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About Us

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Melanoma Canada is fortunate to have a dedicated Board of Directors, providing high-level strategic oversight. Our Board of Directors, collectively ensure effective management of the organization, and ensure accountability proper governance.

Dr. Mario Chevrette, Chair
Chair

Joined 2022

For 20 years, he had a laboratory in the Department of Urology at McGill University, working on prostate cancer. He spent over 10 years volunteering with the Cancer Research Society (a non-for-profit organization funding cancer research in Canada) and became its scientific director. Dr. Chevrette represented the Cancer Research Society at different events as well as on the Canadian Cancer Research Alliance. In 2014, Dr. Chevrette became the Vice-President, Scientific Affairs at CQDM, a biopharmaceutical research consortium whose mission is to fund the development of innovative tools and technologies.

In 2020 following two malignant melanoma diagnoses, a lymphadenectomy where 31 lymph nodes were removed, immunotherapy, and several adverse side effects of treatments, Dr. Chevrette retired from active science practices.

Since his diagnoses he volunteered as a cancer survivor on the Challenge Grants Program of the Canadian Cancer Society.

Unfortunately, cancer has touched Dr. Chevrette’s family too. He lost his youngest brother to cholangiocarcinoma, and his two older brothers have been diagnosed with prostate cancer. As a senior cancer researcher, Dr. Chevrette brings his knowledge and expertise, as well as his passion and enthusiasm to the Melanoma Canada Board of Directors, and is eager to help improve outcomes for the melanoma and skin cancer patient community.

Annette Cyr, Honorary Chair
C.DIR., C.C.P, SHRP

Annette is founder and Chair of the Board for Melanoma Network of Canada, as well as a 3 time survivor of melanoma. She has volunteered on a full time basis at the organization since its inception in 2009.

Annette holds an executive M.B.A, a degree in Business Administration, and professional designation of Chartered Director from McMaster University and the Senior Human Resources Professional Designation. She also runs her own business management consulting company, Cyr & Associates Inc. since 2001. In 2012, she was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal for service to the community. She is involved in many national and international committees to improve access to clinical trials and treatment for melanoma and skin cancer patients.

Alek A. Ackerman is the Brand Manager of Aston Martin
Alek A. Ackerman

Joined 2023

Alek A. Ackerman is the Brand Manager of Aston Martin Toronto and serves on the board of directors of the Aston Martin Owners Club.

Before being named Brand Manager Alek had extensive experience in luxury goods, his responsibilities now involve the marketing, design and sale of bespoke vehicles across Canada, including end-to-end client experience and events based management including most recently the Canadian debut of DB12.

The unique positioning of Alek in the automotive space have garnered a large following on both Instagram and YouTube where he is oftentimes found sharing his passion.

As Alek’s presence has grown, he has worked actively to champion cancer research, this has come in the form of Aston Martin Owners Club’s continued presence at Yorkville Exotic Car Show, consultation in the operation of the Sessanta Miglia.

Using his unique perspective Alek looks forward to assisting Melanoma Canada further elevate events in the hopes of making the world a better place.

Mark Allan

Joined 2021

Mark is a Senior Manager in EY’s Toronto office. He graduated from Dalhousie University in Halifax, NS and is holds his CPA, CA designation. Mark has been with EY for over 9 years, providing audit services to both public and private companies, primarily in the Power & Utilities space. He is currently on rotation in EY’s National Accounting group, focusing on the resolution of complex accounting and regulatory issues.

Neill Brown

Joined 2020

With over 20 years of industry experience, Neill is a professional leader with a solid foundation of international experience working in North America, APAC, MENA, and Europe. He has been with the McCann Health network for the past 15 years and has helped build Global and Local brands across multiple therapy areas including oncology. Neill is currently Managing Director across both the Toronto and Montreal teams in developing creative solutions to challenges facing today’s healthcare companies. Neill holds an HBA from Richard Ivey School of Business at University of Western Ontario.

Dr. Marcus Butler

Joined 2024

Dr. Butler is a leading expert in melanoma treatment and care at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. He focuses on advancing immune-based therapies to help people with cancer live longer and healthier lives. 

