Stephanie is a senior pharmaceutical and biotech entrepreneur and consultant with decades of experience advising Global C-Suite Executives about optimal commercialization strategies for game-changing improvements in cancer care. She’s the founder and currently the President of OncoLogic Inc., a boutique strategy, forecasting, research and due diligence consulting firm. Stephanie was also the co-founder of Strategic Answers Inc. where she helped develop and launch a software program to estimate the future prevalence of cancer and led business development activities until the company was acquired in 2016. Prior to her start-up and consulting roles she held senior marketing and strategic planning roles at Bristol-Myers Squibb and Eli Lilly and Company.

Stephanie was formerly Chair of the Board of Directors of Scientists in School and she is also currently serving as an Advisor to the ALS Society of Canada and to the Life Sciences Health Innovation Hub of Springboard Enterprises. Stephanie holds a BSc (Honours) in Life Sciences and a MSc. (Pathology) from Queen’s University (NCIC Scholarship).

As seasoned retail management professional with a 26-year career at The Beer Store, Elijah has cultivated an extensive portfolio of roles and responsibilities. Starting his journey as a Store Manager, he has progressively taken on more challenging roles including Multi-Store Manager and District Auditor. More recently, he has transitioned into the sphere of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), serving initially as a DEIB Specialist before ascending to his current role as DEIB Manager.

Beyond his formal titles, Elijah has been a catalyst for positive change within the organization. He has been instrumental on numerous special projects. A passionate advocate for diversity, Elijah was a founding member of the company's BIPOC Employee Resource Group (ERG) and has been instrumental in creating three additional ERGs, designed to give voice to diverse groups of employees. In his present capacity as DEIB Manager, Elijah focuses on the strategic development and deployment of all DEIB programs. Keen on community involvement, he prioritizes outreach initiatives to understand the needs of various communities better, thereby ensuring that DEIB efforts are both effective and inclusive.

Elijah's commitment extends far beyond the workplace; he is deeply involved in his community as well. A dedicated soccer coach for youth across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Elijah embodies the belief that giving back to the community is not just an obligation but a purpose. This dedication to community was further showcased when he served as the Team Manager for the male and female soccer teams for Ontario at the North American Indigenous Games in Halifax in the summer of 2023. Under his leadership, both teams brought home Ontario's first medals in soccer, a feat that speaks volumes about his capabilities as a mentor and leader.

Elijah's connection to the cause of the LLSC is deeply personal. His best man was diagnosed with leukemia in 2007, a life-altering event that has made him an active supporter of the life-saving research and education that LLSC provides. For many years, he has served as a District Coordinator for The Beer Store’s annual Bottle Drive in support of the LLSC, going the extra mile by organizing fire trucks and BBQs to raise awareness and educate the public on this critical issue.

As an Ojibwe from the Walpole Island First Nation, Elijah has always been passionate about advocating for Indigenous communities. He sees his potential role on the LLSC Board as an opportunity to bring much-needed awareness to Indigenous communities and to advocate for real benefits that could positively impact not just his community but all those within Canada.

Aaron Bains is a Partner at Aird & Berlis LLP. With an international background and hands-on business experience, Aaron provides practical and strategic advice to domestic and international investors and businesses. Aaron is a natural problem-solver who uses a personal approach to gain a comprehensive understanding of his clients’ needs. He has a keen eye for strategy and works with his clients to structure their transactions accordingly. This work includes advising high net worth clients on building family offices and successfully protecting and transitioning wealth to future generations. When possible, Aaron leverages his network to help clients with their local and international legal and business needs, including connecting clients to investors and advisors across the globe.

Aaron is a member of the firm’s Capital Markets Group and Venture Finance Group. He practices corporate law with an emphasis on debt and equity financing and domestic and international M&A. On financing matters, Aaron works closely with investors, often U.S. and Canadian banks or investment funds on their lending transactions in Canada. Aaron also assists emerging and high growth companies as they use debt to grow their businesses. On M&A transactions, Aaron serves a broad range of the firm’s clients, including, strategic/financial buyers, family offices and retiring or otherwise divesting sellers. Aaron’s range of client experience allows him to see issues from all sides of a deal and provide effective solutions to meet client needs.

Aaron was recently named as one of Canada’s Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers in 2020 by Canadian Lawyer magazine in the Young Influencer category. He was also recognized as a 2020 Precedent Setter by Precedent Magazine, which recognizes six outstanding young Toronto lawyers who have shown excellence and leadership in their practice and their community.

