nametitlecompanybiopic
Bailey ChurchPartner, Accounting Advisory Services & Leader, Public Sector ESG and Climate Reporting Centre of ExpertiseKPMG in CanadaBailey Church leads the National Public Sector Accounting Advisory service line and is the Leader of the Public Sector ESG and Climate Reporting Centre of Expertise at KPMG. Bailey is a member of the Auditing and Assurance Standards Board’s Sustainability Assurance Committee. Bailey is also the Leader of KPMG’s Global International Public Sector Accounting Standards working group.

He has an extensive background serving the Government of Canada, provincial governments, crown corporations, municipalities, and not-for-profit organizations. Bailey has worked extensively with all levels of government on environmental and climate reporting matters. Bailey has worked with more than 200 municipalities on the implementation of asset retirement obligations and is advising municipalities across Canada on their roadmaps for ESG and natural assets reporting.

Bailey is currently advising various Crown corporations on their implementation of TCFD requirements. Bailey has advised the Government of Canada on some of its largest environmental liabilities, including Atomic Energy of Canada Limited’s decommissioning obligation, and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada’s contaminated sites liabilities.
BaileyChurch.jpg
Ruchi Parkash DirectorMunicipal Finance Policy Branch at the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH)Ruchi Parkash is the Director, Municipal Finance Policy Branch at the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. This branch is responsible for the legislative, regulatory and policy framework for finances in Ontario’s municipalities.

She has over 17 years of public service experience, including holding other management roles at Treasury Board Secretariat and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. She has undergraduate degrees in Economics and Commerce from Queen’s University and a Master’s degree in Management (Finance) also from Queen’s University. She also holds the designations of Chartered Financial Analyst and Certified Internal Auditor.
RuchiParkash.jpg
Rebecca ClothierCAO/TreasurerTownship of Perth SouthRebecca Clothier is the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer and Treasurer for the Township of Perth South. In this role, Rebecca has responsibilities in many municipal departments, including all financial-related functions such as preparing annual budgets, financial reporting, property taxation, and asset management activities.

Rebecca holds a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CGA) designation and is aCertified Municipal Officer. Rebecca obtained her Certified Municipal Revenue Professional (CMRP) designation in 2018. Rebecca has worked with TD Canada Trust, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and, has spent22 years in the municipal finance sector beginning with 9 years at the City of London and 13 years at the Township of Perth South.
RebeccaClothier.jpg
Gary ScandlanManaging PartnerWatson & Associates Economists Ltd.Gary Scandlan, Managing Partner with Watson & Associates Economists Ltd., one of Canada’s leading economic consulting firms. Established in 1982, they offer a comprehensive range of fiscal planning and policy services to clients in government and the private sector throughout Ontario and other provinces of Canada. Gary has over 40 years of experience with Development Charges and the former Lot Levies and has prepared in excess 400 DC studies, has negotiated numerous agreements with developing landowners on behalf of municipalities and has been before the OMB/OLT on DC matters on numerous occasions.gary.jpg
Daryl AbbsManagerWatson & Associates Economists Ltd.Daryl is a Manager with Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. Watson is one of Canada’s leading economic consulting firms, serving over 250 municipal clients and utility commissions and 47 school boards throughout Canada, predominantly in Ontario.

Daryl has worked at Watson for over 8 years and has worked directly with Gary Scandlan in conducting various financial studies and modeling exercises for municipalities across Canada on various areas of municipal finance. Daryl has contributed to over 50 Development Charge studies as well as numerous water and wastewater rate studies and financial impact analyses.

Daryl holds a B.A. (Honours) degree in Economics from McMaster University, a Master of Business Economics degree from Brock University, and is a Professional Land Economist.
DarylAbbs.jpg
Trevor PopeDirectorDeloitte LLPTrevor has over 35 years of experience in indirect tax, including over 5 years with UK Customs and Excise. Trevor is highly experienced in indirect tax needs assessments for the public sector, including strategic indirect tax planning and the resultant systems/process execution.

As the public sector lead consultant, Trevor helps organizations ensure that they are allocating the right amount of tax to their activities for capturing their ITCs and rebates; Trevor employs clarity, innovation, and conservatism in his recommendations.

Indeed, Trevor ensures public sector clients are basing their indirect tax positions on established Canada Revenue Agency positions, and he leverages leading-edge analytic-based engines and methodologies in his approach.
TrevorPope.jpg
Michael Matthews PartnerDeloitte LLPMichael has 33 years of experience in indirect tax, including the past 25 with Deloitte. Michael provides Partner quality assurance approval and ensures service levels are adhered to. He also offers guidance and direction to the public sector team, so as to ensure optimal client value.

Michael worked for over 7 years with the Canada Revenue Agency as a Senior Rulings officer and as a Manager at GST Rulings and Interpretations Directorate. Michael leverages that CRA experience and relationships in his consulting advice and recommendations.

