Gary Crawford, Chair – Board of Directors
Gary Crawford, former City of Toronto Councillor is recognized as a respected leader and consensus builder by his former colleagues on Toronto City Council, Toronto city staff and with elected officials and staff across the province. Gary sat on numerous Boards during his 12-year tenure, including successfully leading nine City budgets as Budget Chair, Chair of TOLive and Chair of the Exhibition Place Board of Governors. As a practicing artist with a BFA degree from York University, Gary Crawford has brought a unique perspective and vision on the importance of arts and creativity in building a vibrant and world class city. Prior to his career in politics Gary spent almost 20 years in the retail food industry, as a consultant and manager in various companies, including Kitchen Table food stores and Miracle Food Mart.
Tony Bavota, Board Member, Chair – Governance Committee
Tony earned a Master 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. Tony’s 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.
Robert Poirier, OOnt, ICD.D, Board Member
Robert Poirier is a finance and technology executive and currently serves on multiple boards. In 2022, Robert was awarded the Order of Ontario in recognition of his commitment to creating an environmentally sustainable and community-oriented province. Robert received his ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors and is currently theRo CEO of a boutique strategic advisory firm, guiding clients through complex governance and digital strategies.
Jon Reid, Board Member, Chair – Innovation and Competition Committee
Jon Reid is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Toronto Police Association, a former Director of the Executive Board, Uniform Field Service for Toronto Police Association, and a former Detective/Sergeant for the Toronto Police Service.
Derek Vanstone, B.A. LL.B, ICD.D, Board Member
Derek Vanstone is a licensed lawyer specializing in cases associated with regulatory, public policy issues or communications challenges. Derek has held senior roles in the Canadian federal government, serving as Chief of Staff to Finance Minister Jim Flaherty and Deputy Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Stephen Harper. He has also held senior positions with iconic Canadian firms such as Air Canada and Hatch Engineering. Previously supporting numerous industry and charitable Boards of Directors, Derek is currently on the Board of the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation where he serves on the Audit and Governance & Human Resources committees. Derek resides in Toronto and holds a B.A. and LL.B. from the University of Saskatchewan and an ICD.D. from the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Business.