Aaron has been involved with the LLSC since 2021 when he competed in the Man & Woman of the Year (MWOY) campaign (now Visionaries of the Year). Having raised more than $114,000 during the 10-week competition, Aaron won the National Man of the Year title. In 2022, he was Co-Chair of the MWOY Leadership Team and increased his overall impact to $298,000. Aaron has set a goal to have a $1,000,000 lifetime impact on the LLSC.

Dan Coyle is the Vice President and Eastern Region Manager for Marsh Canada’s Consumer & Commercial Department. Dan is accountable for all aspects of brokering and supporting strategies to position Marsh Canada for accelerated profitable growth in the Eastern Region, while insuring an exceptional customer experience and efficient business interactions with Marsh’s insurers and vendors. He is recognized as an inspirational leader with a high level of enthusiasm and professionalism to take on any challenge. Dan was recently recognized as one of the 2016 Young Guns of insurance by Insurance Business Magazine and Nouveaux leadeurs en assurance 2018 by Le Journal de l’Assurance.

In 2017, Dan’s uncle passed away from AML leaving his wife and two teenage daughters behind. He is actively involved in several community service organizations. Currently, he is the proud member of Montreal’s Light the Night Walk Volunteer Leadership Committee where he was Chair of the Walk in 2016. Dan and his wife are proud to raise two amazing daughters together.

Jeffrey Bacha is an experienced senior executive with more than twenty years in the life sciences industry focused in the areas of operations, strategy and finance. His background includes successful public and private company building from both a start-up and turn around perspective; establishing and leading thriving management and technical teams; and raising capital in both the public and private markets.

Currently, Jeffrey is the CEO of Edison Oncology Holding Corp., a company he established to develop and commercialize new therapies in the fight against cancer. Prior to founding Edison Oncology, he led the growth of DelMar Pharmaceuticals, Inc. from its inception in 2010 through its listing on NASDAQ and advancement of its lead product candidate to pivotal Phase 3 clinical trials. In addition to his role at Edison Oncology, Jeffrey serves as an independent director and chair of the Compensation Committee for Sernova Corp., where he has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2008.

Jeffrey has been recognized as a “Top 40 under 40” executive by Business in Vancouver magazine and is the former Chair of the Greater Vancouver Economic Council.

Jeffrey is active in his community through volunteerism with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training program and as former Chairman of the Board for Covenant House Vancouver.

A McGill graduate, Angela C. Onesi has practiced law since the beginning of her career at Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP. She is a partner and Co-Leader of the firm’s Banking and Finance group. Angela advises clients in a wide array of industries on corporate and commercial financing, capital markets, private placements, project development and financing, acquisition financing and leasing. She structures, negotiates and manages all aspects of these financing transactions, including leading the teams required to close them. She prides herself on providing strategic, practical and business minded advice to her clients.

A fervent believer in the importance of volunteerism, Angela has been involved in a number of community organizations over the years including as a director of the Foundation of the Women’s Centre of Montreal since 2015. As a survivor of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma thanks, in part, to so many giving so much, Angela is committed to contributing to the mission of the LLSC.

Dr. Jason Berman is the CEO and Scientific Director of the CHEO Research Institute and the Vice-President Research at CHEO. He is also a Full Professor in the Departments of Pediatrics and Cellular and Molecular Medicine at the University of Ottawa. Previously he served as Associate Chair, Research, Department of Pediatrics, and Professor of Pediatrics, Microbiology & Immunology and Pathology at Dalhousie University and interim Vice President Research, Innovation and Knowledge Translation for the IWK Health Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Dr. Berman is a pediatric hematologist/oncologist and internationally recognized for pioneering research using zebrafish to study leukemia, childhood solid tumours, and rare inherited diseases, with a recent focus on inherited bone marrow failure syndromes. His laboratory has served as the Atlantic node of the Centre for Drug Research and Development and a national hub for zebrafish modeling of orphan diseases. He has served as president of the Canadian Society for Clinical Investigation, president of the Canadian Hematology Society and is a founding member of the Canadian Rare Disease Models and Mechanisms Network. He is currently Chair of the Board of Directors of the national Maternal Infant Child and Youth Research Network and a member of the board of the Ontario Institute of Cancer Research (Chair of the Research Committee) and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Institute of Cancer Research. 

