RA Board of Directors
2026-2028
|
Brian MacPherson
Chair For 40 years Brian has lifted people and communities up through recreation, sport and wellness programs, services and events. Brian has led the development and execution of 7 Strategic Plans for national sport organizations, achieving deliverables ahead of schedule and under budget. |
Brian has led government advocacy campaigns and served on federal government taskforces for Sport for Persons with a Disability Policy, Hosting International Sport Events Policy and the Child Fitness Tax Credit. He’s volunteered for sport events and organizations in Ottawa including the 2001 & 2021 Canada Games Bids, 2000 Canadian Special Olympic Winter and Sport Program Advisory Committee member at Algonquin College. Brian is a Canadian Disability Hall of Fame inductee, received an Award of Distinction from the Sponsorship Marketing Council of Canada and is a recipient of a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. Brian holds a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and business administration, is married with 2 sons and has resided in
Ottawa since 1989.
Ottawa since 1989.
|
Bruce Miller
Vice-Chair As a Senior Canadian Government Official, Bruce was responsible for the CRTC’s overall direction in the areas of Information Management and Information Technology. In his 33+ year Public Service career, Bruce worked in various departments, in addition to two years in the private sector. Throughout his civil service career, Bruce contributed to several interdepartmental committees. He is an excellent collaborator with extensive experience working on advisory boards. In 2015, Bruce was the GC Workplace Charity Campaign Departmental Co-Champion for the CRTC. |
Bruce has extensive volunteer experience. He has served as Chairman of the 1996 Canadian Badminton Championships; Co-Chairman of the 1988 Canadian Badminton Championships; RA Badminton Club Executive, serving six years (three as Chairman); served on the organizing committee member of two International sporting events, and chaired several RA Summer Open events. Bruce was also instrumental in working with Badminton Canada and others to ensure that the Sport of Badminton had a strong internet presence starting in 1996.
Bruce first joined the RA in 1975 and have been a member of the RA Junior Curling Club, a Worksite Fitness Facility, LifeFIT, RA Tennis Club, Rideau Tennis Club (when part of the RA organization), and the RA Badminton Club. In 1988, He was honoured to receive the RA Badminton Club Lifetime Membership Award, in recognition of his volunteer efforts.
Since joining the RA Board of Directors in 2017, Bruce has served on a number of Board committees including co-chairing the Strategic Planning Committee. He currently holds the position of Vice-Chair (since March 2022).
Bruce first joined the RA in 1975 and have been a member of the RA Junior Curling Club, a Worksite Fitness Facility, LifeFIT, RA Tennis Club, Rideau Tennis Club (when part of the RA organization), and the RA Badminton Club. In 1988, He was honoured to receive the RA Badminton Club Lifetime Membership Award, in recognition of his volunteer efforts.
Since joining the RA Board of Directors in 2017, Bruce has served on a number of Board committees including co-chairing the Strategic Planning Committee. He currently holds the position of Vice-Chair (since March 2022).
|
James Anderson
A government relations, public affairs and strategic communications consultant, James has been involved in Ottawa’s political and public policy arenas since the 1980s. Through various roles inside and outside government, he has provided strategic counsel and policy analysis to prime ministers, premiers, cabinet ministers, deputy ministers, and business, NGO and municipal leaders. During his time in politics, James managed and/or worked on many campaigns and served as a senior advisor to several Cabinet Ministers, including the Ministers of Human Resources Development, Health, International Trade and Foreign Affairs. |
James has also been involved in political media since 2010, initially as co-founder of iPolitics and later as a partner at National Newswatch. He has coached in local sports leagues, chaired community association boards, and led local fundraising initiatives.
He is a long-time RA member, and a squash and tennis player. Currently he is enjoying an addiction to padel, a sport for which he sits on the national association board.
