Governance

Anna Tosto is a partner at Fasken LLP, an international law firm with offices primarily in Canada and has been since 2009. Her practice focuses on corporate law matters including lending, mergers and acquisitions and strategic partnerships primarily in the technology, transportation, agriculture and life sciences sectors.

Beyond her professional life, Anna has made volunteering a priority. She is an active volunteer in child advocacy issues and international children’s rights including with respect to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and Canada’s ratification of that Convention. In her roles with UNICEF and relating to the Convention, she was privileged to be able to travel throughout Canada to speak with organizations for which children’s rights are important.

Anna is a member of the Canadian Bar Association, the Law Society of Upper Canada, the Canadian Transportation Lawyers Association and the Transportation Lawyers Association (US).

Allison Seymour is currently an Executive VP – Strategy and Partnerships at the Canadian Medical Association and President of the CMA Foundation.  In these two roles, Allison has accountability for strategy evolution and oversight, innovation, insights and analytics, digital health, stakeholder relations and partnerships, enterprise giving strategy, including philanthropic and other transformative giving initiatives.  With over 25 years’ experience, Allison brings expertise in the areas of leadership, governance, strategy, innovation, analytics and partnerships 

Outside of her professional career, Allison has been president and chair of the Manor Park Community Council.

Allison has a Masters of Business Administration and holds an Institute of Corporate Directors Designation (ICD.D). 

Retired Assistant Deputy Minister and consultant, Brian Pagan is skilled in policy development, the budgeting and expenditure management process, performance measurement, results reporting, coaching and leading large teams.

Brian has a wide range of experience in the expenditure management process, having served as deputy assistant commissioner of finance for the Canada Revenue Agency, director of fiscal policy at the Department of Finance, deputy chief financial officer at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and assistant secretary, Expenditure Management at the Treasury Board Secretariat. He began his public service career in procurement and material management at the Department of National Defense in 1987.

Brian has a graduate degree in public administration from Carleton University and is a CPA, CMA.

Charles Vincent is currently Assistant Deputy Minister, Industry Sector at the Department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development. Prior to that role, he held other executive positions in the Department, including Small Business and Marketplace Services, and at the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat.

Outside of his professional career, Charles is actively involved in several community initiatives and served on the board of a local independent living residence.

Charles holds a master’s degree in public policy from Harvard.

Catherine MacQuarrie’s career comprises a range of experience and expertise in media, public service, and Indigenous governance. Over 26 years as a public servant, Catherine held increasingly senior leadership positions—including 14 years as Assistant Deputy Minister in several departments and central agencies in the Government of Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories. Recently retired from government, she is now pursuing a life-long ambition to help advance First Nations’ self-government, with a leadership role in the Rebuilding First Nations Governance project (RFNG).

Catherine is Métis, born in Alberta and raised in the Northwest Territories. In the early part of her career, she worked as a reporter, editor and then executive director at NCS NWT, a non-profit Indigenous media organization. She is a Fellow of Carleton University’s School of Public Policy and Administration and holds a master’s degree in public administration and policy from the University of Ottawa.

Deborah Tunis brings over 40 years of leadership experience in the Canadian public service in a variety of policy areas, including the areas of immigration, international trade, social development and housing. In 2015, Ms. Tunis was named Special Coordinator for Syrian Refugee Resettlement, helping to lead the initiative that welcomed tens of thousands of Syrian refugees to Canada. In this key role, she coordinated provinces, municipalities, settlement agencies, donors and others to provide supports to Syrian refugees.

She has a Bachelor of Journalism from Carleton, a Master of Public Administration from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, and an Advanced Management Program from Oxford University.

Deanna Tremblay has worked in education for almost 30 years as classroom teacher, instructional coach and the last six years as a vice principal within the Ottawa Catholic School Board.  In her many roles within the school board, she has worked collaboratively with colleagues and community to implement programs and resources to support children, youth and families in and outside of the school setting.

A graduate of the University of Manitoba, she is a lifelong learner who is always looking for ways to improve and try new things.

Dannielle is the Clinical Director of Transform Together, Inc., and has been a Registered Social Worker for over 24 years, with robust lived and professional experience within the adoption and permanence community. Her private clinical practice is particularly focused on post adoption supports for families as well as mental health issues the Black community faces in Ottawa. Dannielle brings her medical social work experience to her volunteer work, particularly in health outcome measurement and evaluation, as well as relational cultural facilitation.

Dannielle is born and raised in Ottawa, where she and her husband are raising three young adults.

Jean Saint-Vil is a former senior executive who retired from the Canadian Public Service in
2023, after three decades working with the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research
Council of Canada (NSERC). He held various positions at NSERC, including Associate Vice-
President in charge of the Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) and Director of Policy
and International Relations.

