Denise Carpenter (Chair)

Founder and CEO of ADC & Associates

Denise Carpenter is an experienced c-suite executive, business strategist, Board Director and executive coach with broad experience in several business sectors. She has spent her career advocating for companies and governments on issues that matter most to Canadians and acting as a trusted confidant to senior executives and governments. She has a strong track record in building relationships that deliver value to multiple stakeholders in complex business, government, and not-for-profit environments. Denise brings a diverse background and broad experience to the table, through her ability to ask the right questions, respect diversity of thought, foster dialogue, and build consensus.

Denise is currently Chair of the Board, EnerFORGE, Chair of the Board, Oshawa Power and Utilities Corporation, Vice Chair and Chair of the Audit Committee of Synergy North and Chair of the Board, Canada’s Great Kitchen Party, a social enterprise.

In 2018, Denise was appointed to the Diversity 50 Cohort, recognizing Canada’s most diverse and eligible Board candidates. She is an active and accredited member of the Institute of Corporate Directors, The International Coach Federation and the International Women’s Forum. Her passion is exploring the world, its people, and its cultures. She lives in Toronto and continues to travel widely.

Denise was appointed as Chair in 2022 and has served on the RMHC Toronto board since 2020.

“I have always believed that we all need to look out for each other and give back to our communities. Working alongside the other RMHC Toronto Board Members, I am honoured to contribute and be part of this incredible organization.”

Michelle Chaisson (Secretary)

Freelance Commercial Lawyer/Entrepreneur

Michelle is a senior commercial lawyer operating a freelance legal practice. Michelle formerly held positions of Assistant General Counsel, Senior Legal Counsel, and Assistant Secretary of the Board of Governors at Ryerson University, where she provided legal and strategic advice in the areas of corporate/commercial law, information technology, procurement, access to information, privacy, copyright and governance. Prior to joining Ryerson in 2014, she practised law for seven years with Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, primarily working on infrastructure/P3 projects.

Michelle has a master’s degree in environmental studies from York University and earned her law degree at Osgoode Hall Law School. Before joining the Board in 2017, she served on the RMHC Toronto Young Professionals Committee and on the Governance and Nominating Committee of the Board.

“I feel privileged to be involved with an organization that has a unique mission to keep families close during the most difficult time of their lives. As a mother of two young children, I have such compassion for children who are struggling through serious illness and welcome the opportunity to do something to support these children and their families.”

Aric Bhargava (Vice Chair)

Managing Partner, Birli & Associates

Aric is a regulatory compliance professional and Managing Partner with Birli & Associates. He obtained his Institute of Corporate Directors Not for Profit (ICD.NFP) from the University of Toronto, Rotman School of Management, as well as Regulatory Compliance and Legal Risk Management from Osgoode Hall Professional Development. He holds an Honours BA and GDip in Immigration & Citizenship Law from Queen’s University. Aric is also an Aux. Constable with the Peel Regional Police – Auxiliary Bureau, currently employed with Green and Spiegel LLP with 20 years of experience in the financial sector holding senior level regulatory compliance and corporate governance roles with Visa Canada, JPMorgan Chase, and Manulife. 

Before he joined the Board in 2014, Aric’s family used the services of RMHC Toronto, and he served on the RMHC Toronto Family Room Sub-Committee. Aric is a sitting member of the Finance and Audit Committee and the Governance and Nominating Committee with RMHC Toronto.

“As a father, RMHC Toronto is important to me. This is a charity I believe in, and I can attest to how well it works for families during their time of need. In our experience, RMHC Toronto was an incredible source of support when we needed it the most. Working alongside the other Board Members, I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back and be involved within the community in such a personal and meaningful way. RMHC Toronto transitioned my family from desperation to inspiration and now, as an RMHC Toronto Board Member, this is where my passion and purpose intersect.”

Angela Clayton

President, Project Delivery, Infrastructure Ontario

With over 20 years of experience in the Infrastructure sector, Angela has extensive experience working in both the public and private sectors in the areas of strategic planning, risk management, and program management. She is currently the President, Project Delivery, with Infrastructure Ontario where she is responsible for overseeing the strategy, planning, and implementation of infrastructure projects across Ontario.

Angela is a Chartered Professional Accountant with a bachelor’s degree in commerce and several professional designations, including Project Management Professional, Facilities Management Administrator, and Real Property Administrator.

She is a passionate advocate for women in the infrastructure sector and actively seeks ways to make meaningful contributions to her community through her involvement in industry associations and volunteer efforts.

