About ASC
Leadership
Board of Directors
Dollars at Work
Contact Us
Collaboration

Board of Directors

Marc Murnaghan | Chair of the Board of Directors

Marc is President of Harrington Global Inc., a Toronto based merchant bank focused on the energy sector. Marc has over 20 years of experience in the investment banking business and prior to joining Harrington Global Inc. in September 2014, he was Co-Head of the Investment Banking group at Cormark Securities Inc.. Prior to his role as Co-Head of Investment Banking, Marc ran the Power and Alternative Energy group where he helped raise over $1 billion of equity capital for companies in the sector in areas such as solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, biomass, power electronics, battery technologies and fuel cells. Over his career, Marc has acted as strategic advisor on over $1 billion of M&A transactions, including corporate sales, asset sales and strategic investments.

Throughout Marc’s career, he has demonstrated his commitment to his community through his charity work. He currently occupies the role of Chair of the Board of Directors at Autism Speaks Canada, the leading autism science and advocacy organization in the world.

Ugo Bizzarri | Board Member

Ugo Bizzarri co-founded Timbercreek Asset Management in 1999 and is Chief Investment Officer. Mr. Bizzarri is also a Director of Timbercreek Financial. In his role as Chief Investment Officer, Mr. Bizzarri leads the team responsible for the acquisition & disposition of direct real estate and the underwriting & funding of commercial mortgage investments secured by direct real estate. Mr. Bizzarri and his team have been responsible for underwriting, financing and acquiring over $5.0 billion of multi-residential real estate and have constructed and managed a diversified debt portfolio of over $1.3 billion in Timbercreek-sponsored commercial mortgage investments.

Mr. Bizzarri has over 25 years of experience in the valuation, acquisition and disposition of investment-grade cash-flowing real estate. Prior to founding Timbercreek, Mr. Bizzarri was in portfolio management at OTPPB where he played a leadership role in the strategic planning, corporate transactions/restructuring and property acquisitions for the real estate group.

Mr. Bizzarri is an independent Director of Cymbria.

Mr. Bizzarri is a graduate of the Ivey School of Business and holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation.

Ugo joined the board in January 2021.

Chris Brown | Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors

Chris Brown joined Equitable Life of Canada as Vice-President, Human Resources in February 2006. Chris oversees the Corporate Services functions including Human Resources (HR), Corporate Communications, Document Services, Facilities and Process Improvement team.

A leader with over 25 years of experience in HR and employee relations in the public and private sectors with companies of all sizes, Chris has led HR teams in two of Canada's largest banks, CIBC supporting international Investment Banking Division, and TD Canada Trust supporting the national retail branch banking network. He has also had HR leadership experience in manufacturing, public utilities and the steel industry.

Chris has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wilfrid Laurier University.

Anthony Coles | Board Member

Anthony Coles has been a federal public servant for 18 years, where he fulfilled various policy roles at Health Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada and Employment and Social Development Canada.

While working at the Public Health Agency of Canada, Anthony played an integral part in the development of the National Autism Surveillance System and was the second author on the first national data report on autism in Canada (2018). He initiated a project to develop national clinical guidelines for the assessment and diagnosis of autism in children and youth in Canada, which was published by the Canadian Paediatric Society in 2019.

Anthony has served as a national Executive Director of the Canadian Association of Professional Employees and is currently the local Vice President for the federal health portfolio. Anthony holds a Bachelor's degree from York University in Political Science with a specialization in Public Policy and Administration and a Masters degree in Public Policy and Administration from Carleton University.

He joins the Board of Directors of Autism Speaks Canada in the hopes of lending his expertise in politics, government and public policy to further the autism cause and serve as a champion for the autism community.

Anthony and his wife live in western Quebec, just outside of the National Capital Region, with their three cats and two dogs.

Anthony joined the board in September 2020.

