Board of Directors en 1

Connie Dejak, Chair – Board of Directors

Connie Dejak is the President and CEO for Runnymede Healthcare Centre. Connie is a former Instructor and Field Placement Coordinator of the Senior Activation Program at George Brown College. Connie’s governance skills include obtaining the Institute of Corporate Directors designation (ICD.D). Connie has served on the Board of Exhibition Place and Ontario Place.

Kam Va Philip Leong,
Vice Chair – Board of Directors, Chair – Finance & Governance Committee

Kam Va Philip Leong is a Senior Wealth Advisor for Scotia Capital, and a former Vice President and director for Chairman’s Council for RBC Dominion Securities. Kam’s community involvement includes serving the board of governors for the Chinese Cultural Center of Greater Toronto.

Rajesh Uttamchandani,
Chair – Human Resources & Compensation Committee

Raj Uttamchandani is the Chief People Officer at MaRS. He has over 20 years of leadership experience, primarily focused in the field of Human Capital and Human Resources. Prior to his appointment at MaRS, Raj has held many roles as leader and advisor to Boards and CXOs to increase business performance and optimize the effectiveness of the workforce. In addition to his executive accomplishments, Raj is an adjunct professor, business advisor, and board member who is known for his expertise in the field and has been recognized for elevating the quality and standards of HR education in Canada. Raj has earned several degrees including a Juris Doctor (J.D.) and LL.M. (Employment and Labour) from Osgoode Hall Law School, a Master of Industrial Relations (MIR) from the University of Toronto, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Honolulu, to name a few, and he is a Lawyer called to the Bar of Ontario. Raj is passionate about coaching and mentoring people at all levels to recognize their potential and strive for success.

Tony Bavota

Tony Bavota is an emergency services professional who has served in leadership roles for the City of Toronto and the City of Burlington. He holds certification as a Community Emergency Management Coordinator, is a Peer Assessor for the Centre for Public Safety Excellence and has been granted the Chief Fire Officer designation by the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs. 

Tony earned a Masters of Public Administration from the University of Western Ontario in 2011, and holds a diploma in Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts-Economics Degree. He is also a graduate of the Queen's University Executive Labour Relations program.

His community involvement has included supporting the Children’s Breakfast Club’s literacy program and serving as the honorary co-chair of the Gift of Giving Back Food drive.

Graham Coulson

Graham Coulson is a forward-thinking change agent, with more than 30 years of experience in technology and supply chain management. Currently an independent contractor, he moves businesses forward by leading pioneering initiatives across multiple sectors, with a special focus on physical and online retailers. His previous experience has included Canadian Tire, Hudson's Bay, Canada Post and Chapters. 

Kelly Elwood

Kelly Elwood is Vice-President of Marketing & Licensing for The Canadian Group. Her community involvement includes serving as a mentor for the Ruth Handler Mentorship Program for Women in Toys (WIT).

Michael Smoskowitz

Michael Smoskowitz is Partner and President of Steele Valley Developments Ltd, where he owns and manages commercial, retail, and industrial buildings across Ontario. His community involvement includes serving as a board member for the David and Luba Smuschkowitz Family Charitable Foundation, an organization that donates to various hospitals and charities.