“Through my work, I’ve come to appreciate how our environment can impact all aspects of our health. RHMC Toronto is a truly magical place providing families a safe and comfortable home away from home when they need it most. I am honoured and humbled to play a small part in helping RMHC Toronto realize its vision.”

Joseph Cooper

Managing Partner, Cooper and Partners Inc.

As a global technology executive with expertise in developing and managing enterprise transformational strategies, Joe advises Boards, CEOs, senior management teams and financial technology firms on leveraging technologies to enable their business strategies. Previously, Joe was Vice President & General Manager, Financial Services Sector, IBM Corporation, where his responsibilities included strategy, execution, business results and client satisfaction for the full range of service offerings to IBM’s banking, insurance and financial markets customers across the United States. Prior to this role, Joe was the Executive Vice President and Global Chief Information Officer at Manulife Financial. Joe joined the RMHC Toronto Board of Directors in 2013, and served as Chair from 2015 to 2018.

“After returning from five years in the U.S., I was searching for an opportunity where I could volunteer my time towards children, whether it is in their development or in assisting them with their challenges. When I was approached by Ronald McDonald House Charities Toronto, I quickly jumped at the chance to join the Board. I was previously involved with RMH New York while living in the U.S., and saw it as a great way to give to an incredibly worthy cause.”

Anthony Faiella

Senior VP, Business Development at AGinvest Properties Canada

Anthony is the Senior VP, Business Development at AGinvest Properties Canada. He has 30 years of experience in the investment industry with much of it spent in institutional equities at Merrill Lynch Canada. He is a licensed portfolio manager, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and a member of the CFA Institute. He earned an MBA from the Schulich School of Business and a CPA from the State of Illinois.

Anthony is an Executive-in-Residence at the Schulich School of Business, where he oversees the student run investment fund. He sits on an advisory board at Schulich and chairs a committee of investment professionals that work with students to guide and mentor them as they manage an actual investment portfolio.

“It is a real privilege to be part of an organization that does so much to help families during their most difficult times. It is an extraordinary group that assists the families and provide them with a home away from home. I am very proud and honoured to help support this group and contribute in any way I can. As a father with two daughters, I can’t imagine a more vulnerable time for a family. RMHC Toronto helps keep families together while providing the care they need, when they need it most. I think that’s pretty special.”

Jim Fennell

Vice President, Foodservice and Convenience, Saputo Dairy Products Canada

Jim is Vice President, National Foodservice and Convenience at Saputo Dairy Products Canada. He has been involved in the Canadian dairy industry for over 30 years, working for several large organizations, with the last 15 years being at Saputo. In his current role, Jim is responsible for the National Foodservice and Convenience business, along with Industrial Sales and Co-Manufacturing in Canada.

Jim has been actively involved with children’s charities for over 25 years, including Ronald McDonald House Charities and The Friends of We Care. Participation in both organizations has included golf days, Board meetings and Home for Dinners, along with various annual fundraising events. Jim has always been passionate about supporting children and families in need. He joined the Board of Directors of RMHC Toronto in 2019 and is Co-Chair of the Development Committee.

“I have been involved with Ronald McDonald House Charities programs across Canada for over 25 years, and I look forward to the opportunity and challenge of serving on the RMHC Toronto Board. Making it possible for families to be close together when they need it most is so important, and I am honoured to help support this objective in our community at RMHC Toronto.”

Marcia Finlayson

Owner/Operator, McDonald’s Restaurants – York Region

Marcia is the proud Owner/Operator of seven McDonald’s Restaurants in York Region with over 400 employees and serving over four million guests per year. Marcia’s tenure with the McDonald’s brand spans over 45 years and started when she joined McDonald’s while attending high school. Marcia resumed her career with McDonald’s after graduating from Western University where she held progressive positions in a variety of functions within McDonald’s Corporate organization including Marketing, Supply Chain and Communications.

In 2008, Marcia realized her long-term goal of becoming a McDonald’s Owner/Operator and founded Finlayson Hospitality Partners operating three locations and growing to the current seven restaurants. Marcia’s organization has been recognized frequently for its operational accomplishments and commitment to the community including, Markham Board of Trade, Seneca College, Stouffville Chamber of Commerce, Portraits of Giving Award and the proudest accomplishments for her team was being recognized with the Ronald McDonald House Charities, International McTLC Award of Excellence.

“The mission of the Ronald McDonald House has been important to me and my husband Todd since 1986 when we volunteered as Weekend Managers at the London Ronald McDonald House. As Owner/Operators, we worked to bring the Ronald McDonald Family Room to Markham-Stouffville Hospital. Together with our local community business leaders called the “Fab 15” we have raised over $1,000,000, hosted many Home for Dinner events and continue to elevate the mission.