Hugo Gatsby, MBM, MA, BA | Board Member

Hugo Gatsby is the cofounder of Stradea: a consulting firm that focuses on building website accessibility through behavioural science and digital solutions. As a Harvard graduate, Hugo combines behavioural science, data analytics, and digital media to develop AODA compliant websites, build authentic brand identities, and genuinely connect businesses to their consumers.

Being diagnosed with autism at an early age, Hugo has spent his life overcoming adversity and continuously learning new ways to interact with others and to share his views on autism. He is a loving husband and father to their adorable daughter Zaria Simone Gatsby.

Hugo joined the board in September 2020.

Dr. Catherine Glorieux | Board Member

Catherine brings a diverse background of professional and personal experiences to Autism Speaks Canada in hope of being an example of what being on the autism spectrum can be all about.

After achieving a Bachelor of Laws from Université de Montréal in 2005, she pursued her childhood passion and obtained her Doctor of Medicine degree in 2014. Catherine was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at 37 years old, which sparked her interest in better understanding autism, neurosciences, and putting the strengths of autism to work to better navigate its challenges.

Trilingual and working on her 4th language, she is most known for her mountaineering, cycling and running adventures, which led her all the way to the Nevado Sajama peak (6542 metres, the highest in Bolivia). In July of 2019, she cycled solo across Canada to raise awareness for autistic doctors and autism in general. She was also featured in Autism Speaks Canada’s Brighter Life on the Spectrum campaign.

Being diagnosed later in life after flying under the radar while acquiring legal and medical degrees it gives Catherine a unique perspective. With strong ambition, Catherine propels her ideas forward and is dedicated to further research, awareness, understanding and acceptance regarding Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Catherine joined the board in September of 2020.

Michael Goodman | Board Member

Michael Goodman is a skilled strategist and dedicated member of the social impact community, with a diverse background of senior leadership in corporate and charitable sectors.

Since having transitioned into the field of Healthcare several years ago, Michael has had the privilege of leading strategy and development for some of Canada's most ambitious initiatives in the sector. As President of Heritage GWC Inc. (Global Wellness Corporation), Michael has worked closely with key medical community stakeholders at Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine (CHU Sainte-Justine), and Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital (The Neuro); and has served esteemed clients such as WELL Health Technologies Corp.(TSX:WELL), in the capacity of Head of Acquisitions for Eastern Canada.

Michael's previous experience includes having been Partner at Richardson Financial Group’s RGMP, where he held the title of Vice-President and played a pivotal role in founding the first nationwide institutional offering of Family Office services (RGMP-PFO). He also notably held the title of Partner at National Bank of Canada’s Private Client Division (Private Wealth 1859), where he co-founded the firm's first Conseil de Fortune Familiale.

Michael currently serves as Director of Autism Speaks Canada, Director of McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) Foundation, and Director of UniAction. He previously served as Director of Communauté Sépharade Unifée du Québec (CSUQ), Director of Jewish National Fund of Canada, Chair of Hessed-CSUQ, Chair of JNF Montreal, and Treasurer at Canadian Friends of Tel Aviv University (CFTAU). His social impact recognitions include The Honorary Presidency of Sainte-Justine Hospital Foundation’s “Circuit” Benefit, The NBF Social Engagement Award, and The Bernard M. Bloomfield Medal for Meritorious Service (Jewish National Fund of Canada's highest honour).

Michael is a graduate of The Ivey Business School and the Institute of Family Enterprise Advisors FEA designation program. He holds multiple certifications from Moody’s Analytics and the Investment Fund Institute of Canada.

Josh Hjartarson | Board Member

Josh Hjartarson is National Leader for the Human Services at Deloitte Canada and Senior Fellow – Service Delivery Modernization and Commissioning at the Institute of Public Administration of Canada. Recently, he was the Lead Partner in KPMG’s Public Sector Management Consulting Practice. He has a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Toronto. He joined KPMG from the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, where he was Vice President, Policy & Government Relations.