He is a long-time RA member, and a squash and tennis player. Currently he is enjoying an addiction to padel, a sport for which he sits on the national association board.
|
Mitchell Besner
Mitchell retired from the practice of law at the end of 2025, following a 35-year career in private practice. A graduate of the University of Ottawa in both Common Law and Civil Law, he practiced in the areas of real estate, wills and estates, and corporate law, representing both for-profit and not-for-profit corporations. In addition to his legal career, Mitchell served on the United Way of Ottawa’s Planned Giving Advisory Committee and on the board of directors of the Diefenbunker, Canada’s Cold War Museum. During his tenure on the Diefenbunker’s board, including as vice-president, he helped oversee the organization’s transition to the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act. |
Mitchell was a member of the RA for approximately 20 years and played in the RA Centre men’s ice hockey league. His family also enjoyed many summer afternoons at the swimming pool. Mitchell is an RA Association Member. Appreciative of the exceptional outdoor recreation available in and around Ottawa, Mitchell enjoys cycling, running, cross-country skiing, and golf. He has also been an active curler for the past 15 years.
|
Graham Bird
Graham Bird, P.Eng. is a respected Ottawa-based engineer, development executive, and community leader with nearly four decades of experience in project management, real estate development, and public-private partnerships. He is the President and CEO of the GBA Group, a firm specializing in complex development, infrastructure, and institutional projects. |
Throughout his career, Graham has played a leadership role in many of Ottawa's most significant redevelopment and infrastructure projects, including the redevelopment of Lansdowne Park, the development of Rogers Centre, World Exchange Plaza, the Canada Post Headquarters, the development of the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, and the new campus development of The Ottawa Hospital.
A graduate of Queen's University in Applied Science and a Professional Engineer, Graham has combined technical expertise with strong leadership in both the public and private sectors. Earlier in his career, he served as a Councillor for Ottawa and the former Regional Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton, establishing a long-standing commitment to civic engagement and community development.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Graham is widely recognized for his volunteerism and community service. He has served as Chair of the Ottawa Board of Trade and held leadership roles on boards including the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, National Arts Centre and Operation Come Home. In recognition of his contributions to the community, he received the Order of Ottawa in 2018 and the Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers in 2016.
Known for his collaborative leadership style and dedication to building a stronger Ottawa, Graham continues to be an influential figure in the region's development, infrastructure, healthcare, and community sectors. Graham is an RA Association Member.
A graduate of Queen's University in Applied Science and a Professional Engineer, Graham has combined technical expertise with strong leadership in both the public and private sectors. Earlier in his career, he served as a Councillor for Ottawa and the former Regional Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton, establishing a long-standing commitment to civic engagement and community development.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Graham is widely recognized for his volunteerism and community service. He has served as Chair of the Ottawa Board of Trade and held leadership roles on boards including the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, National Arts Centre and Operation Come Home. In recognition of his contributions to the community, he received the Order of Ottawa in 2018 and the Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers in 2016.
Known for his collaborative leadership style and dedication to building a stronger Ottawa, Graham continues to be an influential figure in the region's development, infrastructure, healthcare, and community sectors. Graham is an RA Association Member.
|
Robert (Bob) Elliott
As the CEO of five (5) different national not-for-profit organizations over a 38-year career Bob is well-versed in issues pertaining to NFPs. He has worked with volunteer boards and committees throughout that career. Bob has worked with two (2) national sport organizations, two (2) industry associations and a community service organization. Business lines included overall management of a sales division, a magazine, national conventions and conferences, a large industry trade show and significant government relations work as a registered lobbyist. As the chief staff officer responsibilities also included management of staff, overall responsibility for finances, including working with auditors and staff accountants and work with legal counsel and other professionals. |
Bob has been an association member since 2017. After working with volunteer boards his entire career, the opportunity to be on the volunteer side with the RA Centre has been an enjoyable and satisfying experience.
He graduated from the University of Waterloo with a Bachelor of Science majoring in Kinesiology and is a Certified Association Executive (CAE) from the Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE).
Bob has been a lifelong participant in sports of all kinds, currently focussing on golf and cycling. Since retirement He has worked at two (2) different golf courses as a starter/marshal while trying to play as much as possible on off-days.
He graduated from the University of Waterloo with a Bachelor of Science majoring in Kinesiology and is a Certified Association Executive (CAE) from the Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE).
