RA Board of Directors
2024-2026
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Karen Jackson - Chair
Karen retired from the public service in 2014 as the Chief Operating Officer of Service Canada and Senior Associate Deputy Minister of Employment and Social Development (ESDC). She is a member of the ESDC Audit Committee and a past member of the Audit Committee of Elections Canada. She has extensive volunteer experience with organizations such as, the Alta Vista community association, local public schools, and Climate Legacy. As a Board Director since 2017, Karen has a solid understanding of the RA, its culture, business, and future vision. She is committed to ensuring the RA remains an important contributor to a strong and vibrant Ottawa community. She is familiar with the legal requirements of Not-for-Profits incorporated in Ontario and has experience supporting the not-for-profit sector. After 30 years as a senior public servant, Karen has a strong understanding of the federal system. Karen has extensive experience in leadership, management, and governance. She has led both small and large decentralized organizations in all respects of visioning, priority-setting, risk management and day-to-day operations. Karen has been a LifeFIT member since 2004 and has regularly participated in yoga and other fitness programs. She has also enjoyed playing bridge with the RA Bridge Club. Karen became the President 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. Karen is a graduate of the University of British Columbia and Queen’s University. She holds a Master’s in Political Science. |
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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 received 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 RA Board committees including co-chairing the Strategic Planning Committee. He currently holds the position of Vice-President (since March 2022). |
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Robert (Bob) Chiarelli
Bob has successfully brokered partnerships for community projects and engaged community leaders and representatives to create economic initiatives. Through his public service experience Bob cultivated an extensive network of contacts within and outside government. Bob also has experience with finance through his management of a law firm and co-owning a family operated golf and country club. He has considerable experience and knowledge of the NFP context related to health care, sport, seniors’ services, cultural and community services. Bob is a lawyer by training and a lifetime member of the Law Society of Upper Canada. Bob is well known throughout Ottawa for his leadership, commitment, and passion for improving the quality of life in our community. As a former Mayor and elected representative at the Provincial level, Bob has comprehensive knowledge of local and Provincial Governance. Bob has considerable volunteer experience with not-for-profits and foundations and their governance. Bob’s proven record with change agendas and innovation is an asset to the RA. Bob was admitted to the Bar of Ontario is 1969. Prior to this he completed his LLB in 1967 at the University of Ottawa and his Bachelor of Business Administration at Clarkson in 1963. |
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Darrell Cox
Over the course of his career with Ottawa Tourism, Darrell has cultivated an extensive network with local sport organizations; the Ottawa Sport Council, Provincial, National and Multi-Sport Organizations; City of Ottawa staff and councillors; Former Mayor Watson; and the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Sport, and Culture. Darrell has also exceled in building partnerships and relationships through his work engaging community stakeholders and creating long term event hosting alliances with leading National Sport Organizations. Darrell has comprehensive knowledge of the Tourism and Sports industries. He has worked with local, regional, provincial, and federal sport organizations as well as tourism stakeholders. Darrell also has experience working with the local, provincial, and national sport community and identifying event hosting opportunities. In addition, he is knowledgeable about Ottawa’s event hosting capabilities. Darrell’s background with marketing and communications activities related to news releases, media advisories and event and social media marketing are also an asset. |
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Robert (Bob) Elliott
As the CEO of five 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 his career. Bob has worked with two national sport organizations, two 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 his 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. He is currently serving as the Chair of the Governance Committee. 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). 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. Bob has been a lifelong participant in sports of all kinds, currently focusing on golf, cycling and more recently, pickleball. |
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Dawn Haworth
Dawn has been involved in the not-for-profit health sector in Canada for 25 years working for the Canadian Medical Association (CMA), the Canadian Psychiatric Association (CPA) and since 2002, the Canadian Academy of Sport & Exercise Medicine (CASEM). As the Executive Director of CASEM, Dawn works collaboratively with a Board of Directors, its committees, the 1000+ members of the Academy and key stakeholders. Her role involves providing leadership in the overall governance and business operations of the Academy within a Board-identified strategic framework. Operational areas of her work include member relations, fiscal management, marketing and sponsorship, e-technology, and event planning. Dawn is fluently bilingual. Dawn holds a degree in international business administration. Whilst a native from the north-east city of Newcastle, England, she has spent the last 29 years in Canada. As a keen recreational ultra-runner and Ironman triathlete, Dawn is an advocate of health and physical activity at all levels and works at all levels in the promotion of health enhancing physical activity. |
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brian MacPherson
For 40 years Brian has lifted people and communities up through recreation, sport and wellness programs, services, and events. He has led the development and execution of strategic plans, policies and strategies for national sport organizations, achieving program, event and service deliverables ahead of schedule and under budget. Brian also has experience with integrated financial and risk management practices and establishing and managing partnerships. He 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. Brian has volunteered for sport events and organizations in Ottawa including the 2001 & 2020 Canada Games Bids, 2000 Canadian Special Olympic Winter and Sport Program Advisory Committee member at Algonquin College. Brian holds a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and Business Administration He 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 is married with 2 sons and has resided in Ottawa since 1989. |
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Susan Murray