Dr. Berman has been engaged with LLSC for many years in a variety of capacities, including as a grant recipient, speaker at Light the Night events, grant reviewer, Chair of the Operating Grant Review Panel, and member of the Med/Sci Committee. He is passionate about translating research findings from the bench to the bedside to improve the outcome and quality of life for individuals suffering from blood cancers

Professor Samantha Mayo RN, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto. She also holds the RBC Financial Group Chair in Oncology Nursing Research at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, where she co-leads the Oncology Nursing Research Centre of Excellence. Professor Mayo’s research program focuses on optimizing the long-term health of people with hematological cancers, by addressing the psychosocial and functional consequences of disease and its treatment. Using longitudinal and mixed methods approaches, her research characterizes the patterns and predictors of patient and caregiver outcomes with a goal of developing health service interventions to support coping, self-management, and quality of life.
 
National leadership roles include Scientific Panel Chair of the Canadian Association of Nurses in Oncology (CANO) Research Awards. International leadership roles include Co-Chair of the Non-Pharmacological Interventions subgroup of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC), Neurological Complications Study Group and Deputy Editor of the MASCC journal, Supportive Care in Cancer.

Ozzie Ahmed is the Vice President of Retail for The Beer Store. In his role, he is responsible for the strategic direction, vision, and performance of the 430+ retail stores across the province along with the 4500 hard-working Ontarians who operate them.
As an experienced professional with more than 25 years of retail management, Ozzie is known for driving brand performance and operational excellence. In his 16 years at The Beer Store, he has held various management roles starting his career as a Store Manager, District Manager, and General Manager of Retail Operations before transitioning to his current role as Vice President, Retail Operations.
Over the years he has been involved in the community in many different capacities. His passion for family and community have driven him to volunteer as School Council Chair for several years. In addition, he has volunteered as an Auxiliary Police Officer for the Waterloo Region Police Service and has served as a Coordinator for the Cambridge Core Areas Patrol, an award-winning community support initiative. Ozzie has been an active supporter of LLSC from the first day that The Beer Store and LLSC paired up. From being a District Coordinator to sitting on the Bottle Drive Provincial Committee, LLSC has always been an important charitable partner to him because of the great work they do!

Frédéric is an expert in business intelligence and knowledge management. He has developed and supported several innovative and pioneering research projects in artificial intelligence and economic data management. Committed to the development of companies and organizations he works with, Frédéric uses a rigorous project management methodology and a Glow to Grow approach which allow him to contribute to the success of complex projects involving private companies and public agencies.

Frédéric was the managing partner of a consulting practice specialized in business intelligence and economic and industrial development for 14 years before he joined the Quebec Cluster of Metal Transformers as Chief Executive Officer.

As a speaker and strategic advisor, Frédéric wrote several industry reports and briefs, participated in parliamentary committees, and organized strategic forums for the development of industry clusters.

In early 2017 Frederic was diagnosed with an aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma stage IV and, thanks to the support of the Canadian medical community, he is now undergoing his maintenance treatment.

With over 32 years of experience at RBC, Cameron brings a great depth of industry knowledge as a Portfolio Manager and Wealth Advisor to his clients. Cameron customizes advanced financial planning strategies and unique wealth protection solutions to meet the needs of families, businesses and philanthropic organizations on national and international levels. As a Portfolio Manager, he offers discretionary investment management services to his clients.

Born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Cameron completed his education in Toronto earning an Honours degree in Economics at York University. He is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Canadian Investment Manager (CIM), Options
licensed (OLC), Financial Management Advisor (FMA) and is licensed to provide insurance solutions to protect and preserve your personal and corporate wealth.

Cameron is actively involved with a variety of professional and charitable organizations including his former role as Director on the Board of the Better Living Health Centre. He has also served on their Planning Committee Board and Finance Board. In his former role as Branch Manager at RBC Royal Bank, Cameron initiated RBC's participation in the Meals on Wheels program. He recently co-chaired the Special Events Committee of the Yonge Bloor Bay Business Association, which continues to support local businesses and charities in the Yorkville community.

Cameron served on the RBC Dominion Securities Advisory Board which comprised of advisors from across Canada. He represented RBC investment advisors for the Metro Toronto and Northern Ontario regions, alongside his fellow board members, working to improve client service and the client experience at RBC Dominion Securities. Since 2020, Cameron has been involved with the RBC Dominion Securities Investment Advisor Mentorship Program. He coaches new Advisors who are looking to grow their business. Currently, he is a member of the prestigious RBC Dominion Securities Executive Council.

