OUR TEAM

Since 2010, Alison has brought a wealth of experience to NSD in non-profit corporate governance, communications, marketing, and business development. As Director, Brand & Engagement for the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, her portfolio also includes branding and media relations. Alison volunteers as a firefighter/FMR with Redwood Meadows Emergency Services and holds certification in Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) in Individual and Group Crisis Intervention.

Colin has over 40 years of business experience in developing corporate strategy and company culture. With a deep background in Human Resources he has led a variety of functional teams in the areas of Environment, Health and Safety; Corporate Communications; Information Technology, Finance/Accounting, Marketing, Building Services and Sustainability. He has held executive positions with Newalta, Black Diamond Group Limited and Deloitte. Colin is a Business Administration graduate from Mount Royal University with a Master’s Degree in Organizational Management from the Fielding Institute in California. He is a strong believer in giving back to the community and has over 15 years of not for profit board experience having served as both a Dire

Since 2018, Breanna brings her extensive experience in the not-for-profit and healthcare industries. She leverages her government experience after spending time working in Ottawa on Parliament Hill. She received her Master’s degree from the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs in 2010 and has since done work on the research and development of the Human Rights Report for India. She also helped develop the corporate engagement and grants department with the WE Charity group.

After previously serving as Treasurer on the Board from 2012–2017, Graham rejoined in 2022. He brings significant experience in the areas of business and finance from over 20 years as a professional accountant in a number of industries including transportation, retail and logistics. Graham’s previous Board experience includes the Clarington Minor Hockey Association, Royal St. George’s College Alumni Association, and the Acadia Alumni Association.

Joining the Board of Directors in 2016, Adam brings years of experience in helping small organizations quickly grow. After receiving his MBA from the Schulich School of Business, Adam has spent the past decade in senior management roles in the healthcare field, serving diverse patient groups with unique needs. He has previously organized fundraisers for NSD raising over $40,000, and supports a grassroots charity working with young adults with developmental disabilities.

Leif has been fundraising and volunteering with NSD since 2012 and officially joined the board of directors in 2022. Leif brings with him extensive finance and banking experience, having worked in multiple lines of business across Canada with the Bank of Montreal. A graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University, Leif resides in Waterloo where he works as an Investment Advisor with BMO Nesbitt Burns. In addition to serving on the board of NSD, he also serves on the board for the Waterloo chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters. In his free time, you can expect to find him spending time with his NSD VIP, Cello.

Bringing her experience in HR consulting and executive recruitment, Nicole joined the Board in 2023. She has extensive experience in the not-for-profit sector and currently acts on the executive talent acquisition team at lululemon. She has received her MBA from the University of British Columbia Sauder School of Business. Nicole was previously a volunteer snowboard instructor with the Canadian Association for Disabled Skiing (CADS), and a foster dog parent with Endless Pawsibilities Rescue Society until she foster failed with her husky mix, Flanders.

Joe joined the Board of Directors in 2024. Born and raised in Waterloo Region, he received his undergraduate degree from The University of Western Ontario before spending his next 17 years in the commercial property casualty insurance business, the last 9 of which he has been co-principal of a Waterloo brokerage. As a past President of the Insurance Brokers Association of Waterloo Region, as well as Finance and Resource Development committee member for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Waterloo Region, he brings his experience to NSD with a focus on governance, culture and risk management. He also has two dogs, Chance and Wrigley.

Lisa Callaghan is the CEO for asrTrust, responsible for managing both the health benefits plan for 70,000 retired unionized auto workers and a multi billion-dollar portfolio to fund these benefits. An expert in health and wealth insurance, Lisa brings significant experience in strategy, risk management, product development, marketing and data analytics to her board roles. Lisa received concurrent undergraduate degrees in Science and Physical Education from Queen’s University, a Master’s of Science in Biomechanics from the University of Waterloo and an MBA from Wilfrid Laurier University. Lisa holds her ICD.D designation, is a certified change management practitioner, and currently sits on the Advisory Board of PMG Intelligence.

In her role as Special Advisor to NSD’s Board of Directors, Dr. Bowcott brings a portfolio of education centred around veterinary medicine. A certified DVM and owner of a small animal practice in Oxford County, Dr. Bowcott contributes her expertise to numerous animal welfare agencies including several humane societies, and Friends of the Orphans Canada. Dr. Jackie and her husband live in rural Ontario with their children and menagerie of animals including dogs, cats, horses, cattle, and chickens.