Susan spent 25 years as a reporter and foreign correspondent. She then transitioned to serve as a political operative within government, worked in international development and finally was vice-president at the Forest Products Association of Canada where she was involved in strategic planning, communications, and advocacy. Susan also helped shape the image of the forest industry to audiences in Canada and abroad. Since retirement, she has taken on a wide range of volunteer commitments. This includes teaching English one-on-one to refugee women and running a lunch and learn program at the Youville School for teenage moms. She has been active in politics at the local, provincial, and federal level. Susan’s board experience includes serving on the board of Water Aid Canada for six years and on the board of Hospice Care Ottawa where she continues to be part of its advocacy efforts. In recent years, Susan has also discovered the wonders of the RA Centre where she has been part of the bridge club, LifeFIT, the StrongWomen program and now as a curling club member. It has almost become her home away from home. |
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Richard Neville
Richard has extensive experience with community building projects and Public Private Partnerships (i.e., Confederation Bridge linking Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick). He also has extensive knowledge of the not-for-profit context. Richard has experience with all aspects of Finance including accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, internal controls, risk management and asset management in both the public and private sectors. Richard is a Fellow Chartered Professional Accountant and Fellow Chartered Accountant accredited in Ontario, Québec and Alberta. He also has financial services experience as a current member and former Chair of the Boards for Alterna Savings and Alterna Bank. In the Public Service of Canada, he was appointed Deputy/Comptroller General of Canada, in effect, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for the Government of Canada. Richard is currently serving as the Chair of the RA’s Finance and Audit Committee. He is also a member of the Phase 2 Advisory Committee. Richard joined the RA in 1972 and is a current member. He is also part of the RA Canoe Club. Richard holds a Bachelor of Commerce from University of Montreal (Loyola College), Cum Laude 1968. He earned his CA Diploma from McGill University in 1972. He also achieved FCA accreditation in Québec, Ontario, and Alberta in 2001, 2005 and 2007, respectively. Richard was appointed a Knight by Queen Elizabeth II on June 8, 2021. The Investiture Ceremony of being Knighted took place in the Senate of Canada on June 18, 2022, with the new Governor General of Canada – Ms. Mary Simon presiding. |
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James Nicholson
Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, James has lived and worked in Ottawa for the past 10 years having had the opportunity to pursue a career in public policy. He has experience serving on a non-profit Board of Directors as treasurer and successfully undertook several major projects, including a major renovation, rental renegotiation with the federal Government and the renegotiation of the employee collective agreements. James has extensive experience in finance and accounting while working in both the public and private sectors with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and reporting. As a member who believes strongly in the value of the RA, he wants to contribute to see the RA grow and thrive as a centre for sport and community involvement in the years to come. James holds an MBA and a CPA designation. 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. |
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Nicole Picton
Nicole 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, Nicole is committed to fostering a workplace environment that prioritizes the health and wellness of its employees. 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. As a key leadership team member, she 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. Nicole is completing a Master of Arts in Leadership at the University of Guelph. Nicole also holds a Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation from the Human Resources Professional Association (HRPA). |
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Kevin Radford
Kevin has led many federal infrastructure projects. He has experience in negotiating public-private-partnerships as well as innovative financing arrangements. He supported projects to assist in realizing community goals such as affordable housing, environmental sustainability, and Indigenous partnerships. Kevin has knowledge of financial oversight, especially in respect to Capital Budgets and Major Projects financing. Kevin currently leads the national Real Estate practice at Deloitte. Kevin has an extensive network of contacts within key federal departments as well as central agencies. He has been a respected advisor of many federal Ministers. He also has experience with the Not-for-profit environment as an active member on several not-for-profit Boards. Kevin brings to the Board a wealth of knowledge of federal property management policies, practices, and planning. Kevin is recognized for his integrity and creativity at forging meaningful stakeholder relationships internally and with First Nations communities, commercial interests, and local communities. He is a member of the RA Centre Board of Directors and Phase 2 Project Committee. Kevin holds a Master of Business Administration. He is an athlete and continues to play hockey, ski, water-ski, and hike. Kevin has been happily married to Linda for 35 years and is a father of 4. |
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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 is currently serving as Chair of the Phase 2 committee. 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. |
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Joanne Stanley
Joanne is a senior marketing and communications executive with a long career in leadership roles in STEM, innovation, and business gender equity associations. She was the Executive Director of Women in Communications and Technology (WCT). With over 35 years of experience in strategic communications, marketing, and diversity, equity and inclusion in the innovation and digital sectors, Joanne has worked for both corporate and not-for-profits during times of strategic and financial transformation. She has had an unwavering commitment to gender equality for her entire career as an 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, Joanne is a leading voice and advocate for a larger and more influential place for women in innovation and STEM in Canada. She has participated in numerous government and educational initiatives which promote diversity, equity, and inclusion for the economic prosperity of a globally competitive economy. Joanne is on the board of directors of the Ingenium Foundation which is a major champion for advancing scientific literacy and inspiring innovators across Canada. She is an enthusiastic fitness and amateur sport participant in numerous activities including squash, pickleball, biking, kayaking, and curling. |
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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, including 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, 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 holds an undergraduate degree from M.I.T, and a Ph.D. and Master of Science degree from Cornell University |
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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 of Business Administration with a specialization in finance and economics from Queen's University. |