“As parents of two and grandparents to three, Todd and I believe that Family is medicine and are honoured to serve.”

Josef Hrebik

Consulting Lead, Technology, Media & Entertainment, Telecommunications, and Business Growth Strategy, Monitor Deloitte

Josef is Deloitte Canada’s Strategy Consulting Leader in the Technology, Media & Entertainment, and Telecommunications practice. He has over 12 years of consulting experience gained from his time at Deloitte and Accenture. He focuses on clients in North America and has previously consulted with Corus, Rogers, Bell, CBC, NBC Universal, ABC/Disney, Amazon, Google, YouTube, Facebook, and Netflix. His functional specialties include Corporate and Business Unit Strategy, Market Entry Strategy, Growth, Business Case Design, Opportunity Assessments, Advertising (Digital and Traditional) and Marketing. Josef is also an advisor with Digital Canaries Studio, a film studio and production company in Hamilton, Ontario.

Josef resides in uptown Toronto with his beautiful wife, Suzana, and their three young daughters, Isabella, Adrijana and Natalia. He enjoys playing and watching sports, especially soccer, football, hockey, and golf.

“As a father of three, I recognize the importance of family, familiarity and togetherness in the healing and recovery process of children going through difficult times. As I continue progressing my career with my team, colleagues, and clients at Deloitte I am excited to lend this experience to help RMHC Toronto achieve their long-term goals and vision.”

Karen Kinnear

Vice-President, Clinical Operations, The Hospital for Sick Children

Karen is a senior healthcare leader with over 25 years of healthcare experience, including 18 years of leadership and management in paediatric academic health care. Karen has been with The Hospital for Sick Children for 28 years and currently oversees a portfolio that includes Ambulatory Services, Perioperative Services and Central Re-processing, Diagnostic Imaging, Paediatric Laboratory Medicine, Rehabilitation Services, Genetics and Rare Diseases Programs, and Clinical Informatics and Technology Programs, including telemedicine and the Ontario, Nunavut and Manitoba Poison Centres. She joined the Board of Directors at RMHC Toronto in 2019.

“Every day I see the impact of having RMHC Toronto available to families at SickKids. That ‘home away from home’ and the comfort it brings to families has been a consistent theme. Having a child in hospital is very stressful. Being far away from home compounds that stress. We are so lucky to have RMHC Toronto and I could not think of a better way to support families during one of the most challenging times of their family life.”

Jeff Kroll

Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, McDonald’s Canada

Jeff Kroll, Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer at McDonald’s Canada, is responsible for enabling business results and strategy for more than 1,400 McDonald’s restaurants from coast to coast to coast. Jeff began his career with McDonald’s in 1981 as a crew person in Montreal. He managed several restaurants in Montreal and the Toronto Rogers Centre (formerly SkyDome) before moving to the corporate head office.

Since 1990, Jeff has held a variety of positions within the Canadian McDonald’s system. He also spent three years in McDonald’s USA as Director, Business Affairs and Director, Global Business Affairs, before returning to Canada as the Director, Supply Chain.

Jeff was appointed to his current role at McDonald’s Canada in February 2021 and has served on the RMHC Toronto board since 2022.

“There’s an old saying that has stuck with me throughout my career with McDonald’s Canada – to whom much is given, much is expected. I truly believe that whoever has an opportunity to give back, should. It’s always been important for me to use my position to raise awareness of RMHC’s mission and positively impact the lives of families with sick children.”

Rocky Malfara

Vice President, GTS Financial Services, IBM Canada

Rocky is Vice President, GTS Financial Services for IBM Canada, where he leads an enterprise technology team supporting the design, build and run of the foundational systems for the Canadian financial services sector. He brings IBM industry-driven insights to enable clients to harness the value of cognitive computing and emerging technologies to address their specific market needs. Prior to his time at IBM, Rocky was Vice President, Business Optimization and Technology Practices at TD Bank where he led a team of professionals focused on optimizing the business performance of technology.

Rocky has over 20 years of leadership experience in finance, operations, sales, IT optimization and enterprise scale infrastructure and agile transformation. He holds a bachelor of Commerce from York University in addition to Chartered Professional Accountant and Certified Management Accountant designations. Rocky joined the RMHC Toronto Development Committee in 2016 and the RMHC Toronto Board in 2017.