Bob has been a lifelong participant in sports of all kinds, currently focussing on golf and cycling. Since retirement He has worked at two (2) different golf courses as a starter/marshal while trying to play as much as possible on off-days.
|
Shawn Hamilton
Shawn S. Hamilton is a highly respected Ottawa commercial real estate executive with more than 30 years of experience in the National Capital Region's real estate market. He is currently a Principal and Broker of Record with Proveras Commercial Realty, where he advises public and private sector organizations on commercial real estate strategy, leasing, acquisitions, and development. Throughout his career, he has worked with Crown corporations, federal government departments, and leading organizations in the technology, finance, and legal sectors. |
A graduate of the University of Toronto, Hamilton began his career in commercial real estate research before advancing into brokerage and senior leadership roles with major national and global real estate organizations. He has been involved in significant office leasing, development, and corporate real estate projects across Ottawa and has established a reputation as a trusted advisor and city builder.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Hamilton is deeply engaged in community service and economic development. His volunteer and leadership roles have included service with BOMA Canada, BOMA Ottawa, Invest Ottawa, the Ottawa Board of Trade, The Glebe Centre, the Rideau Club, and the Shepherds of Good Hope. He is also active in charitable initiatives supporting healthcare and community development throughout Ottawa. Shawn is an RA Association Member.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Hamilton is deeply engaged in community service and economic development. His volunteer and leadership roles have included service with BOMA Canada, BOMA Ottawa, Invest Ottawa, the Ottawa Board of Trade, The Glebe Centre, the Rideau Club, and the Shepherds of Good Hope. He is also active in charitable initiatives supporting healthcare and community development throughout Ottawa. Shawn is an RA Association Member.
|
Dawn Haworth
Dawn is a Senior executive with more than 25 years of experience working in both medical and specialty medical organizations working with NFP boards, stakeholders, staff and volunteers. As the Executive Director of CASEM, she works within the Canadian not-for-profit and registered charitable sector. |
Dawn emigrated to Canada in May 1995 from the UK and is a qualified adult education teacher and past faculty member of the FIMS Instructor Course and current Faculty member of the CASEM Teaching Learners Course (TLC) aimed at providing emerging CASEM educators with an opportunity to enhance their teaching tool kit through an immersion learning experience that will improve their confidence and leadership in sport and exercise medicine instruction. She is a seasoned recreational athlete, ultra-marathoner and Ironman triathlete, her passion is sport and the promotion of health enhancing benefits through physical activity, across the lifespan.
|
Karen Jackson
Karen Jackson is a long-time resident of Ottawa. She retired from the federal public service in 2014 as the Chief Operating Officer of Service Canada and Senior Associate Deputy Minister of Employment and Social Development. At present Karen is a member of the Audit Committee of Employment and Social Development and formerly served as a member of the Audit Committee of Elections Canada. |
Karen has extensive experience in leadership and management. Her 30-year career with the federal government included senior positions in operations, programs and policy. She has led both small and large decentralized organizations in all aspects of visioning, priority-setting, risk management and day-to-day operations. She has worked in the not-for-profit sector in both Ontario and British Columbia. Both within and outside of the federal government she has been involved in initiatives to strengthen the role and contribution of the not-for-profit sector in local communities.
Karen became the Chair of the RA Board in June 2021 and was re-elected in Spring 2022. She had previously served as the Vice President, Chair of the Phase 2 Committee and member of the Finance and Audit Committee. She first joined the Board of Directors in 2017.
Karen has been a member of the Life Fit Centre since 2004 and participates in other exercise and training programs at the RA. Her children, now adults, learned to swim at the RA and attended summer camps for years. Karen is a graduate of the University of British Columbia and Queen’s University. She holds a Master’s in Political Science.
Karen became the Chair of the RA Board in June 2021 and was re-elected in Spring 2022. She had previously served as the Vice President, Chair of the Phase 2 Committee and member of the Finance and Audit Committee. She first joined the Board of Directors in 2017.
Karen has been a member of the Life Fit Centre since 2004 and participates in other exercise and training programs at the RA. Her children, now adults, learned to swim at the RA and attended summer camps for years. Karen is a graduate of the University of British Columbia and Queen’s University. She holds a Master’s in Political Science.
|
Richard Neville
Richard has experience with community building projects and Public Private Partnerships. He also has extensive knowledge of the not-for-profit context through his involvement with St. John Ambulance. Richard has experience with all aspects of Finance including accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, internal controls, risk management and asset management in both public and private settings. |
Richard is a Fellow Chartered Professional Accountant and Fellow Chartered Accountant accredited in Ontario, Québec, and Alberta. He also has experience with asset management as a member of the board for Alterna Savings and Alterna Bank. Over the course of his career Richard has overseen a large part of the Federal Government’s physical assets. This included being strategic in planning, utilization, and disposal.