He has helped numerous governments design and implement client-centered service delivery models, renew key components of the social safety net, form renewed and mutually beneficial partnerships with the private and non-profit sectors, and enhance their evidence-based policy and decision making capabilities.

At the Chamber of Commerce, Josh oversaw the policy, government relations, and communications of a large business advocacy organization with 60,000 members representing 17 percent of GDP and 400+ senior corporate partners.

He was also Policy Director at the Mowat Centre, where he helped build one of Canada’s most prolific and respected think tanks on government and social safety net transformation. He also spent two years at the Ontario Ministry of Finance in the Office of Economic Policy and three years in the Cabinet Office.

Josh joined the board in January 2021.

James Kelsey | Board Member

Jim is a results-driven executive with over 50 years in the financial services industry. He is an exemplary leader with diverse experience ranging from retail at the start of his career to commercial banking and corporate finance at the C-Suite level. Jim led the startup of the Corporate Finance Division for Bank of Montreal which over time, developed into 10 lines of business with offices in 5 major centres across Canada and a team of over 600. Total funds under management was over $75 Billion. Corporate Finance is a high growth business that consistently outperformed the market.

Jim served as an integral member of the North American commercial banking leadership committee. Through Jim’s leadership, Corporate Finance Division led the bank in customer satisfaction based on Net Promoter Score for 8 consecutive years. Jim is passionate about developing others and under his leadership and sponsorship, over 25 executives came out of the division and are now dispersed throughout the bank. Consistently strong employee engagement across the organization has been a hallmark under Jim’s leadership.

As a financial services executive, Jim has built strong relationships with several prominent business leaders in Canada. He currently sits on the boards of two private organizations as well as being a Trusted Advisor to the White Owl Family Office. Effective February 2021 Jim has also joined the Board of Autism Speaks Canada. Jim has been actively involved with the advocacy for the Autism Community for many years.

Jim joined the board in January 2021.

Samantha Levenson | Board Member

Samantha is deeply committed to giving back and has devoted much of her time to Autism Ontario as the Toronto chapter President and more recently as a member of the board of directors at Autism Speaks Canada.

Samantha’s extensive and varied experience as a lawyer has given her the opportunity to combine her passion for giving back, her desire to advocate on behalf of children and her love of the law. She began her career in private practise and has spent the last ten years working as Legal Counsel for Children & Family Services, Catholic Children’s Aid Society and Children’s Aid Society of Toronto.

Samantha has also devoted time to the Family Law Project, Metro Woman Abuse Council, Community & Legal Aid Services Programme, BAR/BRI and Nassau County Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Samantha participates in fundraising and advocacy as well as helping to spread awareness about autism spectrum disorder. Her strong analytic skills and generous spirit are an asset to Autism Speaks Canada.

Ken Lipson | Board Member

Ken Lipson has 30 years of experience creating, building and leading asset management opportunities.

He began his career after University, joining Bramalea Limited at the age of 22, and has continued to hold senior roles in asset-based ventures ever since. Ken has knowledge and experience in many aspects of corporate management including building management teams, implementing selected technologies, corporate finance, optimal capital structures, marketing, cost control and executing corporate strategy. He has been a member of the Canadian Finance & Lease Association, Fair Rental Policy Organization, the Greater Toronto Apartment Association and was a former Group Leader of the Young Entrepreneur Organization.

Ken holds a Bachelor degree from the University of Toronto and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Western Ontario. Ken’s hands-on management style and interpersonal skills make him an asset to those he is involved with. Ken has had an extensive volunteer career as well. He founded the Paediatric Vaculitis Research Endowment Fund for the Hospital For Sick Children Foundation, the Paediatric Autism Intervention Endowment Fund at the Hospital For Sick Children Foundation, the Out of the Blue Charity Initiative supporting genetic science and research at University of Toronto and was a Member of the Children’s Circle of Care and Sick Kids Leaders at the Hospital Foundation in Toronto.