As one of Canada’s pre-eminent authorities on public sector indirect tax, Michael finds creative and innovative ways for organizations to do more with fewer resources, implement indirect tax solutions, and increase efficiency.
MichaelMatthews.png
Erin AmiraultAssociate Director, Finance Operations and Systems, Corporate ServicesRegional Municipality of NiagaraErin Amirault joined Niagara Region as Associate Director, Finance Operations and Systems in 2017. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Saint Mary’s University and a Master of Business Administration from Brock University. Erin followed a non-traditional route to municipal finance through progressively more senior finance and accounting roles across several diverse industries. Her portfolio at the Region includes ERP Support and Accounting Services, which involves overseeing all things HST (remittances, rulings, audits, reviews – if there’s a CRA hoop to jump, she’s jumped it!).ErinAmirault.jpg
Andrew MirabellaSenior ConsultantHemsonAndrew Mirabella is a Senior Consultant with over ten years of professional experience at Hemson. Andrew has a comprehensive understanding of municipal user fees, asset management and development charge policy and implementation. Mr. Mirabella also has experience in other fields, including: water and sewer rate setting exercises, financial impact assessment, development planning, and growth management. Andrew is a member of both the Association of Ontario Land Economists and Lambda Alpha International (LAI). 
Nik BadmintonFuturist, ResearcherKeynote Speaker and Media ProducerNikolas is a global futurist that mentors top executives and the highest levels of government to explore desirable futures, anticipate unforeseen risks, and strengthen strategic planning.

He has spent 30+ years working with leadership at over 300 leading organizations at the frontline of foresight, strategy and disruption – including NASA, United Nations, Google, Microsoft, Intel, WM, United Way, Bayer, American Express, Bank of Canada, Rolls Royce, Procter & Gamble, IDEO, US Department of State, UK Home Office and many more.

Nikolas’ #1 best selling book ‘Facing Our Futures’ – released internationally on Bloomsbury Business – helps executives ignite curiosity and embrace futures thinking. The result is future preparedness, better strategic planning, more profit and 2x growth.

Nikolas’ essential research has been featured by the BBC, VICE, The Atlantic, Fast Company, Business Insider, Forbes, Sunday Telegraph and many others. He appears on SIRIUSXM and CTV regularly, was a key advisor to the ‘Age of AI’ series with Robert Downey Jr, and appears in the Franklin Institute’s series ‘2050’.
NikBadminton.jpg
Tiffany Farrell Director of Corporate ServicesMunicipality of Middlesex CentreTiffany Farrell is a Chartered Professional Accountant specializing in municipal finance. Currently Tiffany serves as the Director of Corporate Services for the Municipality of Middlesex Centre, overseeing finance, information technology, communications and human resources. Prior to joining Middlesex Centre, Tiffany was the Treasurer at the Municipality of Dutton Dunwich and a Manager in the Audit Division of Deloitte.

Tiffany truly believes the success of any organization comes from a strong team effort. She is always exploring new ways to improve the municipal services provided to local residents and businesses, and looking for opportunities to increase government transparency, accountability and efficiency.
Tiffany.Farrell.jpg
Israr AhmadProgram Manager, Asset Management AdvisoryPSD CitywideIsrar is the Director of Integrated Product Development in Asset Management, at PSD Citywide. He leads high-priority and strategic product and service development initiatives for PSD's Asset Management Advisory division. In addition, Israr also works with municipalities across Canada to develop asset management programs. 
Geoffrey Pennal, FCSI, CIMSenior Wealth Advisor, Senior Portfolio ManagerCIBC – The Geoffrey Pennal Advisory GroupWith over 20 years in the investment business, Geoffrey Pennal has the experience to guide his Municipal clients through changing market cycles and recommend the most effective products to take advantage of them. Geoff brings an in-depth knowledge of current Municipal investment guidelines, and prides himself on being a prudent steward of his client’s assets. Geoff is a graduate of Queen’s University and has been recognized as a Fellow of the Canadian Securities Industry. It is a distinct privilege for Geoff to be a lead sponsor for the Municipal Finance Officers' Association of Ontario.GeoffPennal1.png
Lindsay Sauder, FRMVice-President, Liquidity, Funding & Financial Crisis ManagementCIBC TreasuryLindsay Sauder is Vice President, Liquidity, Funding and Financial Crisis Management in Treasury at CIBC. Lindsay has worked in Banking since 2004 and joined CIBC in March of 2015. She has the reputation for taking the lead and delivering on complex projects involving multiple stakeholders. Lindsay played an invaluable role during the Pandemic taking decisive and effective actions, to fortress CIBC’s balance sheet with strong liquidity which allowed for support to clients without disruptions. Most recently, Lindsay was responsible for supporting CIBC’s ESG commitment with the successful publication of CIBC’s Sustainability Issuance Impact Report. Lindsay is passionate about her community and is an active member on CIBC’s One for Change (giving) council and is the Finance department chair.

Prior to joining CIBC, Lindsay worked for another North American financial institution with roles in Capital Markets, Risk Management and Treasury. Lindsay holds a B.Comm with a double degree in Finance and Economics from the University of Western Ontario and has her Financial Risk Manager(FRM) certification from Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP).
LindsaySauder.jpg
Matt Wallace, MBAExecutive Director & Head, Structured Notes Distribution (Canada)CIBC Capital MarketsMatt Wallace has over 18 years of Capital Markets sales and trading experience with an emphasis on equity derivatives and structured products. He covers advisors and portfolio managers across Canada, designing custom investment strategies to help their investors reach their goals. He supports several charitable causes in the community, and co-chairs CIBC’s annual One For Change charity auction. He has been based out of both Vancouver and Toronto and holds an MBA from the Schulich School of Business at York University.MattWallace1.PNG
Jenn Parney, CFAExecutive Director, Wealth Solutions GroupCIBC Capital MarketsJennifer Parney heads the Cross Asset Sales Team within the Wealth Solutions Group at CIBC World Markets, having joined the group in 2018. The Team is responsible for fixed income, interest rate-linked products and foreign exchange trading for the Wood Gundy network. Jennifer brings over 28 years of investment industry experience to the role; she started her career at TD Bank before joining CIBC’s Institutional Fixed Income Sales desk in 1998 where she covered a wide range of institutional accounts including governments, large asset managers and pension funds. Jennifer is a graduate of Queen’s University with a BAH in Economics and a Master’s degree in Urban & Regional Planning. She is a CFA Charterholder.JenniferParney1.jpg
James SabourinFinancial Planner, Corporate FinanceCity of OttawaJames is a Chartered Professional Accountant with over 11 years of experience in municipal finance at the City of Ottawa. He graduated with a bachelor of commerce degree with distinction in accounting from the University of Guelph and was part of the first class to complete CPA's Public Sector Certificate program.