“As a father of a young child living in Toronto, I have a heightened awareness of how fortunate we are to have access to a world class health-care community. I am overwhelmed by the magnitude of the impact a seriously ill child has on parents and the entire family and how that impact is compounded when the care that’s needed isn’t locally available. It is a privilege to contribute to an organization that provides respite and a home away from home for seriously ill children and their families.”

Brett Mooney

CEO & Country Manager, American Express Canada

Brett joined American Express Canada as CEO & Country Manager in January 2023. Brett has more than 20 years of experience in the financial services industry and leads the Canadian Executive Team, provides oversight for Amex’s business in Canada and serves on the Board of Directors. He also directly manages the company’s Consumer, Commercial, and Corporate businesses across marketing, acquisition, product development and insurance.

Prior to that, he was Regional President for TransUnion in Canada. Before joining TransUnion, Brett was the SVP and Head of Retail Cards and Unsecured Lending at Scotiabank responsible for developing and driving the overall strategic direction for the Canadian business. While at Scotiabank, Brett was also the Head of Digital Products where he created a new digital banking organization and led product development across 20 agile Teams and the sales function for Canada. Prior to that, Brett spent 13 years at American Express in the fields of risk, analytics, digital and product in Canada and across international markets.

Brett received an MBA from Kellogg School of Management & Schulich School of Business and graduated with Business Administration (Honours) from Wilfrid Laurier University.

Brett lives in Oakville, Ontario, and outside of work, enjoys spending time with his wife Nancy and two young children, Ethan and Chloe. He also enjoys mountain biking, snowboarding and travelling.

Brett joined the RMHC Toronto Board in 2022.

“I’m passionate about giving back to our communities and as a parent, I understand the importance of supporting families through difficult times. RMHC Toronto is an exceptional organization and I look forward to contributing to their mission to provide families with critical support when they need it most.”

Daniel Morgenstern

Staff Oncologist, The Hospital for Sick Children

Dr. Morgenstern is a Staff Oncologist at The Hospital for Sick Children and Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto. He originally qualified in the UK, but moved to Canada in 2016 to become Director of the New Agent and Innovative Therapy (NAIT) and Therapeutic mIBG Programs, and co-lead of the neuroblastoma service at SickKids. Dr Morgenstern’s clinical activities are focussed on neuroblastoma and solid tumour patients participating in early phase clinical trials. His research interests are in early phase trials and, in particular, the development of precision medicine approaches for paediatric solid tumours.

He lives in Toronto with his wife, Rheba, and two children.

“Many of the patients I care for at SickKids, particularly those accessing experimental therapies, come from elsewhere in Ontario, or even elsewhere in Canada. Having RMHC Toronto available to support these families while they are staying in Toronto is absolutely vital and I look forward to understanding more about RMHC Toronto and working to improve what we are able to offer to these (and other) families.”

Victor Rocca

Interim CEO, RMHC Toronto

Victor is Interim CEO of RMHC Toronto. Previously, he was Senior Vice President, ParaMed Home Health Care, a leading provider of home care and wellness solutions across Canada since 1974. Victor has a breadth of experience delivering impactful business results in leadership roles in Operations, Finance, and Real Estate Development for national organizations including Canadian Tire and McDonald’s Canada, where he was introduced to RMHC.

Victor believes in the power of strategic planning to drive results and has a strong reputation of enabling and empowering his teams. Acknowledged as a respected business partner and communicator, Victor has an exceptional ability to engage diverse groups and guide stakeholders through transformational change while making a positive impact on the business and its people. He has led the vision, strategy, and execution of several large-scale change initiatives. Victor also takes great pride in being purposeful, accountable, and challenging of the status quo.

Victor is a Chartered Accountant and holds a BBA (Hons) from Brock University. He previously served as Treasurer and Executive Board member of Ronald McDonald House Charities South Central Ontario.

“I believe RMHC Toronto plays an important role in helping families when they need it the most. As a husband and father with young children of my own, I truly feel for the parents and siblings going through this difficult time. RMHC Toronto is a safe haven for these families – to come together, support one another and find comfort and understanding. I am so proud to be part of RMHC Toronto and look forward to continuing to support the efforts to bring people together around the common goal of helping each other.”

Clara Shin

Senior Manager, Ernst & Young

Clara is a finance professional with over 12 years of assurance experience, known for her strategic mindset, resourcefulness, and proactive leadership style. Recognized for delivering exceptional results and accomplishing mandates, Clara has successfully led high-performing, cross-functional teams in major global audit engagements. She is passionate about nurturing and empowering her teams to unlock their full potential, fostering development and mentorship.

