The Women’s Executive Network honours 100 women who are 2010’s top achievers — and leaders — in Canada’s private, public and not-for-profit sectors
WHY WE CARE
Twenty-Two Years Ago, I walked into a boardroom and found myself surrounded by men. This was an eye-opening experience. Today, when I walk into a boardroom, there will be one or two other women. We can’t assume women have achieved equal opportunity in the workplace. If this were the case, there would be more women represented on leadership teams, in the boardroom and in the CEO office. Women continue to struggle with workplace equality, pay equity, and finding like-minded peers. It was this realization that forced me to recognize the need for an organization dedicated to supporting and connecting executive-minded women in the workplace. And so, the Women’s Executive Network (WXN) was born.
While Canadian women have made significant advancements in the workplace since then, gender discrimination is not yet a thing of the past. Women are outnumbering and outperforming men at college and university, yet they are still earning less than their male counterparts and are underrepresented in management positions. In 2007, women with post-secondary education made 63% of what similarly educated men made. A 2010 Canadian study shows that white men are 4.5% more likely to receive promotions at any level of an organization than white women, and 16.1% more likely than minority women with equivalent education and experience. Helping women push past these barriers is the motivation behind WXN’s dedicated networking, mentoring and professional development programs.
WXN helps women and their organizations work toward equality. We also recognize those Canadian women who are at the top of their game -women who are outstanding leaders within their organizations and their communities. This is why WXN created Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Awards.
The Top 100 Awards honour and celebrate 100 exceptional Canadian women who are proven achievers in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. This year marks the eighth anniversary of the Awards, and to date, 521 women across Canada have received this distinction, including 73 women who have been inducted into Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Hall of Fame. The Awards demonstrate the different ways women have harnessed their talents and opportunities to reach new heights in their careers.
The impact Top 100 Winners have on the next generation of women leaders does not begin and end with the recognition of their accomplishments. These women are impacting the lives and careers of others, men and women alike, by sharing their knowledge and offering advice and counsel. To date, 234 Top 100 Winners have acted as mentors in the WXNWisdom II Mentoring Program, helping high-performing women to evaluate their strengths and limitations, enhance their personal brands, and better compete for executive positions. Thanks to their generosity and commitment, 383 women have graduated from this one-year structured program, learning directly from the most powerful women in Canada.
The women recognized by the Top 100 Awards are creating legacies, changing perspectives and altering the face of business. With women like them succeeding in male-dominated industries, heading large corporations and starting their own businesses, the barriers to equality don’t seem insurmountable. With the acknowledgment that organizations thrive when they have women on their leadership teams, more men are joining in and supporting the growth and development of women leaders. Our hope at WXN is that by recognizing and celebrating Canada’s female leaders, we will demonstrate to women in the Canadian workplace that women belong in boardrooms and executive offices across Canada and around the world.
TOP 100 PROFESSIONALS
KPMG PROFESSIONALS AWARD
NATHALIE BERNIER
MONTREAL – ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, KPMG,
Nathalie Bernier joined KPMG in 2003, and held several leadership roles at the accounting firm before being appointed managing partner in 2007. In the past year, Bernier has worked with KPMG’s senior management on developing strategies and redesigning the firm. She chairs KPMG’s management committee in Montreal and is a member of the firm’s national committee responsible for strategic and operational decision-making. Bernier also sits on several boards and committees outside of KPMG, including the Quebec Federation of Chambers of Commerce and the Montreal Women’s Centre.
ANNE DOIG
SASKATOON – PRESIDENT, CANADIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
As president of the CMA, Anne Doig is committed to improving health care access and quality of care. She is also the owner of Saskatoon’s City Centre Family Physicians, where she has been a doctor for 32 years. In addition, she is a clinical associate professor at the University of Saskatchewan, and has won awards for excellence in teaching. Doig is also involved with various medical committees and agencies, including the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency. She is an award-winning swimmer and won government awards for her work with several professional swimming organizations.
MARY-LOU DONNELLY
OTTAWA – PRESIDENT, CANADIAN TEACHERS’ FEDERATION
Mary-Lou Donnelly was an educator for 30 years in the Halifax Regional School Board system and president of the Nova Scotia Teachers’ Union before she was appointed president of the Canadian Teachers’ Federation in 2009. She is a founding member of Nova Scotia’s Coalition Against Workplace Violence, an organization dedicated to protecting workers from emotional and physical violence in the workplace. In 2005, she won the Canadian Progress Club Women of Excellence Award.
MARGARET FRANKLIN
TORONTO – CHAIR OF BOARD OF GOVERNORS, CFA INSTITUTE
As chair of the CFA Institute’s board of governors, Margaret Franklin leads a group of 18 investment professionals from eight countries. She is also the president and chief executive of Kinsale Private Wealth. She has 20 years of private and institutional investment management experience, which includes working at Mercers, Barclays Global Investors and State Street Global Advisors. Franklin switched to working with individuals and families on their portfolios in 2002. She regularly speaks about investing, private wealth and behavioural wealth in the media and at conferences.
LESLIE GALWAY
ST. JOHN’S – CEO, WORKPLACE HEALTH, SAFETY AND COMPENSATION COMMISSION
In 2008, Leslie Galway was appointed chief executive of WHSCC, an employer-backed, no-fault insurance system that serves approximately 12,000 injured workers and more than 17,000 employers in Newfoundland and Labrador. Before taking her current position, Galway was the deputy minister of business for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as vice-chairperson of the Board of Commissioners of Public Utilities. Galway has also worked as an assistant professor in Memorial University’s Faculty of Business.
ANNE-MARIE HUBERT
MONTREAL – MANAGING PARTNER, ADVISORY, ERNST AND YOUNG LLP
Anne-Marie Hubert joined Ernst and Young in 1985 as a senior accountant. She became a partner in 1998, and managing partner of the advisory services practice in 2009. She is recognized for leading the firm’s gender-equity programs in Canada, and received the Ernst and Young Rosemarie Meschi Award for her role in the advancement of women in business. Hubert is a board member of the Chamber of Commerce in Quebec and Leaders Diversite, and sits on the public affairs committees of several chartered accountant organizations.
ROSEMARIE LECLAIR
OTTAWA – PRESIDENT AND CEO, HYDRO OTTAWA GROUP OF COMPANIES
Since 2005, Rosemarie Leclair has increased Hydro Ottawa’s profits and shareholder value, enhanced its community contributions and improved its service. She also created innovative energy conservation programs that are now offered across Ottawa by the Ontario Power Authority, and is an active supporter of community initiatives promoting environmental sustainability. Leclair spent more than 15 years with the City of Ottawa as a senior manager in the Public Works and Services sector, and is known for her skill in handling and negotiating complicated issues in public administration.
HARRIET LEWIS
TORONTO – UNIVERSITY SECRETARY AND GENERAL COUNSEL, YORK UNIVERSITY, TORONTO
Harriet Lewis joined York University as university counsel in 1988. Since then, she has taken on more roles, such as the Secretary of the Board of Governors and the Secretary of Senate. She has been a member of numerous committees, and has served as president of the Canadian Association of University Solicitors. Lewis has supported the SmArt program with the Art Gallery of Ontario, and helped raise funds for student scholarships in creative writing and literature. This year, she received a York University Alumni Association award for her leadership and contributions to the university.
MARIANNE MCKENNA
PARTNER, KUWABARA PAYNE MCKENNA BLUMBERG ARCHITECTS – KPMG PROFESSIONALS AWARD
Marianne McKenna was an associate of renowned American-Canadian architect Barton Myers when Myers moved his practice to California in 1987. His move left McKenna and three other associates to complete projects in Toronto. The four associates decided to make their partnership permanent and formed Kuwabara Payne McKenna Blumberg (KPMB). Today, KPMB is one of Canada’s leading architecture firms.
McKenna, who comes from a medical family, decided to pursue architecture so she could combine her creativity with her passion for advancing causes. “I wanted to create great projects in the community,” she says. She adds that her aim is to work with institutions to transform society and encourage people to get involved in the community. “The buildings are a kind of outreach. People walk by and say, ‘Gosh, what’s that?’ They might think, ‘Maybe I should take lessons, maybe I should be a part of that.'”