He joins us now as member of the Board of Directors of Autism Speaks Canada. During his personal time, Ken cherishes being with his wife and two children.

Kwesi Opoku | Treasurer of the Board

Kwesi Opoku is a Staff Accountant at Edmonds Professional Corporation, a public accounting firm in downtown Toronto. His primary functions include assurance engagements, corporate tax preparation, and advisory services.

Before entering the accounting profession, Kwesi was in the financial services sector, with more than 10 years of experience across several lines of business, including retail banking and group retirement services. He is a CPA candidate, and a level 3 CFA candidate.

As a proud member of the Jane & Finch community, Kwesi has been engaged in public service since he was a teenager. He was a former camp leader at the local Boys & Girls Club, a treasurer and president of the board of Directors at Black Creek Community Health Centre, and a volunteer for Jane & Finch Votes.

Literature is Kwesi’s first love. His daily inspirations continue to be Emerson, Dostoyevsky, and Nietzsche: “No one can construct for you the bridge upon which precisely you must cross the stream of life, no one but you yourself alone.” - Friedrich Nietzsche

Kwesi joined the board in September 2020.

Laurence D. Rose | Treasurer of the Board of Directors

Laurence Rose is a Senior Managing Director at Cantor Fitzgerald & Co., and President & Chief Executive Officer of Cantor Fitzgerald Canada Corporation. Mr. Rose is responsible for the executive management and leadership of Cantor Fitzgerald’s Canadian institutional investment bank as well as executive oversight of a number of business units, joint ventures, and investments.

Prior to joining Cantor Fitzgerald, Mr. Rose was founder and CEO of CollectiveBid Systems Inc. and its wholly-owned investment dealer subsidiary, CBID Markets Inc., which launched Canada's first Alternative Trading System. With over 20 years’ experience in the investment and technology sectors, Mr. Rose has been an innovator in the electronic fixed income trading industry. His professional experience also includes positions with RBC Dominion Securities Inc., Dow Jones Markets Inc. and Bridge Information Systems.

Mr. Rose has served on various financial services industry regulatory advisory committees including the Ontario Securities Commission's Bond Market Transparency Committee. He is Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Dunblaine School in Toronto, and serves on the Board of Directors of Autism Speaks Canada and the York Racquets Club. Mr. Rose holds a BA in Economics from Concordia University.

Rob Segal | Board Member

Rob Segal has been a leading North American marketing and communications specialist working with some of the World's biggest and most respected brands. Segal founded his own agency Segal Communications in 1995.

In 1996 Segal launched the original PlayStation and would go on to oversee and execute all of PlayStation's Canadian marketing for the next 12 years. During this time Segal Communications grew into one of the largest experiential, creative, promotional & licensing agencies in Canada. Clients included: Ford, Marvel, HP, Dreamworks, Unilever (Axe & Degree), Virgin Mobile, Party Poker, 20th Century Fox and many more. Segal Communications was acquired in 2000 by Interpublic.

In 2006 Segal partnered with Facebook, opening Facebook's first office outside Palo Alto exclusively representing sales efforts in Canada until 2009. Segal left the agency at the end of 2009 and became CEO of WorldGaming. WorldGaming was an early pioneer in the exciting world of eSports. WorldGaming was acquired by Cineplex in September 2015. In April 2016, Segal became CEO of Avid Life Media (since rebranded to ruby) one of the world's largest online dating companies - best known for it's revolutionary brands: Ashley Madison, CougarLife and Established Men. Segal established CryptoGlobal Inc. in summer 2017 and serves as CEO. CG is a crypto currency mining facility located in Canada.

Segal is an avid skier, surfer, musician and board member of OMX (theOMX.com) and Autism Speaks Canada.

Joshua Shymko | Board Member

Joshua Shymko is a public safety professional, advocate and educator in the GTA. Joshua has a range of Canadian policing experience and community involvement with vulnerable and at-risk communities.