Dan Goodman is President of United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 247, which represents over 14,000 members across British Columbia.

In his 40 years as a member, Dan has worked with various Locals, was an International Representative for UFCW Canada and was elected President of Local 247 in 2021. He is a Vice President of the UFCW National Council, a Trustee of the UFCW B.C Pension Plan and sits on the Administration Committee for the UFCW National Defence Fund.

He has been involved with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada since their partnership with UFCW Canada began in 1985, whether it be running marathons for Team in Training, holding an annual Golf Tournament that has raised over $700,000 since inception, or being an active member of the Light the Night Vancouver ELC.

Amber just celebrated 23 years at Sklar Wilton & Associates where, as Managing Director, she helps some of Canada’s most iconic brands solve tough business challenges and identify growth opportunities through strategic insights and facilitation.

In addition, Amber channels her passion for people and culture by leading the SW&A Engagement strategy.  With a focus on Whole Person Development, including connection and belonging, recognition and energy management, Amber is always looking for new ideas and approaches to ensure the team is truly thriving even during these challenging times.  Amber has also built custom Whole Person Development programs for SW&A clients to help their teams succeed.

Amber’s daughter Reese, now 15 years old, is a childhood cancer survivor.  While the diagnosis was not a blood cancer, there’s no doubt some of treatment she received was informed by the research done on blood cancers.  Plus, Amber and her family became close to other families with children going through leukemia treatment at Sick Kids hospital….each and every one of them a true warrior and inspiration.  Amber, her husband and daughter love international travel, exploring new restaurants around Toronto and relaxing at the cottage. 
Amber has volunteered her ideas and her time as a member of LLSC’s Talent and HR Committee for the past year.

John Lohr was first elected to the Nova Scotia legislature in 2013, then re-elected in 2017 and August 2021 to represent the constituency of Kings North in the Annapolis Valley. He currently serves as Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, and is responsible for Emergency Management Organization and the Office of the Fire Marshal.

In 1987, Lohr purchased his father's farm and developed it into a multi-faceted agri-business growing numerous fruits and vegetables. In 1999, Lohr purchased and rebranded a spice processing company, Farmer John's Herbs and in 2017, he sold the farm and the spice company to his two oldest sons.

In addition to his widespread involvement in community, sport, church and agriculture, he enjoys sailing, bee keeping, motorcycling and gardening. He and his wife Heather live in Port Williams and have three grown sons and four grandchildren.

A proven marketing leader and strategic advisor with 30 years of experience, Jennifer Marley solves the highest-level, toughest strategic challenges for her clients at the marketing advisory firm, Sklar Wilton & Associates (SW&A). In her 18 years at SW&A, Jennifer has been honoured to act as strategic and insights advisor to some of Canada’s finest companies to collaboratively solve tough business challenges to unlock growth and build stronger brands.

Her vision has been a driving force behind many successful culture, engagement and coaching initiatives at SW&A leading the firm to be named as one of Canada’s Best Workplaces, as well as, an Employee Recommended Workplace in 2017 and 2018.

The blood cancer cause is a personal one for Jennifer. She is a 14-year leukemia survivor and is dedicated volunteer for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada. She is also a keen adventurer who enjoys new challenges including biking, hiking, trekking, and zip-lining in some of the most exotic and beautiful parts of the world. She is a mother of two, Matt 22 and Kate 20, who she is helping transition through university to adulthood. Her husband Murray enjoys accompanying her on her adventures.

With a proven track record in reputation and social license issues, David has recognized expertise in the fields of intelligence, strategic communications and activism. In 2013, he co-authored a book dedicated to these issues: “Influence and reputation on the Internet: communities, crisis and strategies". Based in Montreal, he supports clients facing challenges in moving and complex environments.

David has been a communication advisor and strategist for almost 20 years. The first stretch of his career took place in France where he worked as a Communications and Public Affairs manager in the health and pharmaceutical sector (for the French National Blood Service). The challenges involved in this position have led him to hold various positions in France and overseas, where he managed one of the most important health crises of the 2000s (Chikungunya epidemic, Reunion island, 2005-2006).