McKenna has directed a variety of projects for KPMB, ranging from offices and university buildings to government buildings and performing arts centers. Her past projects include a research centre at McGill University in Montreal, the Torys LLP office in Toronto and the Genome Quebec Innovation Centre. She received international acclaim for the Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Winery, which was a landmark in sustainable design and was selected to represent Canada at the 2002 Green Building Challenge in Norway. Her proudest achievement, she says, has been the transformation of the Royal Conservatory of Music — a project she has worked on for 18 years.
SHANNON MACDONALD
HALIFAX – MANAGING PARTNER, ATLANTIC, DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Shannon MacDonald has more than 20 years of consulting and public accounting experience. She is a member of Deloitte’s national board of directors and several medical industry boards, such as the Women’s College Hospital board in Toronto. MacDonald has devised and provided governance training for major public-sector clients. She also has advised several organizations on accounting requirement changes and the implications of outsourcing, and examined the financial management of the provincial health-care system.
MARY LOU MAHER
TORONTO – CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER, CFO, KPMG LLP
Mary Lou Maher sits on KPMG Canada’s management committee and KPMG’s Americas CFO and technology committees. She is also an executive at the Council for the Institute of Chartered Accountants, and a member of the Mentoring Partnership program, which helps new immigrants find jobs in the Canadian business field. In addition, she participates in the Women’s Executive Network mentoring program, and was named a Trail Blazer for Women CAs by CA magazine in 2005.
KAREN MEADES
OTTAWA – PRESIDENT, OTTAWA HEALTH SERVICES NETWORK
Karen Meades founded the Ottawa Health Services Network and launched a program in Ottawa and Nunavut to provide specialty health care for Canada’s Inuit population. She is also the finance consultant to the Metis National Council Secretariat. Between 1993 and 2006, Meades was chief financial officer of the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. In 2003, she received the Ottawa Business Journal “Forty Under 40 Award” for her professional achievements and her contributions to the industry and community.
DALE PONDER
TORONTO – MANAGING PARTNER AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE, OSLER, HOSKIN AND HARCOURT LLP
Dale Ponder practices business law, specializing in mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance and securities regulation. She has extensive experience with leading major transactions (both public and private), such as mergers, acquisitions and public offerings. She is a special lecturer at the University of Toronto and is a board member of St. Michael’s Hospital. Ponder is recognized for her expertise in the 2010 Best Lawyers in Canada guide and other publications.
DAWN TATTLE
TORONTO – PRESIDENT AND PARTNER, ANCHOR SHORING & CAISSONS LTD.
Dawn Tattle joined Anchor Shoring — a contracting firm specializing in soil retention and engineered foundation solutions — in 1986 as a partner, and became president in 1997. She has written numerous articles and been a conference presenter at several industry events. She is also dedicated to increasing the representation of women in engineering and mentors young women in the field. This year, she received the University of Toronto’s 2T5 Mid-Career Award for her achievements and for earning respect in her profession and the broader community.
LYNN TOMKINS
TORONTO – PRESIDENT, ONTARIO DENTAL ASSOCIATION
In addition to her role as president of the Ontario Dental Association, Lynn Tomkins runs a private practice with her husband in Toronto and teaches at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Dentistry. She has won numerous awards for teaching from institutions such as the Toronto Central Dental Society, the Royal College of Dental Surgeons in Ontario and the University of Toronto. She is an active member of several dental organizations, such as the Ontario Dental Association and the Toronto Central Dental Society.
LISA VOGT
VANCOUVER – PRACTICE GROUP LEADER AND PARTNER, REAL PROPERTY AND PLANNING, MCCARTHY TETRAULT LLP
As well as holding the positions of group leader and partner, Lisa Vogt is the chair of McCarthy Tetrault’s national Diversity Task Force. Vogt is also active with several professional organizations, and has chaired the Vancouver real estate subsection of the Canadian Bar Association. She is currently a member of a project committee that is proposing major reforms for real-estate legislation. This year, the Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund honoured Vogt for being a mentor and leader who has helped women lawyers advance at McCarthy Tetrault and in the legal industry.
RUTH WILSON
KINGSTON, ONT. – PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY MEDICINE, QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY
Ruth Wilson is currently the chair of the Canadian Medical Forum and is a past president of the College of Family Physicians of Canada. As well as teaching, she practices family medicine in Kingston, Ont. Her international experience includes helping establish family medicine clinics in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the mid-1990s, after the conflict stemming from the break-up of Yugoslavia. Wilson has also contributed to several health-care publications, and is the recipient of several awards, including the Canada 125 Medal, which honours Canadians who have made a significant contribution to their community or to Canada.
ANN LEWIS LUPPINO
CEO, CALGARY PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA, CALGARY – SUN LIFE FINANCIAL ARTS & COMMUNICATIONS AWARD
Before working with performing arts institutions, Ann Lewis Luppino was a successful adult educator and consulting professional. As a founder of the Calgary Centre for Non-Profit Management, she was a key player in growing and marketing the centre. But after her first husband died in 1994, Luppino decided to switch careers and pursue her passion. “When something traumatic like that happens, it shakes you up to question what is important in your life,” Luppino says. “While trying to regroup, I started going to Alberta Ballet. Although art had always been important to me, I realized that going to different performances was exhilarating and it gave me energy at a time when I needed it the most.”
Luppino started volunteering at Alberta Ballet in 1995, and over the next several years worked her way up to executive director. Under her guidance, the ballet wrestled its deficit and started turing surpluses. Five years ago, Luppino left Alberta Ballet to become the first female CEO in the 50-year history of the Calgary Philharmonic Opera. Her achievements include growing the symphony’s audience (attendance increased from 50% of house in 2002 to 70% in 2010) and running consistently balanced budgets while improving artistic quality.
Luppino says financing performing arts shows is a challenge, as 60% of revenue comes from grants and fundraising. “You have to be very good at finding the money to support it, and I have done a very good job at that,” says Luppino, who is also currently the chair of Orchestra Canada. Her future plans for the Calgary Philharmonic Opera include enhancing its artistic quality and attracting more young audience members.
ARTS & COMMUNICATIONS
SUN LIFE FINANCIAL ARTS & COMMUNICATIONS AWARDS
MANON GAUTHIER
MONTREAL – EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SEGAL CENTRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Manon Gauthier was appointed executive director of the Segal Centre for Performing Arts — a two-year-old performing arts centre in Quebec that has had quick success — in January, 2010. Her mandate is to grow the business and build on relationships with the artistic community. Before joining the Segal Centre, Gauthier held executive positions at several international communications agencies, where she offered strategic counseling to key arts and culture industry members. She has also worked extensively in the arts and entertainment industry and is a passionate promoter of the arts.
KAREN KAIN
TORONTO – ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, THE NATIONAL BALLET OF CANADA
Karen Kain was a leading classical ballerina before she retired in 1997 and joined the National Ballet of Canada as an artist-in-residence. She won international acclaim for her classical and modern dancing, and worked with major ballet companies in France, Paris and Germany. She is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Governor General’s Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement in 2002. Today, in addition her duties at the National Ballet, she is a passionate spokesperson for the arts and Canadian culture.
TRAILBLAZERS AND TRENDSETTERS
XSTRATA NICKEL TRAILBLAZERS & TRENDSETTERS AWARD
SONIA ANAND
HAMILTON, ONT. – PROFESSOR OF MEDICINE MCMASTER UNIVERSITY
As a professor of medicine and epidemiology at McMaster University, Dr. Sonia Anand helped lead a groundbreaking study that looked at how the interaction of social and biological factors play a role in cardiovascular disease. The study found that the prevalence of the disease changes greatly among citizens of South Asian, Chinese and European decent. After that, Anand began new research into heart disease among Aboriginal communities.
BARBARA BARDE
TORONTO – PRESIDENT, UP FRONT ENTERTAINMENT
Barbara Barde’s work in the television industry is hard to miss. Besides playing a major part in the creation of the Women’s Television Network (now known as W) 15 years ago, the president and owner of Up Front Entertainment has produced more than 600 programs and 30 major series. While Barde has received numerous accolades from the film and television industry, she also helped found the Verity Women’s Club and is working on the Toronto YWCA’s Elm Centre Campaign to help build affordable housing for women in the city.
SALLY J. DAUB
TORONTO – PRESIDENT AND CEO, VIXS SYSTEMS INC.
It only took a few short years for Sally Daub’s technology start-up ViXS Systems Inc. to be doing business with big names such as Sharp, Toshiba and Sony. Considered one of North America’s fastest-growing companies in the semiconductor sector, ViXS, which started in 2001, has recorded a 1,000% increase in revenue under Daub’s leadership. And she is continuing to invest in the company’s future — setting up a mentorship program where employees work with elementary and high school students.