Richard is currently serving as the Chair of the finance and audit committee.
Richard holds a Bachelor of Commerce, University of Montreal, (Loyola College), Cum Laude, 1968. He earned his CA Diploma from McGill University in 1972. He also achieved FCA accreditation in Quebec, Ontario, and Alberta in 2001, 2005 and 2007 respectively. Richard also holds FCPA accreditations in Quebec, Ontario, and Alberta in 2012, 2014 and 2015 respectively.
Richard joined the RA in 1972. He is part of the RA Canoe Club.
Richard is currently serving as the Chair of the finance and audit committee.
Richard holds a Bachelor of Commerce, University of Montreal, (Loyola College), Cum Laude, 1968. He earned his CA Diploma from McGill University in 1972. He also achieved FCA accreditation in Quebec, Ontario, and Alberta in 2001, 2005 and 2007 respectively. Richard also holds FCPA accreditations in Quebec, Ontario, and Alberta in 2012, 2014 and 2015 respectively.
Richard joined the RA in 1972. He is part of the RA Canoe Club.
|
James Nicholson
James has experience serving on a non-profit Board of Directors as treasurer that successfully undertook several major projects during my tenure, including a major renovation, rental renegotiation with the federal Government and the renegotiation of the employee collective agreements. He also has extensive experience in finance and accounting, with an MBA and having previously been a practicing CPA while working in both the public and private sectors with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and reporting. |
Jame is a member who believes strongly in the value of the RA, I want to contribute to see the RA grow and thrive as a centre for sport and community involvement in the years to come.
Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, James has lived and worked Ottawa for the past 10 years having had the opportunity to pursue a career in public policy. James is an avid squash player of over 20 years who enjoys spending summer weekends at the family cottage while being a full-time Dad to two
wonderful children
Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, James has lived and worked Ottawa for the past 10 years having had the opportunity to pursue a career in public policy. James is an avid squash player of over 20 years who enjoys spending summer weekends at the family cottage while being a full-time Dad to two
wonderful children
|
Nicole Picton
Nicole Picton brings a wealth of experience and a track record of success to her role as a Human Resources and not-for-profit professional. As the Director, People & Culture at Ottawa Tourism, a destination marketing organization celebrated for its exceptional workplace culture, Nicole plays a lead role in its accolades, including being voted one of the Best Places to Work in Ottawa in 2022, being awarded Ontario Tourism Employer of the Year in 2023, and recognized as the Best Not-For-Profit in Ottawa in the same year. These awards underscore Nicole's commitment to fostering a workplace environment that prioritizes the health and wellness of its employees. |
As a key leadership team member, Nicole leverages her expertise to drive strategic planning initiatives, ensuring alignment with legal requirements and best practices in human resources management. Nicole is recognized as a valued subject matter expert. She is regularly invited to share her insights and knowledge as a keynote speaker at industry events, further solidifying her reputation as a leader in her field. Prior to joining Ottawa Tourism, Nicole served as the Executive Director of the Canadian Federation of Students, where she navigated complex labour relations matters, led successful collective bargaining negotiations, and settled labour disputes. In addition to her full-time role, Nicole is a successful entrepreneur. As the Founder and CEO of an HR and Career Consulting business, Precisely Careers, she equips jobseekers with the essential skills to move to the next phase in their careers. Holding a Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation from the Human Resources Professional Association (HRPA), Nicole brings incredible expertise and experience to her practice.
Nicole is completing a Master of Arts in Leadership at the University of Guelph. She focuses her research on how automation will impact the future of work.
Nicole is completing a Master of Arts in Leadership at the University of Guelph. She focuses her research on how automation will impact the future of work.
|
John Smit
John spent 34 years with the City of Ottawa growing his career from a junior planner to a senior leader, acquiring progressively more experience in municipal planning and related fields. He has dealt with many complex multi-disciplinary and multi-agency planning, development, transportation, and economic development projects/initiatives in his career. Throughout much of his public sector career and in the various leadership roles he held, John provided leadership, supervision, and management to staff teams and for consultant projects with a results-oriented focus, and applied project management practices to ensure provision of timely quality service delivery. As a leader, John subscribed to and advanced the principles of change management to support and promote corporate goals and objectives. |
John currently runs his own consulting business which specializes in providing strategic advice, urban planning and design services to various private and public sector clients engaged in development and city building projects.