He is a well rounded finance professional with experience in accounting, financial systems implementation, financial planning and treasury. In his current role at the City of Ottawa as a Financial Planner he conducts detailed financial analysis and develops comprehensive financial business cases and financing strategies for corporate initiatives. As well, he is the finance lead implementing Task Force for Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). He is a dedicated professional who volunteers in the municipal finance industry and for the accounting profession.

James first got involved in the broader municipal finance industry through MFOA's New Professionals Network and went on to join the MFOA board as a director for four years ending in 2018. On the board James advocated for several initiatives including the roll out of an E-Learning platform and training strategy, the creation of a part-time subject matter expert pool for smaller municipalities and a business plan that responded to new municipal investment regulations that permit municipalities to become Prudent Investors. Over his term James chaired the New Professionals Committee, and participated on the audit committee, professional development committee and the governance committee.
JamesSabourin.jpg
Jennifer BrownProject Manager, Environmental ProgramCity of OttawaJennifer Brown is a Project Manager within the City of Ottawa’s Climate Change and Resiliency team and has worked on the climate change portfolio for almost 10 years. In that time, she led the development and authored the City’s Climate Change Master Plan and Energy Evolution: Ottawa’s Community Energy Transition Strategy, as well as supported the development of the Climate Vulnerability and Risk Assessment. She is responsible for annually tracking and reporting out on progress towards achieving the City’s climate change goals, including overseeing the greenhouse gas emission inventories and progress towards achieving the greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. Jennifer coordinated the first application of a climate lens to the City’s 2023 capital budget and is excited to be part of the City’s first TCFD disclosure report.JenniferBrown.jpg
Andrea Montgomery, APR, ProsciVice PresidentRedbrick CommunicationsAndrea is a senior communications and change management professional. She has 20 years’ experience as a trusted advisor to elected officials and senior executives in the public, non-profit and private sectors. She specializes in strategic communications planning and implementation, organizational change, internal communications, issues / crisis management and public / stakeholder consultation.

She’s managed complicated and sensitive issues from labour disruptions, supportive housing, new correctional facilities, and water fluoridation. Andrea trains leaders and staff on driving successful change, presenting with confidence, and writing effective council reports.

Andrea has also worked on the ground in the municipal sector. She was the interim Communications Director for the City of Cambridge, a Communications Advisor with Halton Region and a communications lead for the Province.
AndreaMontgomery.png
Jacqueline DemersAccount ManagerRedbrick CommunicationsJacqueline joined Redbrick in May 2011. Her responsibilities include everything from planning and analysis to writing and strategy execution. She has worked on some of Redbrick’s trickiest issues management files and has the ability to turn complicated topics into discussions that decision makers can understand and act upon.