ALLISON L. DENT
LONDON, ENGLAND – CEO, GLOBAL M&A, GMBH
Before Allison Dent finished her Bachelor of Finance degree at McGill University, the Bank of Montreal was already knocking at her door. She joined the bank, but decided to start her own business a few years later, which served as a kind of auction site for students. That company eventually grew to 100 employees and earned Dent a nod as Canada’s Top Young Entrepreneur. Now she is the CEO of Global M&A in London, England, and the youngest partner at GmbH, a firm of corporate finance experts.
MICHELLE DIEMANUELE
MISSISSAUGA, ONT. – PRESIDENT AND CEO, CREDIT VALLEY HOSPITAL
Michelle DiEmanuele left her mark on Ontario as deputy minister, Ministry of Government Services, when she introduced North America’s first “money-back guarantee” for government services. Now the president and CEO of Credit Valley Hospital, a position she’s held for the past two years, she is trying to bring the same innovative change to the Mississauga health-care facility. The hospital recently unveiled plans to improve patient care, including the reinvestment of $1.5 million in core services such as critical care and the emergency departments. DiEmanuele currently sits on the Conference Board of Canada.
DOROTHY ENGELMAN
TORONTO – EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, GET INVOLVED, CO-OWNER AND SENIOR PARTNER, Q MEDIA SOLUTIONS
Dorothy Engelman’s work with various non-profit organizations inspired the creation of a 70-part prime-time series for TVO featuring prominent Canadian activists and entrepreneurs. As co-owner and senior partner at Q Media Solutions, she also helped launched the “Power of the Hour” program, which urges Canadians to donate time to volunteer projects. The campaign began in January 2010 and has so far logged 3.3-million volunteer hours. Engelman’s firm has also worked on marketing campaigns for YMCA Canada, SickKids and Scotiabank.
HEATHER MCGREGOR
CEO, YWCA TORONTO
XSTRATA NICKEL TRAILBLAZERS & TRENDSETTERS AWARD
YWCA Toronto has seen many improvments during Heather McGregor’s 15-year career with the organization. It is more financially stable, has a stronger voice in the community and offers more programs. But the organization’s biggest achievement to date has yet to open its doors. The YWCA Elm Centre is a 300-unit building, opening in the spring of 2011, dedicated to women with low incomes and families of Aboriginal descent. What separates the Elm Centre from other affordable housing is that the residence will provide help to women using a new model of care involving a trauma-informed approach — a therapy technique to help individuals who struggle with mental-health problems or addictions.
“There’s a huge need for affordable housing for women in the city,” says McGregor, who was appointed to her current position in 1995 and has 30 years experience as a leader in the charitable sector. “The waiting list is about 70,000, so 300 may seem like a small amount, but you have to start somewhere. We believe very seriously that this is the answer to homelessness.”
The entire project is estimated to cost $80 million, with the government pitching in $38 million. So McGregor started work on a capital campaign, trying to raise $15 million. Her call to action must have reached important ears, because out of nowhere — $5 million dropped into the YWCA’s lap. It was from an anonymous donor, and is considered the largest contribution ever made to a Canadian social agency.
In addition to her skills as a leader and adminstrator, McGregor is widely admired for the sensitivity and feeling she brings to her job.
PATRICIA GRAHAM
VANCOUVER – EDITOR IN CHIEF, THE VANCOUVER SUN
Patricia Graham practiced law in Toronto for four years before entering the newspaper business as a reporter. She joined the Vancouver Sun in 1991, after working for several papers in various capacities. Appointed editor in chief at the Sun in 2003, she is responsible for overseeing the operational, budgetary, developmental and strategic needs of the newspaper and its website. Graham is also an award-winning column writer and current member of the advisory committee for the journalism school at UBC.
KATHY GREGORY
TORONTO – FOUNDING PRESIDENT AND CEO, PARADIGM QUEST INC.
Before Kathy Gregory founded Paradigm Quest Inc. in 2004, she was responsible for managing the TD Bank’s $100-billion mortgage/home equity line of credit portfolio. Gregory has since taken Paradigm Quest from a financial services start-up to becoming Canada’s leading mortgage outsourcing company. She is also a member of the Canadian Women’s Network and widely recognized as one of Canada’s top female entrepreneurs.
JOSEE KURTZ
HALIFAX – COMMANDING OFFICER, HER MAJESTY’S CANADIAN SHIP, HALIFAX (COMMANDER RANK) DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL DEFENCE CANADIAN FLEET ATLANTIC
In 22 years with the Canadian Naval Forces, Josee Kurtz has travelled around the world. A few years ago, she took part in an anti-piracy escort mission to help bring food to Somalia with the United Nations World Food Programme. The commander of the HMCS Halifax since April 2009, she led a humanitarian and disaster-relief mission to Haiti following the massive earthquake that rocked the nation in January 2010. In the past few months, she has also worked simultaneously as Chief of Staff to the Commander, Canadian Fleet Atlantic.
ALDEA LANDRY
MONCTON, N.B. – PRESIDENT, LANDAL INC.
In addition to operating Landry Inc., a business development consulting firm, New Brunswick lawyer Aldea Landry also serves as vice-president of Diversis, a consulting firm that specializes in immigration and diversity. She has also served in the provincial legislature and was a senior member of former premier Frank McKenna’s cabinet. Landry went into to business for herself in 1993 as the co-founder of a law firm. In 2006, she was chosen by Prime Minister Stephen Harper to sit on an Advisory Committee about the future of public service in Canada.
JANET LONGMORE
OTTAWA – PRESIDENT AND CEO, DIGITAL OPPORTUNITY TRUST
Janet Longmore founded Digital Opportunity Trust in 2002 to help youth leaders in developing nations acquire technological and entrepreneurial skills that will promote economic growth in their communities. DOT has since expanded to 11 countries, including Jordan, Lebanon and Kenya. Longmore also spearheaded a similar initiative in the 1990s when she was CEO of an American agency that helped at-risk youth learn about technology.
ARLENE PONTING
CALGARY – CEO, SCIENCE ALBERTA FOUNDATION
Arlene Ponting is in her 11th year with the Science Alberta Foundation, which promotes scientific literacy, particularly among school-age children. As CEO, she has focused on increasing participation in the foundation’s programs. To date, Science Alberta’s programs have reached 5.7-million people and more than 1.1-million students with its Science-In-A-Crate activity. Ponting also serves on the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.
VIVIAN PROKOP
TORONTO – CEO, THE CANADIAN YOUTH BUSINESS FOUNDATION
Vivian Prokop has overseen rapid growth at the Canadian Youth Business Foundation, an organization that helps young entrepreneurs by providing professional and financial support. The results have been impressive, with start-ups supported by the organization achieving a 93% success rate. Prokop was also the leader of the Canadian delegation to attend the first G8 Young Business Summit and the chair of the first-ever G20 Young Entrepreneur Summit in June 2010.
ROSE REISMAN
TORONTO – PRESIDENT, THE ART OF LIVING WELL
Rose Reisman has enlightened, entertained and uplifted Canadians for over two decades. While best known for her many popular cookbooks, she has also written extensively on topics, which include health and wellness for individuals and families, weight management, chronic disease prevention, childhood obesity, nutrition trends and fitness. Rose practices what she eats! Rose is a remarkably fit woman with four grown children and a very full and rewarding career. Rose embodies a true zeal for her message.
Rose is a sought after speaker on TV and radio, a regular newspaper contributor, an owner of a catering company and a food delivery service, consultant to Canada’s leading food suppliers, restaurant consultant and most recently has opened her first restaurant Glow, incorporating her philosophy. Rose has an engaging personality that has impacted on how Canadians live.
SUSAN GALLACHER
PRESIDENT AND CEO, SCHEDULE 1 DIRECTCASH BANK; CO-FOUNDER, DIRECTCASH INCOME FUND – FRANKLIN TEMPLETON INVESTMENTS/ FIDUCIARY TRUST ENTREPRENEURS
Today she’s the co-founder of publicly traded DirectCash Income Fund and the president and chief executive officer of Schedule 1 Direct-Cash Bank. But Susan Gallacher can remember more humble beginnings. She graduated with a commerce degree from the University of Calgary in 1984 and four years later obtained a law degree from the University of Alberta. She then started DirectCash, which operates automated teller machines (ATMs), prepaid cards and prepaid cellular and long-distance services as a two-person operation. Today, DirectCash stands as the largest ATM company in the country with 6,200 ATMs. It also operate various prepaid and ATM services in the United States, Mexico and Australia, earning more than $96 million in revenue last year.
