The March of Dimes Canada (MODC) Board of Directors draws its members from across Canada and is comprised of industry leaders from both for-profit and not-for-profit sectors, all of whom are dedicated to improving the lives of persons with disabilities through MODC’s wide offering of programs and services.
2024-2025 Board of Directors, March of Dimes Canada
Lee Bennett
Chair of the Board
Appointed in 2024, Lee Bennett is the Chair of the March of Dimes Canada’s Board of Directors. She has been with the Board of Directors since 2022.
A senior executive with more than 30 years of experience working for global financial organizations, Lee has a strong investment background, having led two Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada regulated brokerage firms, a financial planning business, and a self-directed brokerage business. Lee holds a BA Degree from Western University, as well as a Partners, Directors, and Senior Officers designation from the Canadian Securities Institute.
A strong advocate who has lived experience helping family members living with disability, Lee has served as chair of TD Wealth’s People with Disabilities Committee, and as a board member of Lime Connect, a global not-for-profit organization rebranding disabilities through achievements.
Graham Todd
Vice-Chair
Graham Todd’s position as a leading healthcare entrepreneur in Manitoba is what led him to his current role with March of Dimes Canada. He has been with the Board of Directors since 2017.
Graham’s passion for brain injury and prevention is what initially grabbed his attention. MODC aligns well with his current work as President of the Manitoba Brain Injury Association, and with his Brain Injury Canada Board position.
Graham’s commitment to the brain injury and disability communities comes from his time in competitive equestrian and rugby, which led to him experiencing concussions and other injuries. Through his board work and coaching youth in fitness and rugby, he wants to bring these issues to the forefront in Canada, with the goal of leveraging private and government partnerships and programs to establish networks for survivors. Graham would like to get further support for those living with the ongoing effects of brain injuries.
Jay Hira
Immediate Past Chair
Jay R. Hira has been involved with March of Dimes Canada’s Board of Directors since 2019.
Holding both MBA and MA Degrees from the State University of New York at Binghamton, Jay recently completed the Institute of Corporate Directors and the Rotman School of Management Not-For-Profit Governance Essentials Program, in addition to The Chang School of Continuing Education’s DiverseCity program, as part of the Board governance training program. Jay worked for Easter Seals in both the U.S. and Canada before joining RBC. He worked at RBC for 25 years, where he held progressively senior roles before retiring in 2021.
Jay has a long history of community service, having held the role of Treasurer for the Canadian Aboriginal Minority Supplier Council and Vice President of Strategy for Ascend Canada’s board of directors. He was also an active participant in RBC’s employee giving campaigns.
Michael Cole
Secretary
Michael joined March of Dimes Canada’s Board in 2011, bringing to our work 30 years of leadership experience in the technology industry. He currently serves as Board Secretary, as well as Co-Chair of our annual Changemakers Supper Club event. Michael is the Chief Information Officer of LifeLabs, leading the organization’s Information Technology team. Prior to that, he spent 13 years as Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Bell Canada. Michael holds an MBA from the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Business and a BA in Economics from Princeton University. He has also spent the last 20 years giving back to his community as a member of various Boards. As the parent of a child with cerebral palsy, Michael is committed to our vision of a barrier-free future.
Alvin Sharma
Treasurer
Appointed to March of Dimes Canada’s Board in 2022, Alvin Sharma is the Treasurer, as well as the Chair of the Finance Committee. Alvin is the Global Chief Financial Officer at Foresters Financial. Alvin has a wide breadth of experience across a number of areas including corporate finance, investments, global treasury, and capital management, as well as regulatory and rating agency management. Alvin also has extensive life insurance and asset management experience in the U.S., the U.K., and Canada.
A Chartered Accountant (U.K.) and a CFA Charter holder, Alvin also holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Warwick (U.K.) and an MBA Degree from the University of Michigan.