During her time with Redbrick, Jacqueline has provided strategic communications support to dozens of public and private sector clients, delivered training sessions, presentations and webinars related to social media for municipal governments and several public sector associations and helped manage Redbrick’s annual social media survey.
JacquelineDemers.png
Carla Y. NellVice-President, Corporate Relations, Stakeholder Engagement and InnovationOntario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO)Carla Nell is Vice-President, Corporate Relations, Stakeholder Engagement and Innovation of Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO). She is responsible for providing strategic leadership in the areas of communications, stakeholder engagement, government relations, and innovation, and managing and enhancing all relationships on behalf of the IESO – including with municipalities and Indigenous communities.Carla.N.png
Robby SohiChief Operating Officer and Vice-President, Markets and ReliabilityOntario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO)Robby Sohi is Chief Operating Officer and Vice-President, Markets and Reliability of Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO). He is responsible for the reliable and efficient operation of the province-wide power system, the administration of Ontario’s real-time electricity markets and the continued development of electricity market designs.Robby.Sohi.jpg
Jeff ObermanPresidentRealtaxJeff Oberman is the founder and president of Realtax. Realtax recovers realty tax arrears for most of the municipalities in Ontario. Jeff has conducted numerous seminars and webinars for MFOA, OMTRA, AMCTO, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, and Seneca College. Jeff is a graduate of the Municipal Tax Administration Programs.JeffOberman.jpg
Fiona DavisGeneral ManagerRealtaxFiona Davis is the General Manager at Realtax, and has been in a management position for over 14 years. Fiona came to Realtax with 17 years of title searching experience, and has held several positions since then, including Senior Title Searcher, Tax Registration Specialist, and Tax Sale Specialist. Fiona joined Realtax in 2007.FionaDavis.jpg
Carolynn KentOperations ManagerRealtaxCarolynn Kent is the Operations Manager at Realtax. She has over 25 years of management and HR experience, including 15 years on the Ontario Electronic Land Registration System (ELRS) project. After graduating from the Legal Assistant program at Seneca College, Carolynn worked at a large Toronto law firm until joining the ELRS project. Carolynn joined Realtax in 2015.CarolynnKent.jpg
Nancy SavioLead Tax Registration AdministratorRealtaxNancy is the Lead Tax Registration Administrator at Realtax. She is an alumnus of the University of Toronto, and in 2021 she successfully completed the Municipal Tax Administration Program through Seneca College. Nancy joined Realtax in 2019.NancySavio.jpg
Andrew GranthamExecutive Director and Senior EconomistCIBC Capital MarketsAndrew is an Executive Director and Senior Economist with CIBC, with a wide range of experience in different areas of economic and financial market forecasting. Joining in 2011, he initially focused on the US and international outlook and its implications for foreign exchange and fixed income markets. More recently, he has taken over responsibility for the Canadian provincial outlook. Since joining, he helped CIBC win MarketWatch's monthly contest for US forecasters five times, and is regularly quoted by the print and electronic media. Prior to joining CIBC in 2011, Andrew worked in London, England, for one of the UK's largest banks. He gained a Master's degree in Economics from the University of York, England. 
Harry LiSenior Manager, National Professional Practice Group – Accounting StandardsGrant Thornton LLPHarry Li, CPA, CA is a senior manager in Grant Thornton’s National Professional Practice Group – Accounting Services. In that role, he supports Grant Thornton offices across Canada in interpreting accounting standards and their application to new and complex transactions, with a focus on financial instruments. He also advises our clients on complex accounting advisory engagements. Harry develops and facilitates training, externally and internally, and actively participates in several technical committees, including supporting Grant Thornton’s representatives on the Accounting Standards Board’s Private Enterprise Advisory Committee and Not-for-Profit Advisory Committee.HarryLi.png
Clayton PereiraManager of Budgets and Financial Planning/Deputy TreasurerTown of Whitchurch-StouffvilleClayton possesses over 19 years of municipal experience as a transformational leader within upper and lower tier municipalities in York Region. Currently, as Manager of Budgets and Financial Planning/Deputy Treasurer in the Town of Stouffville, he actively pursues excellence within his portfolio through his innovative approaches. These innovative approaches have led to many accolades over the years including the most recent Governors’ Finance Officers Association Award for the 2022-2023 Budget Book and the Finance Commissioner Award of Excellence in 2016. Over his tenure, Clayton volunteered his expertise to several municipal finance associations with a three-year role as Treasurer for the Ontario Municipal Tax and Revenue Association and as an Accounting and Financial Reporting Committee Member for the MFOA.ClaytonPereira.jpg
Marina FungFinance SpecialistTown of Whitchurch-StouffvilleMarina is an initiative-taking CPA with over 7 years of combined experience in private, non-for-profit and municipal sectors. Marina currently holds the position of Finance Specialist, Budgets and Financial Planning in the Town of Stouffville, where she gets to utilize her strong analytical skills and creativity on notable projects such as introducing Multi-year budgeting and a Service-based budget for the Town of Stouffville. Marina is a member of MFOA NPN committee and also volunteers her time and expertise to the Scugog Public Library Board.MarinaFung.jpg
Peter FriseVice President of Policy & Consulting ServicesMunicipal Tax Equity (MTE) Consultants Inc. A Voxtur Company.MTE and its affiliates MTE Paralegal and MTAG Paralegal provide consulting and legal services in the areas of property assessment, taxation, and municipal finance policy to Ontario municipalities. Peter has been helping municipalities meet their objectives in these areas by way of locally sensitive policy analysis, policy solutions and capacity building support for over 24 years.PeterFrise.jpg
Vineet BhatiaDirector, Tax Policy & Long Term Financial PlanningDistrict Municipality of MuskokaVineet is public policy problem solver and solution builder with experience in Regional, Provincial and Federal government legislation with understanding of regulatory guidelines, policies, professional practices, and protocols. Currently in his role at the District Municipality of Muskoka he leads asset management, capital budgeting and planning, long-term investments and various other portfolios and fiscal policy files. He has previously worked for Ontario Ministry of Indigenous Affairs, Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services and the Treasury Board Secretariat leading various complex portfolios such as risk management, procurement, business planning and controllership. Currently he’s pursuing his Masters in Public Policy, Administration and Law along with a Diploma in Justice Administration at York University.VineetBhatia.jpg
Suzanne OlimerCommissioner, Finance & Corporate ServicesDistrict Municipality of MuskokaSuzanne Olimer is the Commissioner, Finance and Corporate Services and the Treasurer of the Muskoka Municipal Non-Profit Housing Corporation. Suzanne joined the District in 2021, following 18 years of executive finance and accounting leadership in the education sector. Her extensive community-facing public sector experience provides her with a strong appreciation for the diverse challenges Municipalities are facing as they contemplate how to meet the challenges of climate-resilient adaptation through asset management planning.SuzanneOlimer.jpg
Josh HunterDirector of FinanceCounty of Northern Lights, Alberta  
Dale TaylorEconomist (Retired)Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Municipal Finance BranchR. Dale Taylor is a retired economist. He has an M.A. in political economy from the University of Toronto and did doctoral work and taught at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. His career in government was spent as a Senior Policy Advisor in the Government of Canada and the Ontario Government, the last decade of which was in the Municipal Finance Branch (MMAH), in the Capital Finance and Infrastructure Section.