Gallacher also leads the group that made the successful application to establish DirectCash Bank as one of the country’s chartered banks and says her law degree comes in quite handy in day-to-day business. “It is amazing how much a legal background does help you in running a business” along with her commerce degree, she says. She recently gave a speech to the University of Alberta law school about the application of her law degree in the world of business. Many Canadians have probably sampled Rose Reisman’s cuisine, but perhaps not knowingly. The author of 18 cookbooks is a nutritional consultant for restaurants and food suppliers. She has worked with Metro Inc. Supermarkets on their Fresh-To-Go line, creating her own take-home meals. Reisman is also involved in corporate catering with a list of clients that includes the CBC and the Canadian Opera Company. An adjunct professor at York University’s Faculty of Health, she has also founded a new advisory committee in the Toronto area to promote healthy living.
Gallacher, 48, was a recipient of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2005 in the business-to-business category for the Prairie region. She is a founding member and inaugural president of the Canadian ATM Industry Association and has participated in a number of groups within the Interac Association, including the Interchange Study Group.
JACQUELINE SHAN
EDMONTON – CHIEF SCIENTIFIC OFFICER, AFEXA LIFE SCIENCES
Jacqueline Shan is the co-founder, and now CEO, of Afexa Life Sciences Inc. and helped develop the natural cold and flu remedy COLD-FX. In addition to research on the product, she also played an important role in developing marketing plans that have made COLD-FX a bestselling over-the-counter product. Shan is a strong proponent of developing natural therapeutics, using scientific evidence to support the claims of its products.
LAURIE SIMMONDS
TORONTO – PRESIDENT AND CEO, GREEN LIVING ENTERPRISES
Laurie Simmonds is president and CEO of Green Living Enterprises, an environmental marketing, communications and events firm. She has expanded the organization offerings to include corporate consulting, marketing, custom publishing and online content development. It also produces major environmental events, such as the Green Living Show and the Green Toronto Awards. In addition to her work with Green Living Enterprise, Simmonds sits on the board of the Clean Water Foundation and is co-officer on the board of Key Publishers Co.
CAROL STEPHENSON
LONDON, ONT. – DEAN, RICHARD IVEY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
Carol Stephenson was appointed dean of the Richard Ivey School of Business, at the University of Western Ontario in 2003. Before that, she served as CEO of Lucent Technologies Canada and Stentor Resource Centre Inc. Stephenson’s tenure at Ivey has been marked by a critical rethinking of its curriculum to address the new challenges of a rapidly evolving global business environment. The school now focuses on “Cross Enterprise Leadership,” a holistic approach to business and business education that goes beyond the study of traditional organizational silos. Stephenson is also chair of the Ontario Research Fund Advisory Board and sat on the board of directors for the Vancouver Olympics.
ENTREPRENEURS
FRANKLIN TEMPLETON INVESTMENTS/ FIDUCIARY TRUST ENTREPRENEURS AWARD
EVE-LYNE BIRON
BROSSARD, QUE. – PRESIDENTE ET CHEF DE LA DIRECTION, BIRON GROUPE SANTE INC.
Eve-Lyne Biron heads a privately owned provider of diagnostic services and medical treatments founded in 1952 by her father, Denis Biron. In 2004 Biron created the firm’s Biron-Soins du sommeil division for the treatment of sleep apnea. An MBA graduate, Biron is also a director of the Laurentian Bank of Canada and the Longueuil Symphonic Orchestra, among other community organizations.
ANN KAPLAN
TORONTO – PRESIDENT AND CEO, MEDICARD FINANCE INC.
Ann Kaplan founded Medicard Finance Inc. in 1996 to help clients finance elective surgeries not covered under the public health-care system, such as plastic surgery, orthodontics and infertility treatments. Kaplan, the daughter of a radiologist father and psychologist mother, has an MBA degree and is the former host of Global’s NYtv show about medical procedures and makeovers. She is highly regarded as an entrepreneur and has been the recipient of numerous awards.
LAKSHMI RAJ
CALGARY – CO-CEO, REPLICON INC.
Lakshmi Raj co-founded Replicon Inc. in 1996, and has since played a key role in its growth from a grassroots start-up to a multi-million-dollar global firm specializing in time-sheet and expense management. Although she has been widely recognized for her entrepreneurial acumen, Lakshmi is also known for her efforts to foster a work-life balance for employees. She also encourages them to contribute to the community at large. She supports these efforts through employee recognition, donations and fellowships for their chosen causes, which have included organizations such as the United Way, Habitat for Humanity, the Terry Fox Foundation, Walk for a Cure, World Vision and Easter Seals.
AILEEN REID
DARTMOUTH, N.S. – CEO, A.P. REID INSURANCE STORES LTD.
Aileen Reid founded A.P. Reid Insurance in 1980 after a former employer told her she would likely never become a senior partner because she was a woman. That motivated her to strike out on her and determine her own fate. Today, she is the first woman — and only the eighth person — to become a Canadian Chartered Insurance Broker in Nova Scotia. Her Dartmouth, N.S.-based firm was also one of the first insurance brokerages in the province to offer group policies to organizations, signing up the likes of the Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia, Sobeys and Michelin. Reid’s company now has 14 locations across Atlantic Canada.
MARION WITZ
TORONTO – PRESIDENT, ELIZABETH GRANT INTERNATIONAL INC.
Marion Witz left a successful career as a voice specialist in 1997 to start a luxury skin-care products company out of her Toronto home. Today, Elizabeth Grant International Inc. operates from a 50,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility, employs more than 100 people and has expanded to the U.S., U.K., Germany, Australia and Asia. Born and raised in South Africa, Witz has also authored two books: Elizabeth Grant: My Life-My Story and Stand Up and Talk to 1000 People (And Enjoy It!).
TATIANA FRASER
CO-FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, GIRLS ACTION FOUNDATION – CANADIAN BREAST FOUNDATION CHAMPIONS AWARD
While studying at the University of Ottawa, Tatiana Fraser learned that there was a big education gap when it came to subjects that concerned young girls and women, such as self-esteem, health and violence. That realization prompted Fraser and two of her classmates to start a girls’ day-camp program in Ottawa in 1995. The program led to the creation of the Girls Action Foundation, a national NGO that offers a variety of classes, workshops and conferences.
The programs teach young women about leadership and mentorship, as well as social justice and violence prevention. The foundation currently has more than 200 member organizations and reaches more than 60,000 young girls and women across Canada. Fraser’s goal is to double those numbers in the next few years. She also hopes to see widespread change for girls in Canada, particularly in marginalized communities.
“We want girls to have the support and resources they need to achieve their dreams and potential,” Fraser says. “We would like to see systemic barriers — such as race and social class — removed.” She says she feels a sense of accomplishment when Girls Action is able to support a young women’s program and when she sees girls leading and making an impact on their communities. In 2005, she created the national girls’ Day of Action to celebrate the work of young leaders and raise awareness about girls’ issues. Fraser has also been involved with several organizations that help women, such as the Feminist Alliance for International Action and the UN Commission on the Status of Women.
CHAMPIONS
CANADIAN BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION AWARD
CAROLINE ANDREW
OTTAWA – DIRECTOR OF THE CENTRE OF GOVERNANCE AND PROFESSOR AT THE SCHOOL OF POLITICAL STUDIES, UNIVERSITY OF OTTAWA
Caroline Andrew has been with the University of Ottawa since 1971 and is a nationally recognized expert on feminist studies, urban studies and cultural diversity. In 2007, the Ontario government selected her as the first chair of Echo, a women’s health agency that aims to raise awareness and find solutions for women’s health issues. From 1997 to 2005, Andrew was dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Ottawa.
MARGARET-ANNE ARMOUR
EDMONTON – ASSOCIATE DEAN OF SCIENCE, DIVERSITY, UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA
Margaret-Anne Armour has enjoyed a long career in science research and education. Her areas of expertise include hazardous waste disposal and women in science. She is recognized internationally for advocating women’s advancement in science and engineering roles. Since 1984, she has been a vice-chair and convener of Women in Scholarship, Engineering, Science and Technology. She is also president of the recently launched Canadian Centre for Women in Science, Engineering, Trades and Technology. Armour has won numerous awards for her work, including a Governor General’s Award in 2002.