Having completed two Masters degrees, one in law and one in communications (Aix-Marseille University), David perfected his training by entering the Economic Warfare School (Paris, 2008) before moving to Canada. He was trained as a competitive intelligence analyst and has since applied his knowledge in the field of issue management and digital strategies.

A CPA by profession, Phillip Moy is a seasoned business executive and CFO for various Vancouver-based private companies. His work has allowed him to bring his business / financial expertise, business development, operations & strategy skills and entrepreneurial spirit to a diverse range of industries ranging from communications & media, private equity, real estate, and IT. Phillip is a Business graduate from SFU and received his Chartered Accountant designation (Deloitte) in 1994. Early on, Phillip co-founded a company that managed all special events at the Plaza of Nations in Vancouver (former Expo site) before selling the venture in 1998.
 
Phillip’s association with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada began in 2006 following his recovery from an extensive 2-year treatment program for Multiple Myeloma. Since then, he has been active in taking on the roles of Ambassador, First Connection Peer Support and Captain – Team Iron Will. His team has raised over $500,000 for LLSC since participating in their first Light the Night Walk in 2006. Other volunteer positions include Light the Night Walk Member, Honoured Hero and Corporate Walk Chair in 2014 (now called ELC).

Marla Persky is CEO and President of WOMN LLC, a company dedicated to helping women succeed in the business of law by increasing their knowledge of and acuity with financial drivers, client development, and leadership. Throughout her professional life, Ms. Persky has had the opportunity to understand and practice business principles that lead to personal and company success.

Richard Piticco joined the ICD as the Chief Administrative Officer with more than twenty years of experience in strategic financial leadership, operations, and leading large scale organizational changes. As the Executive Director of Operations & Administration for York’s School of Continuing Studies, he was responsible for strategic management & planning, financial management, human resources, technology, digital & experiential education, physical resources planning, and health & safety. He oversaw the construction of the school’s iconic new building as well as several digital transformations.

Previously, Richard was the Vice President of Student Services for CPA Ontario where he oversaw the operations, strategic and financial planning, business development, regulatory requirements, and policy development relating to a 20,000-student portfolio. Collaborating with provincial and national bodies across Canada, he led aspects of unifying three professional accounting bodies into one, while implementing a new post graduate program. He also led large-scale digital transformation projects and co-developed and implemented a multimillion-dollar funding model for Ontario universities that led to the creation of four specialized research centers.

Richard also worked at CIBC World Markets where he was a Director in Equity Research and was quickly ranked by Brendan Woods International as a “Rising Star”. Previously, he was a Treasury Manager with Pepsi Canada and became a CA with KPMG in 1999. Richard also volunteered on several Not-for-Profit Boards, including Hospice Palliative Care of Ontario and Family Services Toronto.

Stephanie is a senior pharmaceutical and biotech entrepreneur and consultant with decades of experience advising Global C-Suite Executives about optimal commercialization strategies for game-changing improvements in cancer care. She’s the founder and currently the President of OncoLogic Inc., a boutique strategy, forecasting, research and due diligence consulting firm. Stephanie was also the co-founder of Strategic Answers Inc. where she helped develop and launch a software program to estimate the future prevalence of cancer and led business development activities until the company was acquired in 2016. Prior to her start-up and consulting roles she held senior marketing and strategic planning roles at Bristol-Myers Squibb and Eli Lilly and Company.

Stephanie was formerly Chair of the Board of Directors of Scientists in School and she is also currently serving as an Advisor to the ALS Society of Canada and to the Life Sciences Health Innovation Hub of Springboard Enterprises. Stephanie holds a BSc (Honours) in Life Sciences and a MSc. (Pathology) from Queen’s University (NCIC Scholarship).

As seasoned retail management professional with a 26-year career at The Beer Store, Elijah has cultivated an extensive portfolio of roles and responsibilities. Starting his journey as a Store Manager, he has progressively taken on more challenging roles including Multi-Store Manager and District Auditor. More recently, he has transitioned into the sphere of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), serving initially as a DEIB Specialist before ascending to his current role as DEIB Manager.

Beyond his formal titles, Elijah has been a catalyst for positive change within the organization. He has been instrumental on numerous special projects. A passionate advocate for diversity, Elijah was a founding member of the company's BIPOC Employee Resource Group (ERG) and has been instrumental in creating three additional ERGs, designed to give voice to diverse groups of employees. In his present capacity as DEIB Manager, Elijah focuses on the strategic development and deployment of all DEIB programs. Keen on community involvement, he prioritizes outreach initiatives to understand the needs of various communities better, thereby ensuring that DEIB efforts are both effective and inclusive.

