Our Board of Directors
Chris Merchant – Chair
Danielle Foster – Secretary
Kim Wilson
Mark Rodford
Christian Wong – Treasurer
Danielle Cowen
Julie Henshaw
Jillian Watkins
Alicia Wood – Vice Chair
Lisa Butler
Tanuj Dalal
Randy Freese
Chair:
Chris Merchant began his career with Linamar Corporation in October 1999. He has held the position of Vice President, Global Finance since October 2011. He is responsible for the overall finance function of all operational and support service business units within the organization. His role supports financial reporting, strategic planning, strategy execution, talent recruitment and development as well as compliance. He has been at the forefront of the continued growth of Linamar Corporation, having a key role in a variety of acquisition, innovation and growth initiatives.
Mr. Merchant obtained his Honours Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from Laurentian University and holds a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation.
Vice Chair:
Alicia Wood is a registered pharmacist and currently the Lead, Specialty Pharmacy Operational Excellence at McKesson Specialty Health, one of the largest pharmaceutical provider networks in Canada. In this role, Alicia works with both internal and external stakeholders to improve operational efficiencies, create solutions for complex patient needs and reduce access barriers to specialty medications. Alicia is as passionate leader within the healthcare industry and is currently pursuing a Masters of Business Administration from McMaster University.
Treasurer:
Christian Wong is a Financial Controller at Linamar Corporation. He has held several positions, both in Canada and abroad, in Accounting and Finance since joining the company in May of 2013. He is responsible for supporting both operational decision-making through financial analysis and the accounting function from a systems and controls perspective. He also has experience in acquisition and growth, continuous improvement, and people development. Christian holds a bachelor’s degree in commerce from the University of Guelph and is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA).
Secretary:
Danielle Foster is the Senior Operations Lead at Hospice Wellington. She has a passion for streamlining administrative processes to further the mission of organizations that she believes in. To bolster her leadership skills, Danielle completed her Master of Public Policy, Administration and Law degree through York University.
Directors:
Kim Wilson has training in social work and gerontology and currently works as an Associate Professor in Adult Development & Aging at the University of Guelph. Prior to joining U of G, Kim was the Executive Director of the Canadian Coalition for Seniors’ Mental Health.
Tanuj Dalal is a dedicated professional working in primary care, driven by a passion for community and inclusivity. With a pharmacy and healthcare administration background, I have acquired a deep understanding of the healthcare system and its vital role in serving communities. In addition to my professional pursuits, I actively contribute to community initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. By collaborating with local organizations, advocating for policy changes, and raising awareness about the importance of inclusivity, I work tirelessly to create spaces where everyone feels valued and accepted. My passion for community and commitment to removing inclusion barriers make me a compassionate and inspiring advocate for change.
Lisa Butler is a Human Resources executive with over 20 years of experience in the profession. She is currently the Chief People Officer with Aviva Canada. She spent a large part of her career in a number of senior HR roles for Manulife in both Hong Kong and Canada focused on building positive business culture and improving Diversity, Equity and Inclusion across the organization. Lisa has her MA in Political Science from The University of Guelph.
Danielle Cowen is an executive leader with over 20 years of experience in communications, marketing, and public relations. Currently the Executive Lead, Communications at the Ontario Caregiver Organization; a registered charity funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health, Danielle leverages her expertise in communications planning, reputation management, media relations and change management to make a positive impact. An award-winning communications strategist, Danielle has a Masters degree in Communication Management from McMaster University.
Julie Henshaw is a Registered Social Worker with over 20 years of experience in the Mental Health and Addictions field. She obtained a Bachelor of Applied Science from the University of Guelph, majoring in Family & Social Relations and Adult Development, and recently completed her Master of Social Work degree at the University of Windsor. Julie’s career has spanned the landscapes of residential, community, and hospital-based care, working in both direct service and leadership roles. Currently, Julie is the Manager of Specialized Employment Services at Stride – a community-based non-profit organization which focuses on the employment needs of individuals living with mental health or addiction barriers.
Randy Freese Niin Zhaganashi Noosom, Randy Freese, Ndishnakaz. Niin Zhaganashi Noosom, Mason Cretney Ndishnakaz. Niin Anishnabemowin Noosom, Ish-pim-ing Inaa-bin, Ndishnakaz. (My English name according to the Government is Randy Freese. My English name at birth was Mason Cretney. An Anishinaabe translation of my gifted Spirit name is “Look up in the Sky”.) Guelph, Doonjiba, (is where I live now) by way of many other places. Edmonton, Doonji (is where I came from originally). Gy Gii Kenda Maasii Dodem, (I don’t yet know my Clan Name).
I am Plains Cree & Red River Metis and have been reconnecting to my culture and family for a little more than 20 years. Anishnabemowin is a language of the current territory in which I live; I have been learning and reclaiming it now for about 2 years. Since 2003, I have owned and operated a small business involved in music & entertainment. I am also an administrative professional with nearly two decades of experience. I have diplomas in Business Administration, Recording Arts Management, Freelance Writing for non-fiction media, and a Creative writing specialization. I am also a Certified I.T. Support Technician & Generative A.I. Prompt Engineer. Along with my business partners, I have published multiple book projects, and released many music videos, short documentaries, and trailers.
Mark Rodford is a serial impact entrepreneur offering a lifetime of business, operational and board experience. Mark’s capacity for connecting with people in a meaningful way, coupled with an insightful world view, solidifies his inputs at the confluence between community and business. Mark consults on strategic planning, business development and branding, with a wide variety of businesses and organizations. He is a strategic and creative community leader respected for building strong and high-performance work environments. He has an entrepreneurial and inclusive management style and the capacity to engage a cross section of corporate and community stakeholders.
Jillian Watkins has spent her career focused on health research and public health interventions to improve the functioning of our health system and support at-risk individuals. She is currently the Executive Director at Moyo Health and Community Services, a not-for-profit organization that supports people living with, affected by, and at-risk of HIV in the Region of Peel. Jillian has an undergraduate degree in Gerontology from the University of a Guelph and completed her graduate studies in Health Services Research at the University of Toronto.
Jillian is passionate about supporting the health and social welfare of individuals from equity deserving populations through advocacy and education, and through research, development, and implementation of robust publicly funded health and social services.
The Board meets the first Wednesday of each month 6:30-8:30 pm. Contact bbaker@guelphchc.ca for information.