RHONA LEVINE RUBEN
FREDERICTON – PRESIDENT, RLR AND ASSOCIATES INC.,
Rhona Levine Ruben’s firm, RLR and Associates, is a consultancy that focuses on helping women develop and implement strategic relationships for their businesses. She also spent 15 years working with the Business Development Bank of Canada, where she created the firm’s market strategy for women in business. Ruben is an active member of her community; she has been president of both the Fredericton and New Brunswick chambers of commerce, and is currently on the advisory board for the Women’s Presidents’ Association.
BARBARA ORSER
OTTAWA – DELOITTE PROFESSOR IN THE MANAGEMENT OF GROWTH ENTERPRISES, UNIVERSITY OF OTTAWA, TELFER SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT
Barbara Orser specializes in research about entrepreneurship and women, enterprise growth, internationalization of small businesses and small-business policies. She has received numerous awards for her studies on diversity management and home-based work that have been published in a variety of academic and trade journals. She is also the author of two books on small-business finance, and is a member of several small-business councils. In addition, Orser is founding chair of the Canadian Taskforce for Women’s Enterprise Growth.
PUBLIC SECTOR LEADERS
CISCO PUBLIC SECTOR LEADERS AWARD
KAREN BRANSCOMBE
MONCTON – SUPERINTENDENT, NB SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 2
Karen Branscombe manages the largest school district in New Brunswick, overseeing a $116-million budget, 2,500 staff members and 16,000 students at 38 schools. Branscombe is also a committed volunteer, holding positions on the board of directors of the Horizon Health Network, the Canadian Education Association and the Cabinet of the Peter Gzowski Invitational. Branscombe is a past board member of the United Way and the Moncton Rotary Club.
ANN BULLER
TORONTO – PRESIDENT AND CEO, CENTENNIAL COLLEGE
Ann Buller’s career spans more than 20 years in the college system, where her work has demonstrated her belief that colleges must meet the economic and social inclusion imperatives facing our communities and country. At Centennial College, Buller has initiated several strategic initiatives designed to strengthen and reposition the college within the marketplace. Among them is Centennial’s Signature Learning Experience, which emphasizes inclusive and collaborative learning with the goal of developing students sense of social responsibility. Buller has also served on numerous community boards in Toronto.
JANET DAVIDSON
MISSISSAUGA, ONT. – PRESIDENT AND CEO, TRILLIUM HEALTH CENTRE
Janet Davidson’s reputation in the health-care management industry spans three provinces. Her past work includes senior positions at Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, University of Alberta Hospital and Toronto East Hospital. She has also served the assistant deputy health minister in Alberta. Since 2007, Davidson has been CEO of the Trillium Health Centre, a community hospital serving a population of one million people in communities southwest of Toronto. A long-time Red Cross member, she was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2006 to recognize her lifelong efforts in community medicine.
MARILYN EMERY
TORONTO – PRESIDENT AND CEO, WOMEN’S COLLEGE HOSPITAL
Marilyn Emery is widely recognized as an outstanding executive in the field of health care. During her eight years as president and CEO of Markham Stouffville Hospital, from 1989 to 1997, she oversaw the design and construction of an entire new hospital on time and on budget. During her time at St. Joseph’s Health Centre in Toronto, between 1999 and 2004, she implemented the largest measurable and sustained improvement in patient satisfaction of any hospital in Ontario. Emery has been with Women’s College Hospital since 2007, helping the institution in its goal to become a world leader in its field.
LAURA FORMUSA
PRESIDENT AND CEO, HYDRO ONE INC. – CISCO PUBLIC SECTOR LEADERS AWARD
Trying to keep 1.3 million Ontario hydro customers happy is hard enough, but Laura Formusa’s biggest achievement can be found off the grid. The Hydro One CEO has worked vigorously throughout her career to help women and minorities find equal opportunities in the workplace, and it finally paid off in 2009 when the company was named the No. 1 Corporate Citizen in Canada in an annual ranking by Corporate Knights, a quarterly Canadian magazine covering such issues as corporate social responsibility, sustainability and green business.
Formusa says Hydro One, Ontario’s electricity transmission and distribution company, has always been a leading advocate for diversity. But Formusa wanted to take it one step further. She is most proud of working with the Aboriginal community, because she feels their talent pool is often overlooked. “I feel very strongly that we have to ensure that we capture all these opportunities with the First Nations and Metis,” she says. “I’m proud of the work that we’ve done there and the people we have leading in that area.”
A 30-year veteran of Hydro One, Formusa helped found Women of Energy, which brings together women from Union Gas and Enbridge to create networking opportunities. Within her own company, she also established a formal mentoring program through which young female employees can connect with senior leaders. “It’s hard to reach out and find a mentor and we are seeing a lot of success in the program,” Forus says. “You have those relationships for your entire career. These are so valuable, especially early on.”
MARY JO HADDAD
TORONTO – PRESIDENT AND CEO, HOSPITAL FOR SICK CHILDREN
Mary Jo Haddad has been with Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children for 26 years. She started after graduation as an assistant manager in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Later, she served as executive vice-president and chief operating officer, becoming president and CEO in November 2004. Besides her work at the hospital, Haddad also lectures at the University of Toronto and sits on the board of MaRS, an innovation cluster for science, technology and social entrepreneurship. She was appointed to the Order of Canada in June 2010.
HILARY JAEGER
OTTAWA – BRIGADIER GENERAL, DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL DEFENCE
One of Canada’s two female generals, Brigadier-General Hilary Jaeger is currently NATO’s top doctor in Afghanistan. She has also served in the former Yugoslavia as a senior medical officer during a UN peacekeeping mission in 1992, and has led units during two major Canadian natural disasters — the 1997 Manitoba flood and the 1998 Quebec ice storm. The former surgeon-general for the Canadian Forces, Jaeger is the first woman and first Medical Branch officer to teach at the Canadian Land Forces Command and Staff College in Kingston, Ont..
KAREN KINSLEY
OTTAWA – PRESIDENT AND CEO, CANADA MORTGAGE AND HOUSING CORP.
Karen Kinsley career at the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. spans 23 years. She was appointed president and CEO in 2003. In the past, she has served the national housing agency — Canada’s largest provider of mortgage insurance, housing policy and housing research — as chief financial officer, vice-president of finance and agency treasurer. Kinsley received the Canadian Home Builders’ Association Award of Excellence in 2004 in recognition of her contribution to the industry.
IRENE LEWIS
CALGARY – PRESIDENT AND CEO, SAIT POLYTECHNIC
Irene Lewis became president and CEO at SAIT Polytechnic in 1998 with the goal of making it a premiere centre for education while changing social perceptions of the value of trades and technology education. Since then, she has led a campus transformation, overseeing the restoration of its historic Heritage Hall, the construction of the Heart Building, a new residence tower and an underground parking garage. Lewis is also the driving force behind a new $445-million trades and technology complex that is currently under construction. Under Lewis’s leadership, SAIT has also been recognized as one of Alberta’s best workplaces.
CAIRINE MACDONALD
VICTORIA – DEPUTY MINISTER, MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT, B.C.
As B.C.’s deputy minister of Housing and Social Development, Cairine MacDonald oversees a government department with a budget of $2.6 billion and 2,600 employees, delivering services to clients through a network of 100 regional offices, as well as a network of community-based external service providers and various crown corporations. Prior to joining that department, MacDonald spent three years with B.C.’s Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance. Before joining the B.C. government, MacDonald served as president of Epcor Energy Services Inc. and spent 14 years in telecommunications as president of Telus Advertising Services (Edmonton) Inc.
LAURA NASHMAN
VICTORIA – CEO, B.C. PENSION CORP.
As CEO of B.C. Pension Corp., Laura Nashman administers the organization of pensions for public-sector workers in the province, including teachers, municipal workers and public servants. A service-oriented executive, she is a strong proponent of building vital corporate systems and processes and building strong partnerships with service providers. Before joining the pension corporation, Nashman worked for the region of Peel, Ont., as commissioner of employee and business services. She is also a mentor for young women in her community who are new to the industry.
KATHY OKPIK
IQALUIT – DEPUTY MINISTER OF EDUCATION, GOVERNMENT OF NUNAVUT
As deputy minister of Education in Nunavut, Kathy Okpik is responsible for ensuring the curriculum meets expected standards, from kindergarten to post-secondary education and mature learning. Her 10 years of experience as a public-school teacher in the Qikiqtaaluk region and her work in developing teaching material in Inuktitut gives her special insight into the job. Before joining Nunavut’s eduction department, Okpik also worked as deputy minister in the territorial government’s Department of Human Resources, where she was responsible for employee development and staffing for the government, with an emphasis on Inuit employment.