Since entering the field of policing, Joshua has worked hard to modernize and include best practices in work and volunteer engagements. Joshua has worked in the Greater Toronto Area, and Lower Mainland, British Colombia. Since 2018, Joshua has instructed hundreds of prospective public sector employees, and advanced the use of evidence-based methods, research and practices. Joshua has instructed in areas of Community Policing, Introduction to Criminal Justice Studies, Criminal/Civil Investigations, Justice Communications and Correspondence, Interviewing and Investigations, and Community Engagement. Joshua currently instructs at, Humber College and serves the York Region community with YRP.

Joshua previously served as a Director with Fuerza Latina in Vaughan, as a volunteer with Dr. Jays Grief Centre Toronto, and a volunteer with Badge of Life Canada. Joshua has continued with Badge of Life Canada and looks forward to working with their Corporate Relations and Event Planning, and includes time for volunteer obligations with, Teen Ranch.

Joshua is an advocate and staunch supporter for mental health and wellness. Joshua works hard to reform and support police training, tools and internal wellness to enhance member wellness and promote community-based policing. Joshua is a peer supporter and CISM member.

Joshua takes pride in his engagements, and when not working or volunteering, values family time, hikes, horse rides, skiing and the outdoors.

Joshua joined the board in January 2021.

Mária Tatarová | Secretary of the Board of Directors

Mária is a senior associate with the International Tax Services practice at Couzin Taylor LLP, a member firm of Ernst & Young LLP in Toronto, Canada. She advises multinational clients on Canadian tax issues associated with cross-border tax planning, corporate reorganizations, acquisitions and financing transactions.

Prior to joining the firm, Maria practiced tax law as an associate at a major Canadian law firm. For two years, she was seconded to the International Tax department of a leading Canadian bank.

Mária has contributed to several tax publications, including articles in the Canadian Tax Journal, Tax Notes International, Canadian Current Tax, Tax Management International Journal, OBA Taxation Law and the Tax Planning International Review.

Mária received her Bachelor of Laws from the University of Victoria Law School. She received a Management and Economics graduate diploma from Program Copernicus in France, as well as a Management diploma from the National School of Civil Engineering in France. She also received a Civil Engineering degree from Slovak Technical University.

Mária was awarded the Osgoode Society for Canadian Legal History Prize for the 25 students attaining the highest grades in the Bar Admission Course. She was also awarded the Stikeman Elliott/Carswell National Tax Award for Excellence in Taxation Law and Thorsteinssons Prize in Taxation for obtaining the highest grade in Taxation. She was called to the Ontario Bar in 2004.

Mária is a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada, the Canadian Tax Foundation, the Canadian Bar Association and the International Fiscal Association.

Susan Zikman Wise | Board Member

Susan Zikman-Wise has extensive experience as a philanthropist and an active advocate for children with disabilities.

For the past 22 years, Susan has been the Director of Communications for KRG Children’s Charitable Foundation and acted as a liaison between KRGCCF and other children’s charities: Sick Kids Foundation, Camp Oochigeas, Dr. Jay’s Children’s Grief Center, Variety Village, One Family Fund, Giant Steps and Autism Speaks Canada.

Since 2006, Susan has been the founder and President of Charmz4Charity, an organization that enriches lives of all children through educational programs that empower them to work together towards a common goal, teach the value of creativity, generosity and compassion, and contributes essential proceeds to children’s charitable organizations.

Susan has also been an integral part of the Autism Speaks Canada Family Services Community Grants since their inception and has overseen the distribution of over $3.4 million to autism-focused organizations across Canada.

In 2016, Susan received a Spotlight Award by Variety Village in recognition for her volunteerism. Susan Zikman-Wise has held a seat on the Board of Autism Speaks Canada since early 2017 and is a Board Member of the Dr. Jay’s Children’s Grief Center.