He is an active volunteer, including a founding Board member of the Toronto Nature Stewards and Secretary-Treasurer of Toronto Community Hostel, a refugee shelter. He is a writer of novels and opinion articles. He lives with his family in Richmond Hill, Ontario.
DaleTaylor.jpg
Sabine MathesonPrincipalStrategyCorpSabine Matheson has been a principal at StrategyCorp since 1998…although until 2022, she was known as John Matheson.

But, thanks to Ontario’s Ministry of Health, she was able to pursue the goal of aligning her body with her true feminine self, and now appears before us today as a Sabine, a proud transgender woman.

She is the founder of StrategyCorp’s Municipal Affairs Practice Group, which has served well over 150 municipalities across Canada on a variety of strategic projects, relating to:
  • Intergovernmental Affairs (Federal and Provincial)
  • Strategic Planning and Staff-Council Relations
  • Operational, Organizational and Ward Boundary Reviews
  • Special Policy Projects and Issue Management

A known quantity in the municipal world, she has been an advisor to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), Ontario’s Big City Mayors (OBCM), AMCTO, the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators (CAMA), and the Ontario Municipal Administrators' Association (OMAA). Since 2016, she has been the lead author of StrategyCorp’s influential Annual CAO Survey, which gives voice to Ontario and Canadian Chief Administrators.

Sabine served as Chief of Staff to Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. In that capacity, she was deeply involved in the creation of Ontario’s municipal taxation and assessment regime, key reforms to Ontario’s Municipal Act and Planning Act, as well as the amalgamation of the City of Toronto.

Since 2007, Sabine has been an instructor in UOIT’s Municipal Management Program. She also teaches provincial-municipal relations through AMCTO. Sabine’s policy expertise is grounded in her legal background. She was called to the Bar of Ontario in 1993, serves as StrategyCorp’s in-house counsel, and previously practiced law in Toronto with a major Bay Street firm.
SabineMatheson.jpg
Tony HaddadSenior Advisor, Municipal Affairs Practice GroupStrategyCorp  
Heather DouglasPartnerWeirfoulds LLPHeather Douglas is a Partner and a member of the Infrastructure and Public Projects practice group. She has over 30 years of municipal finance experience and acts in connection with municipal long-term financing transactions for municipal infrastructure projects involving more than two and a half billion dollars each year. She regularly acts on innovative municipal financing transactions for infrastructure projects.
Recently she acted on the first Canadian municipal green debenture issuance, the first Ontario municipal promissory note program and the first Canadian municipal social debenture issuance. She also acted in connection with the first Ontario not-for-profit multiple municipality pooled investment program under the prudent investor regime, a program that generates investment income for infrastructure projects.
Heather is actively engaged in the legal profession and matters that benefit the larger community and she is a recipient of MFOA’s 2011 Excellence in Municipal Finance Award.
HeatherDouglas.jpg
Brad McLellanPartnerWeirfoulds LLPBradley McLellan is a Partner and Co-Chair of WeirFoulds’ Infrastructure and Public Projects practice and Heads the Commercial Real Estate practice. Brad has extensive experience in infrastructure and public projects, including procurement, risk allocation, public-private partnership arrangements, concession agreements, ground leases, design-build agreements and operation and management agreements. He also is a recognized expert in the purchase, sale and financing of commercial real estate.
Brad has acted for numerous public sector clients in the development of significant infrastructure and other public projects. Projects include rapid transit, sports and entertainment centres, and a mixed-use downtown redevelopment. Brad has consistently been named in professional directories as a leading practitioner in Toronto in real estate law, property financing and development and infrastructure law, and is a recipient of the Ontario Bar Association’s 2011 Award of Excellence in Real Estate.
BradMcLellan1.jpg
Jim HadjiyianniDirector – Business DevelopmentOECMJim is currently the Director of OECM's Business Development Team, leading a growing team as the organization expands as a leading supply chain entity supporting public sector procurement. Jim has a Master’s Degree in Health Psychology from the University of Surrey, England and began his career as a vocational counsellor. He has extensive experience across both the private and public sectors, leading a variety of complex transformational initiatives. His public sector experience spans 20 years having worked in progressively senior positions with the Ontario Public Service. He has worked with the Ministries of Finance, Labour, and was the Director of Strategic Procurement with the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services. He worked extensively with Hospitals, Schoolboards, Colleges and Universities with a focus on strategic planning, policy development and stakeholder engagement.JimHadjiyianni.png
Cate CollinsSpeaker/Retreat Facilitator/AuthorPowerful Journey ConsultingCate Collins admits to having her underwear too tight. So much so that some years ago she experienced a serious burn out. She has devoted her life’s work to support others to avoid or navigate the same fate.
Cate has had the privilege to work with thousands of leaders and their teams to remember the powerhouses they are including the US Army, the Ministry of Transportation, international funeral associations along with several other organizations. She is president of Powerful Journey Consulting, Inc. which is based outside of Toronto.
She has an extensive background as a leader, family counsellor, being hand-picked to train with Jack Canfield, Chicken Soup for the Soul and The Success Principles author along with her book, The Powerhouse in you: How to lead with greater resilience, courage and confidence” which was ranked #1 in leadership on Kobo. Cate’s heart sings when she gets to facilitate her transformative team retreats.
Today, Cate loosens her underwear by connecting with nature, fitness and especially belly laughing with her grandkids.
CateCollins.png
Michael Puskaric Director, Public Sector AccountingPublic Sector Accounting BoardMichael Puskaric is the Director, Public Sector Accounting Standards for the Public Sector Accounting Board. Michael has a broad base of experience based on over 20 years working in public, private and not-for-profit sector organizations.