CATHERINE RIGGALL
TORONTO – VICE-PRESIDENT BUSINESS AFFAIRS, UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO
Catherine Riggall joined the University of Toronto’s Facilities and Services department in 2002, following an extensive career in the private sector. During that time, she held several executive positions, including tenures as vice-president and general manager at Moor North America’s Financial Services group. She also held executive positions with Canada Trust and CIBC. In her current role, Riggall is responsible for the overall financial management of the university, as well as real estate and construction, facilities operations, services and ancillary services. She is also involved with YWCA, having served on its Toronto and national boards.
ANNE SADO
TORONTO – PRESIDENT, GEORGE BROWN COLLEGE
Anne Sado was named president of George Brown College in 2004. In this role, she is responsible for driving the careers-focused college’s overall direction. Among her achievements are helping lead the construction of the school’s new campus on Toronto’s waterfront. Prior to joining George Brown, Sado spent 25 years at Bell Canada, holding positions in engineering, field operations, customer service, business development and planning. She has also received various awards for her community-service work.
GAIL STEPHENS
VICTORIA – CITY MANAGER, CITY OF VICTORIA
As the most senior manager at the City of Victoria, Gail Stephens is responsible for implementing council policies and overall leadership of the city administration. Appointed in 2009, she brings deep experience to the position, have served as the chief administrator for the City of Winnipeg, vice-president of finance and services at the University of Calgary and CEO of B.C. Pension Corp. She also holds the distinction of being the first woman to run a major Canadian city.
VIANNE TIMMONS
REGINA – PRESIDENT AND VICE CHANCELLOR, UNIVERSITY OF REGINA
Vianne Timmons life and career spans Canada. She grew up in Newfoundland and Labrador and spent her early teaching career working in Alberta and British Columbia. She moved back to Atlantic Canada in 1992 as chair of St. Francis Xavier University’s education department. She moved to the University of Prince Edward Island, becoming vice-president of academic development in 2001. Timmons joined the University of Regina in 2008. In addition to her leadership duties, she is active in research, focusing on literacy, learning and inclusive education. She has edited or authored nine books, contributed chapters to many more and published more than 40 peer-reviewed articles.
BEV VAN RUYVEN
VANCOUVER – DEPUTY CEO AND EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT, BC HYDRO
Bev Van Ruyven joined B.C. Hydro in 1997 as manager, key accounts, rising through the positions of vice-president, Power Smart, and senior vice-president, distribution, before landing her current position. As deputy CEO and executive vice-president, Van Ruyven is responsible for, among other duties, aboriginal relations, customer care and conservation, integrated resource planning, the smart-metering and infrastructure project, human resources and safety, and health and environment.
CAROL WILDING
TORONTO – PRESIDENT AND CEO, TORONTO BOARD OF TRADE
Since her appointment as president and CEO in 2007, Carol Wilding has overseen a variety of dramatic changes at the Toronto Board of Trade. The organization has a new visual identity, its Downtown Centre facility has been revitalized and it has introduced a new membership structure to deliver greater value and connectivity among the organization’s members. The board has also sharpened its approach to policy, with a focus on promoting economic development, ensuring sustainable infrastructure and strengthening municipal governance. In addition to her role with the Board of Trade, Carol serves as a director on the boards of the Royal Ontario Museum and the Toronto City Summit Alliance and as a member of the advisory board for the Mowat Centre for Policy Innovation.
FUTURE LEADERS
TELUS FUTURE LEADERS AWARD
CLAUDINE LABELLE
ST-ADELE, QUE. – PRESIDENT AND FOUNDER, FITSPIRIT
Claudine Labelle founded FitSpirit, a training and nutrition program for girls, in 2006 after she was hit by a car and could no longer pursue her dream of becoming a professional road cyclist. Since then, she has secured more than $300,000 in funding, and more than 42,000 girls in Quebec and Ontario have participated in the FitSpirit program. Labelle also encourages female athletes to become leaders, recruiting them to make presentations for FitSpirit. Labelle was named the YWCA 2010 Young Woman of Distinction.
ANNA MURRAY
TORONTO – SENIOR ADVISOR, CORPORATE AFFAIRS, XSTRATA NICKEL
Anna Murray’s areas of expertise include community relations, human rights, and international communications and issues management. Prior to her current position as senior advisor, corporate affairs, at Xstrata Nickel, Murray worked for the United Nations Global Compact, a policy platform for companies committed to corporate social responsibility. There, she provided strategic advice on labour programs and human rights. She also worked for HSBC in China, where she developed a globalization program to help Chinese employees work at optimal levels in a global business environment.
GWENNAELLE MADIBA
STUDENT ACTIVIST AND HUMANITARIAN, UNIVERSITY OF OTTAWA – TELUS FUTURE LEADERS AWARD
Gwennaelle Madiba has been helping others since she was seven years old, whether it was assisting people in her neighbourhood or volunteering to help those less fortunate. “Our mom always taught us to be in the service of others and I’ve always tried my best to do that,” says Madiba, who is currently pursuing her master’s degree in sociology at the University of Ottawa. “The joy that helping others brings me is incredible. I also do it so I can learn.”
Madiba started organizing her own humanitarian projects in 2007, a year after her father died. Since then, she has co-founded I Act, an initiative that encourages dialogue between youth in Ottawa; acted as an ambassador for Vision Gram International, a non-government organization that protects women and children in the Congo from marginalization; and organized the first Black History Month Gala at the University of Ottawa, for which she secured Governor General Michaelle Jean and several members of Parliament as special guests.
Her proudest achievements, however, include launching La Caravane de l’Esprance in Senegal (a project to help women with health and social justice issues), and organizing a campaign called “A Month of Hope” that raised money to send Haitian children affected by the 2010 earthquake to school.
In addition to pursuing humanitarian work and a master’s degree, Madiba was also involved with modelling until recently. Her future goals involve working with the United Nations and hosting her own TV show where she can share people’s stories.
MICHELLE REMPEL
CALGARY – DIRECTOR, INSTITUTIONAL PROGRAMS DIVISION, UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY
Michelle Rempel joined the University of Calgary in 2007, and has since increased sponsored research funding revenues for various programs from $7 million to more than $100 million. Her previous experience includes implementing commercialization strategies for emerging technologies and consulting at a management-consulting firm. Rempel has also raised funds, planned large-scale events and held senior volunteer roles for charitable organizations such as the Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada. She is also a winner of the Conservative Party of Canada’s Maple Leaf Award for her outstanding political work.
CORPORATE EXECUTIVES
SCOTIABANK CORPORATE EXECUTIVES AWARDS
MARIE-CLAUDE BOISVERT
MONTREAL – CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, DESJARDINS VENTURE CAPITAL
A business veteran with 25 years of experience in financing, Marie-Claude Boisvert was promoted last year to the role of chief operating officer of Desjardins Venture Capital and vice-president, development capital and business ownership transfers at Desjardins Group. She oversees the management of nine funds, including the $1-billion Capital regional et cooperatif Desjardins fund. Boisvert has held a number of executive positions at Desjardins since joining the company in 1994, including senior vice-president, investment and operations. A chartered accountant by training, she also holds directorships at the College des administrateurs de societes, UQAM and TV5.
BRENDA BROWN
TORONTO – SENIOR VICE-PRESIDENT, HUMAN RESOURCES, COMPASS GROUP CANADA AND ESS NORTH AMERICA
Brenda Brown, the senior vice-president of human resources at food-service and support-services giant Compass Group Canada, oversees a team of 75 people responsible for all people-related activities for the company’s 25,000 associates in Canada, Alaska and the Gulf of Mexico. Her responsibilities include industrial relations, training, compensation and benefits, employee relations, recruiting, diversity and environmental initiatives. Brown’s accomplishments include Compass being ranked a Top 100 Employer for three consecutive years, decreased turnover rates and enhanced workplace diversity. In 2010, Brown received the Human Resources Professionals Association’s Toronto Star 2010 HR Professional of the Year award.
LESLEY CONWAY
CALGARY – PRESIDENT, HOPEWELL RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITIES INC.
