist perspectives towards identity and labour, and women’s participation, leadership, and gender equity. Dr. Bardekjian has a number of publications and is one of the editors the book, Urban Forests, Trees and Greenspace: A Political Ecology Perspective. She has produced short films to communicate her research to wide audiences including, Women Branching Out. More recently, Dr. Bardekjian, is co-creator of the monthly discussion series, Where Women Choose to Walk: Paths to Improving Cities and Nature. She is also an Adjunct Professor with Forestry, at the Institute of Forestry & Conservation, Daniels Faculty, University of Toronto. Dr. Bardekjian is the recipient of several awards including the Society of Municipal Arborists Award of Achievement and the International Society of Arboriculture’s Honourary Membership Award. In her role with Tree Canada, Dr. Bardekjian directs the Research and Engagement unit, and leads the development of various research collaborations and strategic initiatives with diverse partners, including the Canadian Urban Forest Network and national urban forest Conference.

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.

Dara Larfeuil Peressini & Marie-Louise Bédard

Montreal Region

Dara and Marie-Louise work at Soverdi, an NPO that has been implementing urban greening strategies for 30 years to increase the canopy to improve the health and well-being of the population. A horticulturist by trade with a specialization in edible plants, Marie-Louise is a project manager and thrives on developing community-based projects. A forestry engineer by profession and program coordinator within the organization, Dara ensures cohesion between the various actors of the Urban Forest Alliance through various social impact projects. Working as a pair, they combine their knowledge as Community Advisors for the Greater Montreal area.

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.

Bruce M. Carter

Nova Scotia

Bruce has been with Tree Canada for 5 years after 35 years working with the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources. He has worked extensively in operational forestry in the Province, both on crown lands and in private woodlot management. In the past several years, he coordinated education activities in the Western region of Nova Scotia working with various groups and organizations in many projects, employing many tools, including a weekly radio program. As well, Bruce has led special initiatives, including the St. Mary’s River Forestry Wildlife Project which was the precursor to the Model Forest Program across Canada. He has extensive experience volunteering with many organizations in his community. A Registered Professional Forester, Bruce is a past Chair of the N.S. Section of the Canadian Institute of Forestry and is a past winner of the Section member of the year and the John Currie Education award. He resides in Kingston, in the beautiful Annapolis Valley.

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.

Ken Fosty

Manitoba

Ken Fosty is a Certified Manitoba Arborist with over 30 years of professional experience in the forestry field. He has extensive experience in residential tree care, urban forestry and woodlot management. He comes from a farming background and manages his own woodlot in southeast Manitoba. He uses his woodlot as his hands-on laboratory to grow Christmas trees, produce firewood, cultivate trees and shrubs, produce Manitoba maple syrup and grow nutritious organic mushrooms. Ken has been working with Tree Canada since its inception and has been involved in many tree planting initiatives.

Kelvin Kelly

Saskatchewan

Kelvin is a 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.

John Helder

Northern Alberta

John Helder is a horticulturist and graduate of the Niagara Parks Commission School of Horticulture. He is recently retired after working 36 years for the City of Edmonton.

The last 18 years with the City, he held the position of Principal of Horticulture. In this position he led Edmonton’s naturalization program by which over one million native trees and shrubs were planted by volunteers. Many of these volunteers and planting projects were associated with and supported by Tree Canada.

In addition, he was the City representative on the Edmonton Naturescape Partnership Committee, a committee with representation with three school boards and the City, to encourage, facilitate and support the establishment of outdoor classroom planting projects. Through this committee about ten projects are implemented a year.

John has worked to develop and support a wide diversity of environmental partnership projects in partnership with environmental organizations and community groups. Many of these projects are for the ongoing stewardship of designated natural areas within the City of Edmonton.

Edmonton’s Master Naturalist Program, John’s brainchild, was established to train community volunteers to act in an advisory capacity for these numerous greening projects.

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.

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.

Sabrina Fitzgerald

Board member

Sabrina is Managing Partner at Price Waterhouse Cooper LLP, National Capital Region, and is based in Ottawa. She has extensive experience (over 20 years) providing Consulting and Tax Compliance Services to companies of all sizes as well as family owned and operated businesses.

She has assisted clients with continuity, estate and succession planning (including looking at the entire system) and compliance planning in order to support the continued tax health of an organization. She advises private companies in various industries: including real estate, technology, distribution and manufacturing.