His is a member of the special advisory committee to the Auditor General of Canada that provides advise and consultation on financial accounting and auditing matters. Michael is a part-time professor of public sector and not-for-profit-accounting at Toronto Metropolitan University and holds a Chartered Professional Accountant designation and a Master of Business Administration degree from the Schulich School of Business at York University.
MichaelPuskaric1.png
Jim Lisker Sudbury  
Karmen Kruger Stratford  
James Krauter Guelph  
Mallory CurtisPartner, Audit and Accounting Advisory ServicesKPMG in CanadaMallory Curtis is a Partner in KPMG’s Ottawa office within the Audit and Accounting Advisory Services group. Mallory has over 13 years of experience providing attest audits and reviews for government entities, Crown corporations, healthcare institutions, and not-for-profit organizations.

As a member of the Accounting Advisory group, Mallory has experience with the implementation of the new accounting standard, Asset Retirement Obligations (PSAS 3280), and has assisted numerous clients through the implementation of this new standard. She has worked with a variety of municipalities, colleges, and healthcare institutions as they work through the various nuances of the standard. As part of her work, she has also led numerous educations sessions for clients along with Bailey Church. Outside of PSAS 3280, Mallory has been involved in multiple accounting advisory and process review projects pertaining to the implementation of new accounting standards.

Additionally, Mallory is part of the team leading the development and roll-out of ESG Discovery sessions within KPMG’s Regions East practice for clients as they embark on their ESG implementation journey. In 2022, she completed the NYU Stern Center for Sustainable Business Executive Certificate in Advancing Sustainability.

In 2019, Mallory obtained her Lean Six-Sigma Black Belt and has worked with clients holding workshops to document and gain an in-depth understanding of process streams and identifying areas of opportunities for great efficiency.
CurtisMallory.jpg
Stephen O’BrienAMCTO President, General Manager, City Clerk's Office / City ClerkCity of GuelphStephen O’Brien is the General Manager of the City Clerk’s Office and City Clerk at the City of Guelph. This role serves Council through secretariat and legislative support services. The role also supports corporate customer service, access and privacy, corporate records and information management, and election administration all fall under his area of responsibility.

Prior to arriving at the City of Guelph in May 2014, Stephen served at the City of Richmond Hill. Stephen is a graduate of the University of Guelph where he completed a Master of Arts degree in Public Policy and Administration. He has also completed a Diploma in Public Administration from the University of Western Ontario’s Local Government Program. More recently, Stephen has completed executive course work from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

He is a member of the Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario (AMCTO) and is the current 2023-2024 President. He is also a member of the Institute of Public Administration of Canada (IPAC).
StephenOBrien.jpg
Tara BakerTreasurer/General Manager of FinanceCity of GuelphTara Baker has been with the City of Guelph for 12 years and moved progressively through to her current role as City Treasurer and General Manager of Finance which she’s held since 2016. Tara is a Chartered Professional Accountant, a graduate of McMaster University and has completed AMCTO’s Municipal Administration Program (MAP). Tara is passionate about bettering financial communication and furthering continuous improvement in the finance function and leverages new ideas from collaborating with colleagues through the MFOA as well as from her work with the GFOA Rethinking the Budget initiative.TaraBaker.jpg
Amanda CarterDirector of Finance/TreasurerCounty of Prince EdwardAmanda Carter is a municipal finance professional who began her career in government finance with the County of Prince Edward in 2008. Starting at an entry level role as an Accounting Clerk, she has worked almost every role within the finance department, ultimately landing in the position of Director of Finance & Information Technology (IT) in 2015. Her main focus is on financing the municipality's infrastructure deficit without over-burdening the rate payer.AmandaCarter.jpg
Annette Gilchrist CAO/Clerk/TreasurerTownship of Bonnechere ValleyAnnette Gilchrist Annette Gilchrist has been a municipal professional since 2009. She has served as President of the Renfrew County Clerks and Treasurers Association, Director of the Zone 6 Executive and Director at Large of the Association of Municipal Mangers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario (AMCTO). She has obtained her Certified Municipal Officer (CMO) and Accredited Ontario Municipal Clerk (AOMC) designations along with her Diplomas in Municipal Administration and Municipal Management. Her experience brings a small urban and rural municipality’s perspective to the panel. In the next ten years she would like to see better promotion of municipal government as a career of choice within the finance sector. Coming from the private sector herself, she often promotes how rewarding a career in local government be.AnnetteGilcrest.jpg
Trevor FleckDirector, Infrastructure Program Design BranchMinistry of InfrastructureTrevor Fleck has been the Director of the Infrastructure Program Design Branch at the Ministry of Infrastructure since September 2020, leading the policy development and design of provincial infrastructure programs. This includes the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) and the federal-provincial Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP). In this role, he led the recent expansion and reforms of OCIF, as well as designing and delivering the COVID and Green (drinking water) intakes of ICIP. He has been with the Ministry of Infrastructure since 2015, and has overseen review and reform of the Province’s approach to infrastructure planning, introduced the Province’s first portal and framework for infrastructure Unsolicited Proposals and provided policy oversight for the Province’s P3 (previously Alternative Financing and Procurement) program and the Infrastructure Ontario Loan Program. Prior to joining the Ministry of Infrastructure, he led teams in central agencies in Ontario’s Treasury Board Secretariat and the federal Ministry of Finance.TrevorFleck1.jpg
Amit GuptaManager, Corporate Asset Management OfficeCity of BramptonAmit Gupta is the Manager of the Corporate Asset Management Office at the City of Brampton. In his role, Amit plays a pivotal role in supporting the development of comprehensive asset management plans and strategies. His expertise is showcased through the essential deliverables, including levels of service, life cycle cost assessments, risk evaluations, Asset Management Plans and State of Local Infrastructure reports. Amit's responsibilities extend to encompass operational and maintenance (O&M) planning, as well as capital improvement strategies, all of which contribute to the efficient and effective management of the city's assets. With a strong educational background, Amit holds a Certificate in Asset Management Planning, complementing his Bachelor of Engineering degree and a Master's in Business Administration.AmitGupta.jpg
Angela Coleman, LL.B., B.A.General ManagerConservation OntarioAngela graduated from the Faculty of Law at the University of Ottawa in 2009 and was admitted to the Bar of the Province of Ontario in 2010. Angela summered, articled, and practised with a large Ottawa firm, in real property and municipal law and now works with Conservation Ontario as General Manager.