Over the years, particularly, as member of the NSERC Executive Committee, Mr. Saint-Vil worked with leaders of the Canadian Science and Technology system, including executive heads of the three granting agencies: the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) and NSERC. Mr. Saint-Vil has served as Americas Region Representative on the Global Research Council’s Executive Support Group (ESG) and Canadian Representative on the OECD’s Global Science Forum.

Between 2019 and 2023, Mr. Saint-Vil was on detachment with McGill University serving as
Special Advisor to the Vice-Principal, Research and Innovation. Since retiring, Mr. Saint-Vil expanded his ongoing volunteer contributions with local as well as international organizations. He served as mentor with the International Network for Governmental Science Advice (INGSA-Africa), radio host: Bouyon-Rasin (CHUO FM, Ottawa U), Rendez-vous Haitien (CKCU FM, Carleton U), board member with the Children Aid Society of
Ottawa (CASO), Organisme culturel et sportif Bolides d’Ottawa, AKASAN. Mr. Saint-vil
publishes regularly on his tri-lingual blog (Jafrikayiti.com) focused on social justice, history,
Haitian politics and pan-African solidarity.

A father of two, Jean Saint-Vil lives with his family in Ottawa-Gatineau.

Larry Langlois brings a wealth of experience in strategy, science and engineering, and legal fields to the Board of Directors. With over 27 years in the Canadian Armed Forces, Larry has held leadership roles on both national and international stages, including positions in Afghanistan and with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). In his current role with the Canadian Military Prosecution Service, he oversees nationwide prosecution services, managing a diverse team of legal professionals.

Larry’s dedication to justice and equity is highlighted by his commitment to trauma-informed and culturally sensitive practices in prosecuting sexual violence cases in both Canadian criminal justice systems. His contributions were recognized with Justice Canada’s Excellence in Legal Practice and Victim Support Award, presented by the federal Minister of Justice.

Beyond his professional duties, Larry is dedicated to volunteering and serves on the board of the Canadian Juries Commission. He is a member of the Law Society of Ontario and holds multiple degrees, including a master of science, a bachelor’s degree in engineering, and dual law degrees (J.D. and LL.L).

Mashooda Syed is a dynamic leader, dedicated advocate, and accomplished business professional with a strong track record in community engagement, government relations, and property management. With extensive experience in strategic planning, public relations, and fundraising, she has been instrumental in advancing various social and charitable initiatives.

As the Government & Community Relations Advisor at Sakeenah Homes, Mashooda plays a pivotal role in advocacy and outreach, supporting vulnerable communities. She has also spearheaded numerous philanthropic efforts, including founding Ottawa’s first Muslim women’s shelter and leading fundraising initiatives for food security and refugee support programs.

Her commitment to community service has been recognized with multiple prestigious awards, including the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Award, the King Charles III Coronation Medeal and the Senate of Canada’s 150th Award. As a board member, Mashooda brings her passion for social impact, leadership experience, and dedication to empowering individuals and communities.

Michael has a variety of experience in the social services sector in Ottawa. Michael worked in the Frontline Services area with the Ottawa Mission for several years, while also working for various organizations during that same period, including Stepping Stones Foster Care and the John Howard Society in frontline roles.

Michael then worked for several years for the City of Ottawa in the Employment and Social Services area, working in various client facing and managerial roles in ESS, including playing a role in the creation of the Catherine St Community Service Hub, and playing a key role in the City of Ottawa’s temporary shelter activation in response to the COVID-19 crisis.

A graduate of Carleton University, Michael has a passion for creative solutions to complex problems, and ensuring that community programs are tailored to meet the needs of the entire community.

Nicola Moodie is a Sargent with the Professional Standards Unit of the Ottawa Police Services and has been in policing for over 23 years. She brings a wealth of experience and was a member of the Intimate Partner Violence Unit and the Sexual Assault & Child Abuse team before transferring to the Professional Standards Unit. She also has board experience, with Immigrant Women’s Services, Ottawa.

Nicola was born in Jamaica and immigrated to Canada. 

Vanessa has dedicated her career to developing her expertise in administration. She has had the honour of learning from a diverse group of leaders, including Chiefs, Band Managers, and CEOs, beginning as an executive assistant and advancing into managerial roles. Vanessa values collaboration, cooperation, and, most importantly, communication.

An Ojibway from Whitefish River First Nation in Ontario, Vanessa grew up in her home community, where her parents instilled in her strong values, principles, and traditions. She has been residing in Ottawa since 2008, with a brief return to her community in 2015 to work there. In 2018, she moved back to Ottawa to join the Assembly of First Nations and currently works with the Aboriginal Sport Circle as the Interim Executive Director.

Vanessa is the President of the Board of Directors for the Odawa Native Friendship Centre, a position she has held since May 2021. She is deeply inspired by the knowledge and wisdom of Elders and Knowledge Keepers and is motivated by the spirit of the youth. She believes that everyone has valuable contributions to make and actively seeks input from diverse voices. Though still young, Vanessa remains committed to growing and learning from all those around her and from those who have influenced her throughout her life.