Elijah's commitment extends far beyond the workplace; he is deeply involved in his community as well. A dedicated soccer coach for youth across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Elijah embodies the belief that giving back to the community is not just an obligation but a purpose. This dedication to community was further showcased when he served as the Team Manager for the male and female soccer teams for Ontario at the North American Indigenous Games in Halifax in the summer of 2023. Under his leadership, both teams brought home Ontario's first medals in soccer, a feat that speaks volumes about his capabilities as a mentor and leader.

Elijah's connection to the cause of the LLSC is deeply personal. His best man was diagnosed with leukemia in 2007, a life-altering event that has made him an active supporter of the life-saving research and education that LLSC provides. For many years, he has served as a District Coordinator for The Beer Store’s annual Bottle Drive in support of the LLSC, going the extra mile by organizing fire trucks and BBQs to raise awareness and educate the public on this critical issue.

As an Ojibwe from the Walpole Island First Nation, Elijah has always been passionate about advocating for Indigenous communities. He sees his potential role on the LLSC Board as an opportunity to bring much-needed awareness to Indigenous communities and to advocate for real benefits that could positively impact not just his community but all those within Canada.

Aaron Bains is a Partner at Aird & Berlis LLP. With an international background and hands-on business experience, Aaron provides practical and strategic advice to domestic and international investors and businesses. Aaron is a natural problem-solver who uses a personal approach to gain a comprehensive understanding of his clients’ needs. He has a keen eye for strategy and works with his clients to structure their transactions accordingly. This work includes advising high net worth clients on building family offices and successfully protecting and transitioning wealth to future generations. When possible, Aaron leverages his network to help clients with their local and international legal and business needs, including connecting clients to investors and advisors across the globe.

Aaron is a member of the firm’s Capital Markets Group and Venture Finance Group. He practices corporate law with an emphasis on debt and equity financing and domestic and international M&A. On financing matters, Aaron works closely with investors, often U.S. and Canadian banks or investment funds on their lending transactions in Canada. Aaron also assists emerging and high growth companies as they use debt to grow their businesses. On M&A transactions, Aaron serves a broad range of the firm’s clients, including, strategic/financial buyers, family offices and retiring or otherwise divesting sellers. Aaron’s range of client experience allows him to see issues from all sides of a deal and provide effective solutions to meet client needs.

Aaron was recently named as one of Canada’s Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers in 2020 by Canadian Lawyer magazine in the Young Influencer category. He was also recognized as a 2020 Precedent Setter by Precedent Magazine, which recognizes six outstanding young Toronto lawyers who have shown excellence and leadership in their practice and their community.

Aaron has been involved with the LLSC since 2021 when he competed in the Man & Woman of the Year (MWOY) campaign (now Visionaries of the Year). Having raised more than $114,000 during the 10-week competition, Aaron won the National Man of the Year title. In 2022, he was Co-Chair of the MWOY Leadership Team and increased his overall impact to $298,000. Aaron has set a goal to have a $1,000,000 lifetime impact on the LLSC.

Dan Coyle is the Vice President and Eastern Region Manager for Marsh Canada’s Consumer & Commercial Department. Dan is accountable for all aspects of brokering and supporting strategies to position Marsh Canada for accelerated profitable growth in the Eastern Region, while insuring an exceptional customer experience and efficient business interactions with Marsh’s insurers and vendors. He is recognized as an inspirational leader with a high level of enthusiasm and professionalism to take on any challenge. Dan was recently recognized as one of the 2016 Young Guns of insurance by Insurance Business Magazine and Nouveaux leadeurs en assurance 2018 by Le Journal de l’Assurance.

In 2017, Dan’s uncle passed away from AML leaving his wife and two teenage daughters behind. He is actively involved in several community service organizations. Currently, he is the proud member of Montreal’s Light the Night Walk Volunteer Leadership Committee where he was Chair of the Walk in 2016. Dan and his wife are proud to raise two amazing daughters together.

Jeffrey Bacha is an experienced senior executive with more than twenty years in the life sciences industry focused in the areas of operations, strategy and finance. His background includes successful public and private company building from both a start-up and turn around perspective; establishing and leading thriving management and technical teams; and raising capital in both the public and private markets.