The president of Hopewell Residential Communities Inc. since 2000, Lesley Conway’s leadership has been on display lately as the company has been recognized as developer of the year for five straight years by the Calgary Region Home Builders Association. Last year, subsidiary Hopewell Management Corp. went international to oversee three Russian developments. A Haskayne School of Business MBA holder, Conway is also vice-chair at WinSport Canada and a director at the Bethany Care Foundation and the Safe Haven Foundation. In 2005 she was one of Global Calgary & YWCA’s Women of Vision. In 2004 she was a Haskayne MAX Award winner.
KRISTINE DELKUS
CALGARY – DEPUTY GENERAL COUNSEL, PIPELINES AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS, TRANSCANADA CORP.
Kristine Delkus, TransCanada Corp.’s deputy general counsel of pipelines and regulatory affairs, leads a team of more than 100 lawyers and other professionals in Canada and the United States responsible for regulatory and commercial matters for the Calgary-based company’s pipeline businesses. Before joining Trans-Canada in 1995, she was a senior associate at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius in Washington, D.C. She is also past-president and chair of Canadian Lymphedema Foundation and has served on the board of Junior Achievement for Southern Alberta.
NORA DUKE
ST. JOHN’S – PRESIDENT AND CEO, FORTIS PROPERTIES CORP.
Nora Duke, president and CEO of Fortis Properties, heads a huge enterprise of commercial real estate, hotels and non-regulated hydroelectric generation. The company has more than 2,300 employees across Canada. A 20-year veteran at Fortis, Duke was vice-president of its hospitality division before taking her current position. She is also chair of Memorial University’s Genesis Centre Selection Board and a director on the boards of the Brother T.I. Murphy Centre, Newfoundland Power and the Health Care Foundation in St. John’s.
DEBRA HEWSON
VANCOUVER – PRESIDENT AND CEO, ODLUM BROWN LTD.
As president and CEO of Vancouverbased investment company Odlum Brown Ltd., Debra Hewson is responsible for the firm’s operations, compliance, trading, research units and retail team of advisors and portfolio managers. She has also served as chair of the Pacific District Council of the Investment Dealers Association, and is a former director of the Mutual Fund Dealers Association and the Investment Dealers Association. Nominated for the YWCA Vancouver Woman of Distinction Awards in 2005 and 2010, Hewson was a finalist for the Association of Women in Finance PEAK Awards in 2003 and 2009. Her directorships include the United Way of the Lower Mainland, MusicFest Vancouver, the Arts Club Theatre Company and the Collingwood School.
ZABEEN HIRJI
TORONTO – CHIEF HR OFFICER, ROYAL BANK OF CANADA
As chief human resources officer at the Royal Bank of Canada, Zabeen Hirji has global responsibility for human resources functions and strategies and, as a member of RBC’s executive team, is one of 10 executives responsible for the overall strategic direction of the bank. With RBC since 1977, Hirji has held roles in retail banking, operations and credit cards. She is also co-chair of the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council, vice-chair of the Women’s College Hospital Foundation’s capital campaign and a member of the DiverseCity Steering Committee.
JACQUELYN CYR
CEO, ESPRESSO
SCOTIABANK CORPORATE EXECUTIVE AWARD
Serial Entrepreneur Jacquelyn Cyr today spends most of her waking hours thinking about how best to spread brand information across various media as CEO of Toronto-based marketing agency Espresso. But the Rotman School of Management MBA, who also holds a BSc in Economics from Dalhousie University, has worn many hats before reaching her current position. She started her first business, a record company called Stardust Music, at age 19, and sold it at 20. After her foray into the music business, she started a magazine called Velocity. Her third enterprise was an online publication followed by a strategic consulting company.
Now 33, she’s settled somewhat and expects to be at the helm of Espresso longer than she was at any of her prior companies. But that’s not to say she’s slowed down. “The scope on this one is much larger than any of the earlier businesses,” Cyr says. “Over the last two and a half years, we have gone from six people to 33 people with lots of new clients.”
Raised in Cape Breton and a resident of Halifax between 1997 and 2004, Cyr has also made her mark on the Maritimes. She was a finalist in Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s Innovators of the Year in 2000 and is a former Canadian College and University Entrepreneur of the Year. Cyr was also featured on the cover of Progress magazine’s “Icons and Innovators” issue. She was named one of Women’s Post’s Top 20 Business Women in Canada in 2009 and has won numerous industry awards. A Financial Post columnist, she also acts as a mentor with the Canadian Youth Business Foundation, is a United Way volunteer and conducts pro bono work for the White Ribbon Campaign, among other organizations.
AUDREY HO
VANCOUVER – SENIOR VICE-PRESIDENT, GENERAL COUNSEL AND CORPORATE SECRETARY, TELUS CORP.
Audrey Ho, senior vice-president and chief general counsel of Telus Corp., has been with the Vancouver telecommunication company since 1998. Before that, she was a partner at the Vancouver law firm of Bull, Housser & Tupper. She also took a two-year sabbatical to work for the largest administrative tribunal in Canada, and acted as the assistant deputy chair (western region) for the Appeal Division of the Immigration & Refugee Board. She was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women by the Women’s Executive Network in 2007 and 2009.
SUE HUTCHISON
VANCOUVER – SENIOR VICE-PRESIDENT, HEAD OF COMMERCIAL BANKING, B.C. REGION, HSBC BANK CANADA
Sue Hutchison, senior vice-president and head of commercial banking in British Columbia for HSBC, joined the bank in 2005. Before that she spent 14 years with Bank of America in Toronto and Vancouver in treasury and cash management. The York University MBA graduate is a director of the Canadian Payments Association, national chair of the HSBC Women’s Network, a mentor with the Forum for Women Entrepreneurs and a former director with the Disabled Skiing Association of B.C.
LYNN JEANNIOT
MONTREAL – SENIOR VICE-PRESIDENT, HUMAN RESOURCES AND CORPORATE AFFAIRS, NATIONAL BANK FINANCIAL GROUP
Lynn Jeanniot, senior vice-president of human resources and corporate affairs for National Bank Financial Group, is responsible for developing HR strategies and practices for the financial firm as well as public and legal affairs, the corporate secretary’s office and the bank ombudsman. She joined National Bank Financial in 2002 as vice-president of marketing and public affairs, bringing more than 25 years of financial-services management experience. The former executive director of the Institute of Canadian Bankers and vice-president of the Canadian Bankers Association, Jeanniot is currently a director of the Fondation UQAM and a governor of the Fondation Marie-Vincent.
DEBRA KELLY-ENNIS
TORONTO – PRESIDENT AND CEO, DIAGEO CANADA INC.
Debra Kelly-Ennis, president and CEO of Diageo Canada, has responsibility for one of the largest markets of Diageo plc, a globe-spanning spirits, wine and beer company. Her 220-person company was named one of the “Best Places to Work in Canada” in both 2009 and 2010. She was previously chief marketing officer of Diageo North America. Before that, she was president and chief operating officer of General Motors subsidiary Saab USA. She has also held marketing, sales and general management positions with RJR/ Nabisco and Grand Metropolitan plc.
LINDA KUGA PIKULIN
MISSISSAUGA, ONT. – PRESIDENT, PEPSICO BEVERAGES CANADA
Linda Kuga Pikulin, president of PepsiCo Beverages Canada, has responsibility for PepsiCo Canada’s bottling organization and its portfolio of brands, including Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, 7UP, Aquafina, Lipton, Tropicana and Gatorade. Before her recent promotion, she had been president of Pepsi Bottling Group (PBG) Canada since 1998 and was the highest-ranking female operating executive in that organization. With Pepsi since 1982, Pikulin has held senior roles in both the U.S. and Canada. She was the 2007 chair for the United Way Campaign of Peel Region.
CHRISTINE MAGEE
TORONTO – PRESIDENT, SLEEP COUNTRY CANADA
As president and co-founder of Sleep Country Canada, Christine Magee heads the largest retailer of mattresses in Canada with more 220 stores in 16 regional markets and a heavy involvement in charitable causes across the country. A mentor with the Ivey School of Business and the Women’s Executive Network, Magee is an honorary chairperson for the Hamilton YWCA, a director of the Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation, a member of the Women’s President Organization and on the advisory council for the Ivey School of Business.
ISABELLE MARCOUX
MONTREAL – VICE-PRESIDENT, CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT, VICE-CHAIR, BOARD OF DIRECTORS, TRANSCONTINENTAL INC.