Angela has worked with Federal, Provincial, and Municipal governments on a wide range of environmental, development, and water policy issues including: source water protection, flooding, and planning and development approvals.
AngelaColeman.jpg
Ruchi ParkashDirectorMunicipal Finance Policy Branch at the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and HousingRuchi Parkash is the Director, Municipal Finance Policy Branch at the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. This branch is responsible for the legislative, regulatory and policy framework for finances in Ontario’s municipalities.

She has over 17 years of public service experience, including holding other management roles at Treasury Board Secretariat and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. She has undergraduate degrees in Economics and Commerce from Queen’s University and a Master’s degree in Management (Finance) also from Queen’s University. She also holds the designations of Chartered Financial Analyst and Certified Internal Auditor.
RuchiParkash1.jpg
Laurie HutchinsonCEOOMERS Sponsor CorporationLaurie Hutchinson was appointed to the position of OMERS Sponsors Corporation (SC) CEO effective April 18, 2022. In this role, she is responsible for providing executive leadership and direction to the employees of the SC and to help the SC Board efficiently and effectively deliver on its key responsibilities. These include making appointments to both the AC and SC Boards, determining OMERS plan benefit levels and setting contribution rates.

Laurie brings an in-depth working knowledge of pension plans, pension governance and pension plan organizations. She has 30+ years of pension experience in joint governance, stakeholder relations, plan design, funding, risk management, regulation, and advocacy. She is a proven pension plan executive who can achieve meaningful results in a respectful, collaborative, well-informed JSPP environment. She spent more than ten years as a senior executive at one of Ontario’s largest defined benefit plans, and brings firsthand knowledge of OMERS governance, strategy and operations from her involvement with the Administration Corporation as a member of the Board of Directors since 2014, including as Chair of its Audit & Actuarial Committee.

Laurie is a successful pension leader who builds strong relationships based on mutual respect, candor and trust. She is well-regarded within the pension industry, and has volunteered across several industry organizations, including IFEBP, ACPM, the CIA Actuarial Foundation and the Actuarial Advisory Committee of Ontario’s pension regulator.
LaurieHutchinson.jpg
Nikki HollandVice President, Stakeholder RelationsOMERS Administration CorporationNikki Holland is the Vice President, Stakeholder Relations, OMERS Administration Corporation. Nikki is a dynamic, accomplished leader in stakeholder and government relations as well as strategic planning and communications. She is also a strong relationship builder, who understands complex stakeholder environments.

Prior to joining OMERS, Nikki served as the Director of Public Affairs at the Carpenters’ District Council of Ontario where she was responsible for all government relations and communications, public affairs for the 16 Ontario Locals and was the public voice of the Council.
NikkiHolland.jpg
Carmelo LipsiVice-President, Valuation & Customer Relations and Chief Operating OfficerMunicipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC)Carmelo Lipsi is MPAC’s Vice-President, Valuation & Customer Relations and Chief Operating Officer, responsible for delivering quality assessments and exceptional customer service to Ontario property owners across 5.6 million properties. He also leads the Municipal and Stakeholder Relations team that is responsible for strengthening relationships through proactive engagement with municipalities and stakeholders.

Over his almost 30 years in property assessment, Carmelo has applied his broad range of experience in valuation, operations, and strategy development to provide innovative leadership to numerous corporate initiatives. Carmelo has a bachelor’s degree from York University and a Certificate in Real Property Assessment from the University of British Columbia. He also has his M.I.M.A. Accredited designation from the Institute of Municipal Assessors.
CarmeloLipsi.jpg
Mary Dawson-ColeDirector, Municipal and Stakeholder Relations (MSR)Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC)Mary Dawson-Cole is MPAC’s Director of Municipal and Stakeholder Relations. She is responsible for managing a team of stakeholder relations professionals responsible for establishing and maintaining key account relationships with all of Ontario’s 444 municipalities.