Currently, Jeffrey is the CEO of Edison Oncology Holding Corp., a company he established to develop and commercialize new therapies in the fight against cancer. Prior to founding Edison Oncology, he led the growth of DelMar Pharmaceuticals, Inc. from its inception in 2010 through its listing on NASDAQ and advancement of its lead product candidate to pivotal Phase 3 clinical trials. In addition to his role at Edison Oncology, Jeffrey serves as an independent director and chair of the Compensation Committee for Sernova Corp., where he has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2008.

Jeffrey has been recognized as a “Top 40 under 40” executive by Business in Vancouver magazine and is the former Chair of the Greater Vancouver Economic Council.

Jeffrey is active in his community through volunteerism with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training program and as former Chairman of the Board for Covenant House Vancouver.

A McGill graduate, Angela C. Onesi has practiced law since the beginning of her career at Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP. She is a partner and Co-Leader of the firm’s Banking and Finance group. Angela advises clients in a wide array of industries on corporate and commercial financing, capital markets, private placements, project development and financing, acquisition financing and leasing. She structures, negotiates and manages all aspects of these financing transactions, including leading the teams required to close them. She prides herself on providing strategic, practical and business minded advice to her clients.

A fervent believer in the importance of volunteerism, Angela has been involved in a number of community organizations over the years including as a director of the Foundation of the Women’s Centre of Montreal since 2015. As a survivor of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma thanks, in part, to so many giving so much, Angela is committed to contributing to the mission of the LLSC.

Dr. Jason Berman is the CEO and Scientific Director of the CHEO Research Institute and the Vice-President Research at CHEO. He is also a Full Professor in the Departments of Pediatrics and Cellular and Molecular Medicine at the University of Ottawa. Previously he served as Associate Chair, Research, Department of Pediatrics, and Professor of Pediatrics, Microbiology & Immunology and Pathology at Dalhousie University and interim Vice President Research, Innovation and Knowledge Translation for the IWK Health Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Dr. Berman is a pediatric hematologist/oncologist and internationally recognized for pioneering research using zebrafish to study leukemia, childhood solid tumours, and rare inherited diseases, with a recent focus on inherited bone marrow failure syndromes. His laboratory has served as the Atlantic node of the Centre for Drug Research and Development and a national hub for zebrafish modeling of orphan diseases. He has served as president of the Canadian Society for Clinical Investigation, president of the Canadian Hematology Society and is a founding member of the Canadian Rare Disease Models and Mechanisms Network. He is currently Chair of the Board of Directors of the national Maternal Infant Child and Youth Research Network and a member of the board of the Ontario Institute of Cancer Research (Chair of the Research Committee) and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Institute of Cancer Research. 

Dr. Berman has been engaged with LLSC for many years in a variety of capacities, including as a grant recipient, speaker at Light the Night events, grant reviewer, Chair of the Operating Grant Review Panel, and member of the Med/Sci Committee. He is passionate about translating research findings from the bench to the bedside to improve the outcome and quality of life for individuals suffering from blood cancers

Professor Samantha Mayo RN, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto. She also holds the RBC Financial Group Chair in Oncology Nursing Research at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, where she co-leads the Oncology Nursing Research Centre of Excellence. Professor Mayo’s research program focuses on optimizing the long-term health of people with hematological cancers, by addressing the psychosocial and functional consequences of disease and its treatment. Using longitudinal and mixed methods approaches, her research characterizes the patterns and predictors of patient and caregiver outcomes with a goal of developing health service interventions to support coping, self-management, and quality of life.

National leadership roles include Scientific Panel Chair of the Canadian Association of Nurses in Oncology (CANO) Research Awards. International leadership roles include Co-Chair of the Non-Pharmacological Interventions subgroup of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC), Neurological Complications Study Group and Deputy Editor of the MASCC journal, Supportive Care in Cancer.

Alicia is the driving force behind LLSC’s coast-to-coast efforts, guiding our vision, fostering collaboration, and empowering teams to make a lasting difference in the lives of those touched by blood cancer. Since joining LLSC in 2006, Alicia has worn many hats, including opening the Atlantic Canada Chapter and leading as Executive Director for both the Quebec and Atlantic regions.