Wilfred Au
Director
Wilfred (Wil) Au has been involved with the March of Dimes Canada since 2021and is currently the Chair of the Risk and Audit Committee and a member of the Board of Directors.
Wil is an accomplished finance executive, with over 20 years of experience across a wide variety of areas and industries, and is currently with the TD Bank Group. Prior to joining TD, Wil practiced public accounting with Deloitte & Touche LLP.
Wil also serves on the Board at Oak Valley Health as a Community Member and is a passionate supporter of Inclusion and Diversity. Wil is a Chartered Professional Accountant and holds an MBA from the Schulich School of Business and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Toronto.
Lauri Brunner
Director
Lauri Brunner has been a long-time volunteer and passionate advocate for people with disabilities. Lauri joined March of Dimes Canada’s Board of Directors in 2015. As a champion for equity and inclusion, she was instrumental in establishing the nation’s first incentivized, on-demand, Wheelchair Accessible Taxi program that operates 24/7 in Calgary.
With experience in legislative review and input, Lauri helps ensure that governments and organizations are developing public policy that values and implements full accessibility. In 2023, she was appointed to a federal government technical committee (established under the Accessible Canada Act) to assist in drafting standards for accessible travel. Lauri remains active in her community with organizations affiliated with her own disability. In her professional life, she was President of Paralee Property Tax Consultants Ltd. Lauri received her Certified Association Executive designation in 1993.
Anne Fithern
Director
Anne Fithern joined our Board of Directors in 2023. Prior to this, she also served on our Compensation and Human Resources Committee in 2022, and most recently assumed the role of chair of the committee. Anne’s interest in March of Dimes Canada is the result of her surviving a brain arteriovenous malformation (brain AVM). As a result of brain AVM, Anne has had to relearn — as an adult — how to walk, talk, read, and write. Unrelated to her experiencing brain AVM, Anne subsequently had a stroke, which has resulted in lived experiences that have affirmed her belief in the importance of March of Dimes Canada’s purpose, vision, and mission.
Anne holds more than 25 years of experience in the financial sector, specifically working at RBC in finance and human resources. She retired from RBC in 2018, where she served as Vice President, Compensation. Anne holds an MBA from Clark University and a BA from Concordia University.
Michael Foulds
Director
Michael Foulds joined March of Dimes Canada’s Board of Directors in 2021.
Michael is a partner with a leading litigation law firm in Toronto. He is also a member of the Advocates’ Society and the Ontario and Canadian Bar Associations. He received his Honours BA Degree in Economics from the University of Guelph, and his LLB from Dalhousie University. Michael is an editor-in-chief for a leading litigation text, Watson & McGowan Ontario Civil Practice, which is published annually.
Originally from Thunder Bay, Michael lives in Toronto with his wife and children, and can often be found at the arena supporting his daughter with competitive hockey or supporting his son when he’s swimming at Variety Village. As the parent of a child diagnosed with cerebral palsy, Michael understands the importance of March of Dimes Canada’s work and the fact that people with disabilities have varied strengths and needs.
Wendy Kauffman
Director
Wendy Kauffman has served as a member of March of Dimes Canada’s Board of Directors since 2018. A 20-year veteran of the communications field, Wendy is the founder of Wendolyn Reputation Management, which focuses on crisis communications; environmental social and corporate governance communications; and spokesperson training. Her work extends to the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors across the country.
Before starting her consulting practice, Wendy was Vice President, Reputation Management, for a public relations agency, managing communications for companies ranging from startups to global brands.
Wendy holds a BA Degree from Western University, a Diversity and Inclusion Certificate from Cornell University, and completed the University of Alberta’s Indigenous Canada course.
Wendy is also a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors.
Alan Lipszyc
Director
Alan Lipszyc has been a member of March of Dimes Canada’s Board of Directors since 2013.
Now retired, Alan is an experienced financial accounting executive who has worked in public companies within the automotive industry and, most recently, with one of the largest private mechanical sub-contractors in Ontario.