As a designated Family Enterprise Advisor (FEA) trained in the science of family enterprise advising she believes that advanced planning is the key to ensuring successful continuity and transition. She works directly with all stakeholders toward a common goal, whether it is within the family, business or ownership components of the organization.

Having meaningful conversations is key to ensuring firm continuity, next generation preparation and establishing the right governance as needed. Sabrina has significant experience working directly with organizations as well as family owned businesses with guiding and facilitating meetings.

Sabrina is married and has two kids (aged 15 & 11). Outside of work likes to travel with her family and go cottaging.

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.

Pierre Bélec

Board Member

Pierre is the General Manager of SOVERDI, a not-for-profit organization coordinating the private component of an extensive tree planting plan in Montreal: 300,000 trees, of which 200,000 are located on private and institutional grounds, in order to obtain a canopy of 25%. The project has about 40 partners. Pierre manages SOVERDI since 2004, following a career in education (teaching and educational television) and in the public service for the City of Montreal and the Government of Quebec (politics and action plans). Before that, Pierre worked on the development of outdoor recreation. He has founded and managed a number of organizations dedicated to hiking trails, outdoors recreational areas and urban nature. Pierre brings to Tree Canada a wealth of experience in his two favorite fields of interest: education and urban nature.

Sandy Smith

Board Member

Dr. Sandy Smith is a Professor in the Faculty of Forestry at the University of Toronto, serving as Dean (2010-2012). She specializes in forest health, specifically using natural controls to address invasive species in urban forests.

Sandy has published over 125 papers, served as a reviewer for numerous refereed journals, NSERC panels, and on scientific panels for managing invasive insects such as the Asian Long-Horned Beetle (ALHB) and Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). Her research focuses on biological control of forest pests including invasive forest insects, earthworms, and plants such as dog-strangling vine and Phragmites. Sandy is a Past President of the Entomological Society of Canada, a Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society, a Strategic Advisor for LEAF (Local Enhancement & Appreciation of Forests) and serves on the Toronto Parks and Trees Foundation Board and the Ontario Invasive Plant Council.

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 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.

Mitchell O’Brien

Program Assistant

Mitchell is a recent graduate from Carleton University with a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Environmental Studies, Geography and Geomatics. He has held various roles within the environmental realm such as a project coordinator position with Georgia Strait Alliance, Data Analyst and Park Ranger with BC Parks and a Lock Operator with Parks Canada. His roles have included work in conservation, resource management, public outreach, education, and Indigenous relations. He has a passion for the natural environment which can be seen throughout his professional background and personal life.

Katherine Forster

Program Manager

Katherine Forster has worked previously for the Friends of Petrie Island as the Native Flora Program Coordinator, running a native species program that included a butternut tree recovery project and a shoreline restoration project. She also developed and managed a greening program that supported the enhancement of local faith community properties with native species of trees, shrubs and plants.

Katherine has a degree in Urban Planning from the University of Waterloo and an Ecosystem Management diploma from Fleming College. Wanting to explore opportunities to increase nature in cities, Katherine is happy to work for an organization that supports urban forestry and urban greening projects!

Katherine has had a longstanding fascination with the ecological connection between flora and fauna, including small blooms and mosses that support a variety of insects. In her spare time, Katherine enjoys growing various plants in her backyard shade garden.

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

Program Manager

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.

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 Seltzer

Lead Program Manager

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.

Hannah Scott

Development Lead

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.

Nathalie Gauthier

Finance and Administration Coordinator

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.

Randall Van Wagner

Head of National Greening Program

Randall Van Wagner has previously worked for the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority as the Manager of Conservation Lands and Service. Creating a full land stewardship department that planted 100,000 trees per year, developed partnerships with ALUS Canada, Ducks Unlimited Canada and created a species at risk program.

Prior to the Conservation Authority , Randall has worked with the Ministry of Natural Resources restoring Tall Grass Prairie’s and as a Forest Consultant in British Columbia.

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

Abdallah Alashi

Accounting Officer

Abdallah graduated from Algonquin College with a major in Business Accounting. He describes himself as a dynamic and results-oriented professional with years of experience in business administration. Abdallah seeks to utilize his strong organizational, interpersonal, communication skills and work ethic while providing excellent support for a progressive organization’s mission. He always tries to find a positive learning environment where his ability is appreciated by peers and colleagues. Abdallah’s greatest strength is communicating and maintaining strong relationships with internal and external customers.

Paul Dickson

Head of 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.