Isabelle Marcoux, vice-president of corporate development at Transcontinental Inc., handles mergers and acquisitions for the printing, media and marketing company. Company vice-chair since 2007 and a lawyer by training, she was Transcontinental’s director, mergers and acquisitions, as well as director, legal affairs and assistant corporate secretary, between 1997 and 2004. Before joining the Montreal-based company, she was a lawyer at McCarthy Tetrault LLP. Marcoux is also a director of George Weston Ltd., Rogers Communications Inc., Power Corporation of Canada and the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal.
ANNE MARTIN
MISSISSAUGA, ONT. – PRESIDENT, UNITED VAN LINES LTD. (CANADA)
The president of United Van Lines (Canada) Ltd. for the past 11 years, Anne Martin heads the only Canadian-owned van line in the country. Her accomplishments include launching Mayflower Canada in 2003 and having United Canada named one of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies. Past-president and chair of the Canadian Employee Relocation Council, Martin was also the president of the Rotary Club of Mississauga City Centre and the first female district governor representative in District 7080.
LORRAINE MITCHELMORE
CALGARY – PRESIDENT AND COUNTRY CHAIR, SHELL CANADA LTD.
Lorraine Mitchelmore, president of Shell Canada Ltd. and Canada country chair, began her career as a geophysicist with Petro-Canada and Chevron in Calgary. Her career took an international turn in 1990 when she joined BHP Petroleum in Australia, and later England, in functions including exploration, strategy and planning and business development. The holder of two geophysics degrees and an MBA, Mitchelmore joined Shell Canada as an exploration and development manager in 2002. She is a director of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers and a member of the Catalyst Canada board of advisors.
LOREEN PAANANEN
TORONTO – EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT, RETAIL DEVELOPMENT, SHOPPERS DRUG MART
Loreen Paananen, executive vice-president of retail development for Shoppers Drug Mart, oversees the national real estate strategy for the pharmacy retailer and is responsible for design, construction, and lease administration of its portfolio of 1,200 stores. A 20-year veteran of the Toronto-based company, and a Simon Fraser MBA graduate, Paananen started her career as a pharmacist. She is a director of the North York Senior’s Center and the Rouge Valley Health System.
SUSAN PAISH
VANCOUVER – CEO, PHARMASAVE DRUGS (NATIONAL) LTD.
As CEO of Pharmasave Drugs (National) Ltd., Susan Paish heads a Langley, B.C.-based company that includes more than 400 community retail pharmacies coast to coast. Formerly managing partner of law firm Russell & DuMoulin (later Fasken Martineau DuMoullin), she grew the practice from a single Vancouver office to an international entity with nine offices on three continents. A director of a number of public and private companies, Paish is also past chair of the Vancouver Board of Trade.
BEV PARK
VANCOUVER – PRESIDENT AND COO, COUVERDON REAL ESTATE, A DIVISION OF TIMBERWEST FOREST GROUP
Bev Park is president and chief operating officer of Couverdon Real Estate, a division of TimberWest Forest Group. A chartered accountant with an MBA from Simon Fraser University, she was chief financial officer at Vancouver-based TimberWest for 10 years before assuming her current position. Earlier in her career, she was an executive at B.C. Hydro. She has also served as a director with the B.C. Transmission Corp., the Vancouver Opera and the Vancouver YWCA.
KERRY PEACOCK
TORONTO – EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT, BRANCH BANKING, TD CANADA TRUST
Kerry Peacock, executive vice-president of branch banking at TD Canada Trust, started her career almost 30 years ago as a loans clerk. In her current role, she oversees TD Canada Trust’s 1,100-plus branches. A Rotman School of Business peer mentor, she was named one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women Executives in 2009 and is a Women’s Executive Network mentor. She is a director on a number of business and not-for-profit boards including nine years with the First Nations Bank, the first federally chartered bank with aboriginal ownership in Canada.
TRACY REDIES
VANCOUVER. – PRESIDENT AND CEO, COAST CAPITAL SAVINGS CREDIT UNION
Tracy Redies was appointed president and CEO of Coast Capital Savings Credit Union last year after more than two decades in the international financial services industry. She worked in British Columbia and internationally with HSBC in a variety of roles, including president and CEO of HSBC.comand executive vice-president, personal financial services and wealth management. Fluent in Japanese, Redies has an MSc in Business Administration in International Trade and Finance from the University of British Columbia. She is a director of the Vancouver Board of Trade, the C.D. Howe Institute and the Canadian foundation C.H.I.L.D.
LAUNI SKINNER
SURREY, B. C – CEO, FIRST WEST CREDIT UNION
Named chief executive officer of First West Credit Union this past April, Launi Skinner brings more than 20 years worth of top-flight business experience from both sides of the border. She spent 15 years with Starbucks, rising from a B.C. district manager to president of Starbucks U.S. She also served as president and CEO of 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, where she grew the franchise company’s brand in North America and Australia. In 2007, she was included as one of “Four Women to Watch” in Fortune Magazine’s 50 Most Powerful Women feature.
JENNIFER TORY
TORONTO – REGIONAL PRESIDENT, GREATER TORONTO REGION, ROYAL BANK CANADA
As regional president for RBC Royal Bank’s Greater Toronto region, Jennifer Tory leads a team of 4,000 employees providing financial advice and services to personal, small-business and commercial clients. She has been with the bank since 1978 and has held senior leadership and executive sales management positions in personal, business and commercial banking. Recently chair of the Sunnybrook Hospital Foundation, she is now chair of Sunnybrook’s Capital Campaign. She is also a director of the Toronto International Film Festival and the Toronto Board of Trade.
MARY ANN TURCKE
TORONTO – EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT, FIELD SERVICES, BELL CANADA
Mary Ann Turcke leads Bell Canada’s field services group as executive vice-president. Previously, she was vice-president, customer experience and operations for small medium business. A Queen’s University civil engineering grad, Turcke began her career designing and building roads and bridges for the Ministry of Transportation in Ontario. With a master’s in Engineering and an MBA, she has worked with A.T. Kearney Management Consultants and Internet Pictures Corp., as its vice-president of operations and general manager of Canada. Turcke was named to Canada’s Most Powerful Women Top 100 list last year.
TAMARA VROOMAN
VANCOUVER – PRESIDENT AND CEO, VANCITY
Tamara Vrooman brings a strong public-service background to her role as chief executive officer of Vancity, Canada’s largest credit union. Before moving to Vancity, she was deputy minister of finance for British Columbia from 2004 to 2007 and also served as secretary to the Treasury Board and CEO of the Public Sector Employers’ Council. Before that, she was deputy minister and executive financial officer for B.C.’s Ministry of Health. She has a master’s degree in history and serves as a director for numerous companies and groups.
BENITA WARMBOLD
TORONTO – SENIOR VICE-PRESIDENT AND COO, CPP INVESTMENT BOARD
As senior vice-president and chief operations officer of the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, Benita Warmbold is responsible for the treasury, investment risk, operations, investment finance and technology functions. The Investment Board invests the funds not needed by the Canada Pension Plan to pay current benefits. Previously, Warmbold was managing director and chief financial officer of institutional fund manager Northwater Capital Management Inc. She is a director for the Canada Development Investment Corp. and the Alzheimer Society of Toronto, and a member of the Queen’s School of Business Advisory Board.
MIA PEARSON
TORONTO – PRESIDENT AND SENIOR PARTNER, FLEISHMAN-HILLARD CANADA INC.
Mia Pearson, president of communications firm Fleishman-Hillard Canada and its sister companies, High Road Communications and iStudio, has more than two decades of industry experience. She co-founded High Road Communications in 1996 and sold it to Fleishman-Hillard in 2000 and became president of the Canada region in 2008. She is currently a director of the Canadian Advanced Technology Association (CATA) and is the global co-chair of her firm’s global tech practice. An active participant in the Rotman School of Business Judy Project, she speaks regularly on the topic of advancing women in business.
ELAINE WONG
VANCOUVER – EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT, STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT, WESTPORT INNOVATIONS INC.
Elaine Wong was chief financial officer for seven years at Westport Innovations Inc., a Vancouver-based environmental technologies company, before being promoted to executive vice-president of strategic development this year. A chartered accountant and certified public accountant, Wong was previously the director of corporate performance at Telus Enterprise Solutions, an information technology company with offices across Canada and Asia. She is a director and treasurer of the David Suzuki Foundation and has served as a director of the Canadian Business for Social Responsibility.