Alan also serves his community as Co-Chair of the Dialogue for Descendants Committee, which forms a part of the Sarah and Chaim Neuberger Holocaust Education Centre at the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto.
Wendy Murphy
Director
Appointed in 2023, Wendy Murphy is a member of March of Dimes Canada's Board of Directors.
Wendy has enjoyed a trail-blazing career as a model, actress, and broadcaster who uses a wheelchair. Since sustaining a spinal cord injury as a young adult, she has worked tirelessly to change perceptions of disability and make a difference in people’s lives. She’s probably best known as a weekend host at City TV, but recently became a published author with the release of her memoir.
Wendy now applies her skills and lived experience to her work as a Health Coach throught the University of Toronto, where she guides other people with spinal cord injury in making healthy choices. That experience will also inform her work with March of Dimes Canada.
Sheila Neuburger
Director
Sheila Neuburger is currently working with the Consent and Capacity Board as a part-time adjudicator, and is an active surveyor with Accreditation Canada. Sheila has extensive leadership experience in the healthcare industry including acute care, specialty hospitals, and community-based organizations. She is currently a Board member at Hill House Hospice, as well as the President of the Board for the Toronto section of the National Council of Jewish Women, a charitable organization focused on women’s issues.
Sheila is the former Executive Vice President, Clinical Services, at Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences (Ontario Shores), where she provided clinical operations and strategic leadership for all inpatient and outpatient programs. She is also a past member of the Board of Directors, and past Chair of the Quality, Safety and Risk Committee at Mackenzie Health. Sheila holds a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Toronto, and has additional education in healthcare management, quality, and safety.
Pankaj Puri
Director
Pankaj Puri specializes in governance, internal auditing, and enterprise risk management. He has significant experience at the executive level, having served as Chief Internal Auditor at TD Bank, CIBC, and Old Mutual Financial Network. Pankaj is currently the President of Independent Internal Audit Services Inc. and provides consulting services for several financial institutions. He is a member of the Board at Rogers Bank, where he also serves as Chair of the Risk Committee. Pankaj also serves as Trustee of Helping Hands International.
Pankaj’s past experience includes serving on the Canada Employment Insurance Financing Board as Chair of the Audit Committee and Investment and Actuarial Services Committee member. Pankaj is a qualified Chartered Accountant (CA) in the United Kingdom, and a Chartered Professional Accountant and CA in Ontario. He lives in Toronto, Ontario with his wife and two daughters.
Blair Roblin
Director
Since he joined March of Dimes Canada’s Board of Directors in 2004, Blair Roblin has held a variety of roles, including Vice-Chair, Board Chair, and Past Chair.
Blair has advised on mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, and business valuations with several Canadian financial advisory firms. He is also a lawyer practicing in the mental health field, and a researcher in seniors’ residential care. He holds a PhD in Health Services Research from the University of Toronto, an MA Degree in Critical Disability Studies from York University, an MBA Degree from York University, and an LLB from Western University.
Blair has served organizations including the Stroke Recovery Association of British Columbia and Halton Healthcare. He has also volunteered his time in palliative care.
Jeff Sparks
Director
Jeff Sparks has served on March of Dimes Canada’s Board of Directors since 2021. He has held the senior leadership position of Director of Volunteer Engagement and Human Resources with Muscular Dystrophy Canada since 2005. Jeff has more than 25 years of experience in human resources, volunteer engagement, governance, not-for-profit leadership, accessible transit, home care, disability advocacy, and diversity and inclusion.
Diagnosed at 10 months of age with spinal muscular atrophy, Jeff has lived experience as a person with a disability. He is a strong self-advocate who manages his own 24/7 attendant care and is an advocate for other people with disabilities.