John holds a master’s Certificate in Municipal Leadership from York University and a BES in Honours Urban and Regional Planning from the
University of Waterloo.
John holds a master’s Certificate in Municipal Leadership from York University and a BES in Honours Urban and Regional Planning from the
University of Waterloo.
|
Joanne Stanley
Joanne Stanley is a senior marketing and communications executive with a long career in leadership roles in STEM, innovation and business gender equity associations. Ms. Stanley was the Executive Director of Women in Communications and Technology (WCT) from March 2013 to June 2023. WCT is Canada’s largest national professional association dedicated to the career advancement of women and diversity and inclusion in Canada’s digital economy. With over 35 years of experience in strategic communications, marketing, and diversity, equity and inclusion in the innovation and digital sectors, Ms. Stanley has worked for both corporate and not-for-profits during times of strategic and financial transformation. |
Ms. Stanley has had an unwavering commitment to gender equality for her entire career as a senior executive at Bell Canada, the Ontario Centres of Excellence, the Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance and Women in Communications and Technology.
Through her numerous community and industry stakeholder initiatives, Ms. Stanley is a leading voice and advocate for a larger and more influential place for women in innovation and STEM in Canada. Ms. Stanley has participated in numerous government and educational initiatives which promote diversity, equity, and inclusion for the economic prosperity of a globally competitive economy. Ms. Stanley is on the board of directors of the Ingenium Foundation which is a major champion for advancing scientific literacy and inspiring innovators across Canada.
Ms. Stanley is an enthusiastic fitness and amateur sport participant in numerous activities including squash, pickleball, biking, kayaking, and curling.
Through her numerous community and industry stakeholder initiatives, Ms. Stanley is a leading voice and advocate for a larger and more influential place for women in innovation and STEM in Canada. Ms. Stanley has participated in numerous government and educational initiatives which promote diversity, equity, and inclusion for the economic prosperity of a globally competitive economy. Ms. Stanley is on the board of directors of the Ingenium Foundation which is a major champion for advancing scientific literacy and inspiring innovators across Canada.
Ms. Stanley is an enthusiastic fitness and amateur sport participant in numerous activities including squash, pickleball, biking, kayaking, and curling.
|
Caroline Weber
Caroline Weber is retired from the federal public service, where she worked for 20 years as an executive in positions of increasing responsibility, ending at the “EX-05” level (just below Deputy Minister), having worked as an Assistant Deputy Minister for 12 years. She worked in departments as diverse as Employment and Social Development Canada to Health Canada to Public Services and Procurement Canada, to the Canada Border Services Agency, Public Safety and the RCMP. |
Caroline has experience managing large groups of people and budgets (and served as CFO for Public Safety Canada for 2.5 years), as well as experience designing and delivering services, programs and policies within the federal government.
Prior to joining the federal public service, Caroline was a tenured professor at Queen’s University, appointed in the School of Industrial Relations, and cross-appointed to the School of Business. She has a Ph.D. and Master’s of Science degree from Cornell University, and an undergraduate degree from M.I.T.
Prior to joining the federal public service, Caroline was a tenured professor at Queen’s University, appointed in the School of Industrial Relations, and cross-appointed to the School of Business. She has a Ph.D. and Master’s of Science degree from Cornell University, and an undergraduate degree from M.I.T.
|
Joe Wilkinson
Joe is currently a subject matter expert for the International Monetary Fund. Previously he a served as Senior Manager in the Data and Statistics Office of the Bank of Canada and working on Macroeconomic Statistics at Statistics Canada. In these roles Joe gained experience in accounting, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, internal controls, risk management, investment practices and financial instruments. He has represented Canada internationally at the International Monetary Fund, Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, and European Central Bank in discussions of pension plans. |
He also has experience with not-for-profits from his work on the boards of Causeway Work Centre and Foundation of Operation Come Home. Through his work at the senior levels of both the Bank of Canada and Statistics Canada, Joe has extensive experience in leadership and management.
Joe has been an RA member for 30 years.
He also holds a Master’s of Business Administration with a specialization in finance and economics from Queen's University.
Joe has been an RA member for 30 years.
He also holds a Master’s of Business Administration with a specialization in finance and economics from Queen's University.