A resident of the City of Greater Sudbury, Mary has over 25 years of property assessment experience with MPAC. She joined MPAC as a statistician and then took on various manager roles such as Quality Service Manager, Manager, Valuation and Customer Relations and Regional Manager, Municipal and Stakeholder Relations for Northern Ontario.

Mary holds a Bachelor of Social Science, (Honours), Law and Justice and Political Science from Laurentian University and an A.I.M.A. designation with the Institute of Municipal Assessors (IMA).
MaryDawsonCole.jpg
Grant McLarnonChief Revenue OfficerSylogistGrant McLarnon, the Chief Revenue Officer at Sylogist, is an accomplished leader with a proven track record in the government and public sector. He has a deep understanding of the sector's unique challenges and opportunities and has collaborated with government agencies at all levels to drive innovation and improve outcomes for citizens.

Throughout his career, Grant has held various leadership positions, playing a vital role in implementing major technology initiatives and driving digital transformation in government agencies of all sizes, including New York City, Phoenix, Lafayette, Lethbridge, Fredericton, Markham, and more.

As a consultant and speaker, Grant leverages his extensive government experience to provide actionable insights and practical advice on topics such as innovation, digital transformation, and public sector leadership.
GrantMcLarnon.jpg
Bonnie AgnewAccount Executive - GovernmentSylogistBonnie Agnew has over two decades of success serving government markets, from leading strategic planning, and building long-term relationships, to driving account and revenue growth. A solution-focused business partner, she has a proven record of delivering results to clients that include NASA, FEMA, USPS, and other US federal agencies including the departments of Homeland Security, Commerce, State, Justice, Energy, Health & Human Services, and the US Forest Service.

Designing highly effective growth strategies to expand markets and improve lead engagement is at the core of Bonnie’s career success. She has deep experience assessing technology needs, from hardware to software to services, connecting client objectives to products and services to support their success.

In addition to her high-performance record, Bonnie has also assumed leadership roles with current and past employers guiding diversity and inclusion committees and activities to enhance the corporate culture.

Able to reach across aisles and disciplines, she has worked closely with R&D, marketing, inside sales, engineering, and executive leadership to serve her clients. Agile and committed to excellence in account service, Bonnie has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland, is a volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate for Voices for Children, and has led ground breaking government relationships and partnerships for Verizon, Samsung, and AT&T.
BonnieAgnew.jpg
Trilbee Stirling-KattlerTreasurerMunicipality of Red LakeTrilbee Stirling-Kattler is a CPA, CGA Treasurer at Municipality of Red Lake. In addition to her CPA and CGA, Trilbee holds a Certificate in Manitoba Municipal Administration, and has completed her Executive Diploma in Municipal Management from AMCTO. She earned her diploma in Business Administration from Red River College Polytechnic, and her Honors Bachelor of Commerce from Laurentian University. Throughout her career in finance, she has worked with Non-Profit Organizations and Local Governments. Prior to her current role as Treasurer at Municipality of Red Lake, Ontario, she was the CAO/Finance Officer at Grandview Municipality in Manitoba. 
Barbara VealeSenior Director, Watershed Strategies & Climate ChangeHalton Region Conservation AuthorityBarbara Veale is Senior Director, Watershed Strategies and Climate Change for the Halton Region Conservation Authority (Conservation Halton) based in Burlington, Ontario.

Barb leads an interdisciplinary team of professional and technical specialists who undertake and deliver climate change initiatives and watershed planning, watershed monitoring and restoration activities, Lake Ontario initiatives, and the Hamilton Harbour Remedial Action Program. Prior to her current role, Barb was also responsible for leading Conservation Halton’s policy, planning and permitting activities.

Before joining Conservation Halton, Barb spent many years at the Grand River Conservation Authority in various planning roles.

Barb is a Registered Professional Planner and member of the Canadian Institute of Planners and the Ontario Professional Planners Institute. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Geography from the University of Waterloo.
BarbaraVeale.jpg
Anne HainesRegional Manager Zone 1Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC)Anne has over 32 years’ experience in real property assessment and valuation working with the Ministry of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, OPAC & MPAC, she has held numerous roles throughout her career including Valuation Manager, Municipal Relations Representative and Account Manager, she is currently the Regional Manager for Zone 1 in Southwest Ontario. Anne is an accredited member of the Institute of Municipal Assessors (M.I.M.A.) and has two diplomas in both Real Property Administration and Real Property Assessment from Seneca College as well as a Certificate from University of British Columbia for Real Property Assessment. Anne also has a certificate from the University of Toronto, Rotman School of Management in their Senior Leadership Development Program.Anne.Haines.jpg
Jennifer YarnellSenior Financial AnalystCity of Niagara FallsRecipient of MFOA’s 2023 Engagement Award 
Tara BakerGM of Finance/City TreasurerCity of GuelphRecipient of MFOA’s 2023 Leadership Award 
Rebecca ClothierChief Admnistrative Officer/ Treasurer/ Deputy ClerkTownship of Perth SouthRecipient of MFOA’s 2023 Leadership Award 
Natalie MooreDeputy Director of Finance & Deputy TreasurerCity of TimminsRecipient of MFOA’s 2023 Municipal Finance Excellence Award 
Laura JonesDeputy Clerk- Deputy TreasurerMunicipality of NeebingRecipient of MFOA’s 2023 Suzanna Dieleman Award 
 
 

Recent Job Postings

View All     Post a Job