Jeff has acted as Chairperson of the New Brunswick Premier’s Council on the Status of Disabled Persons, is Past President of the Saint John Ability Advisory Committee, and is a member of the New Brunswick Disability Executives Network. For the last three decades, Jeff has been presented with a variety of awards and honours, including the University of New Brunswick’s Alumni Award of Distinction, The Rick Hansen Man in Motion Relay Medal Bearer, a YMCA Young Person to Watch, and the Terry Fox Humanitarian Award.
Victoria Brydon
Director
Appointed in 2024 to the March of Dimes Canada’s Board of Directors, Victoria is an experienced Board Director who brings 20+ years of progressive and broad business executive experience in the technology industry, specifically cross functional leadership with leading edge, change making technologies. Throughout her career, most recently as the Chief People Officer of a US public technology company and now as a Fractional Business Consultant, Victoria works cross functionally providing executive oversight of business and people strategy and driving holistic operational excellence. Victoria has experience from pre-IPO to public, total rewards, strategic planning, international acquisitions, offshoring, and culture integration. Victoria holds a Master of Business Administration from Royal Roads University, and a Bachelor of Commerce from Queen’s University.
Victoria also serves as a Director and Past Chair of The British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SPCA), one of the largest animal welfare organizations of its kind in North America and was previously a Director with Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver.
Jennifer Schmidt
Director
Jennifer Schmidt is an exceptional professional who recently joined the esteemed Board of March of Dimes Canada in 2024. With an impressive track record in the healthcare industry, Jennifer currently holds the position of Partner in the Health practice of Mercer Canada and serves as the Innovation Leader for Mercer Marsh Benefits™ Canada.
Throughout her career, Jennifer has consistently demonstrated expertise as a trusted advisor, specializing in group insurance and HR practices. Her strategic acumen and extensive knowledge make her an invaluable asset to the Board of March of Dimes Canada. Jennifer holds an Honours Bachelor of Mathematics, majoring in Statistics and Business Administration from the University of Waterloo, and a Certified Employee
Benefits Specialist designation from Dalhousie University.
Beyond her professional achievements, Jennifer's personal experience as a caregiver for individuals with traumatic brain injuries, PTSD, and other invisible disabilities gives her a deep understanding and unwavering passion for helping people live their best lives.
With her exceptional skill set, industry knowledge, and dedication, Jennifer Schmidt is poised to make a profound impact on the mission and vision of March of Dimes Canada. Her appointment to the Board is a testament to her outstanding qualifications and commitment to improving the lives of others.
Committee Members
Risk & Audit Committee
Wilfred Au, Chair
Arif Dar
Bal Lochab
Pankaj Puri
Nisha Shankar
Finance Committee
Alvin Sharma, Chair
Justin Wang. Vice Chair
Rachel Burn
Steve Kuwahara
Alan Lipszyc
Emily Miedema
Pension Sub-Committee
(Reporting to the Finance Committee)
Sylvie Methot, Chair
Irteza Cheema
Deborah McMillan
Barbara Walancik-Hatch
Investment Sub-Committee
(Reporting to Finance Committee)
Gary Martini-Wong, Chair
Lee Bennett
Jennifer Nowski
Soami Kohly
Governance Committee
Lee Bennett, Chair
Carolyn Ayson
Lauri Brunner
Linda Craig
Sheila Neuburger
Emerson Savage
Graham Todd
CEO Evaluation Committee
Lee Bennett, Chair
Graham Todd, Vice-Chair
Jay Hira, Immediate Past Chair
Michael Cole, Secretary
Anne Fithern, Compensation & HR Committee, Chair
Compensation and HR Committee
Anne Fithern, Chair
Jo-Ann Geisbrecht
Marion Halmos
Jennifer Schmidt
Parbudyal Singh
Jeff Sparks
Elaine Stawinski
Nominating Committee
Wendy Kauffman, Chair
Victoria Brydon
Wendy Murphy
Sheila Neuburger
Blair Roblin
Jeff Sparks
Real Estate Advisory Committee
Shawn Oakley, Chair
Angelo Di Palma
Hersh Joshi
Alan Lipszyc
Cameron Whale