Her passion for people and progress propelled her to take on national roles, where she built strong teams and innovative campaigns as Vice President of Campaign Revenue. In 2018, she proudly stepped into the role of President, bringing with her over 25 years of experience in the non-profit world, working with renowned organizations (Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Ministry of Children and Youth Services) across the United States and Canada.

Born and raised in Montreal, Alicia combines local roots with a national vision, ensuring every region feels supported, every individual feels valued, and every initiative reflects the care our community deserves.

With a passion for strategy, research and organizational culture, Regina brings over 30 years of experience in both the public and private sectors to our leadership team. Before joining LLSC, she ran her own successful strategic consultancy for seven years, but it was her time volunteering in the kitchen of a men’s mission that sparked her desire to make a difference through her work.

Now a champion for innovation in the non-profit space, Regina is driven by a big dream: to rewrite the not-for-profit business model and prove that a thriving culture can spark transformative change. Every day, she brings that vision closer to reality while keeping our mission at the heart of everything she does.

When not thinking big thoughts, Regina can be found reading, at the theatre or coercing friends to play charades.

With a rich background in talent management, business operations, and team leadership, Lisa brings a unique blend of expertise and heart to LLSC. Her entrepreneurial spirit and over 20 years of experience in the pharmaceutical sector, sales, and business start-ups have shaped her into a dynamic leader who knows how to balance theory with the day-to-day realities of running a business.

Outside of work, Lisa finds joy in quilting, long walks with her dogs, swimming, and caring for her quirky flock of guinea fowl. She has 3 adult sons and lives with her husband in Kawartha Lakes. Her compassion, can-do attitude and enthusiasm are as much a part of her leadership as her professional expertise.

Sofia has a knack for realizing philanthropic potential, leading signature campaigns, fostering strategic partnerships, inspiring volunteers, and driving results thanks to her 15 years of experience in the non-profit sector. Her passion for revenue generation has fueled her success in leading national teams to raise millions of dollars for the blood cancer community.

Having lived abroad, Sofia is fluent in multiple languages and embraces a global perspective in her work and personal life. When she’s not helping donors achieve their goals, you’ll find her dancing to Jazz and Hip Hop or spending time with her two wonderful children, who inspire her every day.

Patty brings over 15 years of experience in the non-profit sector and a passion for making a meaningful difference. After graduating from university, she quickly realized that the corporate world wasn’t her calling. Instead, she dedicated her career to creating lasting change for social good.

Having worn many hats—from Marketing to Operations—Patty found her true passion is enhancing the lives of her colleagues. She thrives on helping people. She is focused on simplifying processes and streamlining workflows, to ensure that everyone can focus on what matters most: making an impact.

In her downtime, Patty cherishes evening strolls with her husband, two kids, and their loyal German Shepherd.

Since joining LLSC in 2017, Nadine has overseen the development and delivery of our research program, advocacy efforts, and community services. With 30 years of experience in the health non-profit sector, she has dedicated her career to supporting vulnerable populations and making a meaningful difference in their lives.

Nadine is deeply passionate about raising awareness of blood cancers and ensuring that no one faces their experience alone. From introducing new services to championing equitable access to treatment for all Canadians, she works tirelessly to support our community.

Based in her home office in Montreal, Nadine recharges by escaping to the great outdoors, where she enjoys nature walks and birdwatching.

With a talent for storytelling and a sharp eye for brand strategy, Jennifer brings a deep understanding of consumer behaviour and market trends to LLSC. She has built powerful brands through design and narrative, leading high-impact marketing campaigns that resonate with communities and donors. Most recently, she was the recipient of the prestigious Public Service “Best in Show” award at the 2024 Marketing Awards by Strategy Online.

Outside of work, Jennifer loves immersing herself in the arts—whether attending the theatre or exploring the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. When she’s not diving into marketing, she’s literally diving into Georgian Bay, enjoying refreshing swims with her partner and their two dogs.

A CPA, CA with extensive experience in financial reporting and tax compliance, Florence combines technical expertise with a genuine passion for supporting organizations that make a difference. Over the years, she has worked with local charities, museums, non-profits, and foundations, gaining a deep understanding of their operations and unique financial needs.

Florence honed her corporate finance skills as a Controller in the public and private sector at Fraser Health among other organizations. Her goal is to streamline financial operations and demystify financial data.

Outside of work, Florence enjoys applying her problem-solving mindset to make every project she touches a little more efficient and effective.