Clara possesses a collaborative management approach that excels in building consensus among diverse stakeholders. Her expertise spans complex accounting, mergers and acquisitions, financial reporting, audit, and governance and controls within the financial services industry.

Currently, Clara serves as a senior manager in EY’s Climate Change and Sustainability Services group. In this role, she provides strategic guidance to senior management, enabling them to create long-term value for their businesses. She specializes in identifying opportunities and risks in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies.

Beyond her professional achievements, Clara also chairs the RMHC Toronto Finance and Audit Committee, a role she has held since 2020.

“I believe proximity to healthcare services and quality care to sick children and their families are crucial especially during what is perhaps one of the most vulnerable times they will go through as a family. I deeply believe in the work that RMHC Toronto does and proud to be part of the positive impact this organization has in our great city.”

As a Chartered Public Accountant, Clara combines her financial expertise with her passion for making a difference, dedicated to driving meaningful change in the communities she serves.

Andrew Turnbull

Chief Transformation Officer, CIBC

Andrew is Senior Vice-President, Enterprise Strategy at CIBC, where he leads the development, resourcing and execution management of the bank’s global corporate strategy and priorities. He has held roles as CIBC’s Chief Transformation Officer; Senior Vice-President, CIBC Business Banking; Managing Director and President, CIBC Investor Services; as well as Chief Administrative Officer and Head, Strategy, CIBC Wealth Management.

Prior to joining CIBC, Andrew was with Oliver Wyman, a management consulting firm, based in New York and Toronto. Andrew is a diversity and inclusion champion. In 2018, he was named one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40. Andrew holds a BA Honours (Economics) from Queen’s University, is a CFA charterholder and serves on the Board of Governors of Havergal College.

Andrew lives in Toronto with his wife and three children. He was inspired to volunteer at RMHC Toronto after his family benefitted from the world-class facilities of SickKids and he sought to expand the hospital’s reach and positive impact through RMHC Toronto’s mission.

Committees

  • Jim Fennell (Co-Chair)
  • Denise Carpenter
  • Marcia Finlayson
  • Sherry Jong
  • Carolyn Hawthorn
  • Janis Duncan
  • Dayl Marks
  • Elke Rubach
  • Carolyn Saunders
  • Maureen Shaughnessy Kitts
  • Victor Rocca, Interim CEO
  • Melissa DeMers – Staff
  • Clara Shin (Chair)
  • Denise Carpenter
  • Aric Bhargava
  • Gerry Dimakopoulos
  • Anthony Faiella
  • David Gluck
  • Rosie Sardo
  • Victor Rocca, Interim CEO
  • Candice Gurwitz – Staff
  • Kenneth Wong – Staff
  • Michelle Chaisson (Chair)
  • Denise Carpenter
  • Aric Bhargava
  • Victor Rocca, Interim CEO
  • Anthony Faiella (Chair)
  • Glen Campbell
  • Denise Carpenter
  • Leanne Carravaggio
  • Ted Conrod
  • John Di Re
  • George Ganas
  • Bruce Harrop
  • Andrew Hoffman
  • Stuart Morrow
  • Henry A. Rachfalowski
  • Thierry Vallée
  • Victor Rocca, Interim CEO
  • Candice Gurwitz – Staff
  • Kenneth Wong – Staff
  • Rocky Malfara (Co-Chair)
  • Denise Carpenter
  • Gerard Dunphy
  • Ryan Garrett
  • Radu Gherghel
  • Alex Woda
  • Victor Rocca, Interim CEO
  • Jennifer Clinton – Staff
  • Candice Gurwitz (Co-Chair)
  • Kenneth Wong – Staff
  • Karen Kinnear (Co-Chair)
  • Denise Carpenter
  • David Brownstone
  • Pam Hubley
  • Natalie Kennedy
  • Daniel Morgenstern
  • Janet Proctor
  • Victor Rocca, Interim CEO
  • Jacquie Ferguson (Co-Chair)
  • Candice Gurwitz – Staff
  • Stephen Knight – Staff
  • Rebecca Hoffer (Co-Chair)
  • Laura Ross (Co-Chair)
  • Denisa Balana
  • Caroline Dicosmo
  • Jessa Leidl
  • Sarah MacNicol
  • Geoff Martin
  • Connor Rowland
  • Terri Schneider
  • Vivan Sadeh
  • Chloe Stanois
  • Jami Tutton
  • Asad Zuberi
  • Melissa DeMers – Staff
  • Jillian Lynch – Staff