Dr. Julia Carroll
FRCPC (DERMATOLOGY)

Joined 2019

Dr. Carroll is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons (FRCPC) and an active member of the Canadian Dermatology Association, Toronto Dermatologic Society, American Society of Dermatologic Surgeons and the American Academy of Dermatology. Besides her busy dermatology practice, she is also on staff at the University of Toronto Medical School.

Dr. Carroll completed her dermatology training at the University of Toronto. Prior to her dermatology training she completed medical school at Dalhousie University, graduating Alpha Omega Alpha, and also attained a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Acadia University.

Alan Carter

Joined 2024

Alan Carter is a Toronto journalist and news anchor known for his
trust, accuracy, and fairness. He’s passionate about using his voice to raise awareness of important issues, including melanoma and skin cancer prevention. 

Shubha Dasgupta

Joined in 2023

Shubha Dasgupta is Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Toronto-based Pineapple.

Since entering the mortgage industry in 2008, he has been focused on positively disrupting the sector by leveraging technology and putting people at the heart of the business. Shubha’s unique vision and expertise have allowed him to build and grow Pineapple, which now has over 700 brokers in its network. Under his leadership, the company has built a world-class proprietary AI-driven Client Relationship Management (CRM) Platform, which is the first full-circle mortgage process for agents, offering a more personalized experience for clients.

Shubha’s deep understanding of business and industry trends, coupled with the ability to drive best-in-class customer experience and profitability have enabled him to infuse vision and purpose in his professional endeavors throughout his career.

An award-winning executive and seasoned industry expert, Shubha was recognized among the ‘2020 and 2022 Mortgage Global 100’ top executives who are inciting positive change and growth within the field. Since 2018, he has also been featured for five consecutive years in the annual Canadian Mortgage Professional’s Hot List which highlights the industry’s top leaders. In 2021, he was appointed President of the Canadian Mortgage Brokers Association (CMBA) Ontario Board of Directors, after serving a second year on the Board.

An active member in the Toronto community, Shubha is a philanthropic leader for various non-profit organizations. Since 2010, he has been a devoted advocate in the fight against cancer. Prior to joining the mortgage industry, he headed a group of volunteers for the Canadian Cancer Society for eight years. In 2017, he also co-founded CMI Cancer Fighters, a group of Canadian mortgage industry professionals dedicated to the fight against cancer on which he currently chairs. Additionally serving on the corporate cabinet for Make-A-Wish foundation.

Shubha is also a highly sought after public speaker and media expert speaking on topics ranging from finance, self improvement and philanthropy.

Jessica Huck

Joined 2019

Jessica Huck began her career as a paediatric critical care nurse at the Hospital for Sick Children in 2008 and served in that capacity until 2014. In 2012, while holding a casual position in the PICU, she moved to the private sector with Baxter Corporation as a Therapy Specialist in Acute Renal Care. Jessica was responsible for the clinical education of physicians and nurses in therapy and best practices for acute dialysis products in intensive care units across Canada.

In 2015, shortly after becoming a mother to daughter Naomi, Jessica was diagnosed with malignant melanoma, stage 3a. Jessica sought support and guidance by attending support groups offered by the Melanoma Network of Canada. Soon after, she became involved with the network as a patient advocate and avid fundraiser.

In 2018 Jessica was declared “no evidence of disease”. She actively volunteers at Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre as part of the MNC patient outreach team helping other Melanoma patients come to grip with their diagnosis.

Jessica has an Honours Bachelor of Health Sciences from University of Western Ontario, and an Honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing from York University. Her proudest accomplishments are her beautiful daughter Naomi, her husband Jordan, and her French bulldog Sophie.

Lori Latchman
Lori Latchman

Joined 2023

Lori graduated with an honours degree in Education and was hired by UNICEF Canada as Director of Education. She managed 14 volunteers who held senior positions in Canadian companies at UNICEF’s National office, and managed all provincial committees as well. Our responsibility was to write curriculum about 3rd world development. This translated into students being motivated to ‘trick or treat’ with their orange boxes at Halloween, raising millions of dollars for impoverished children around the world. She was also a Director of UNICEF Canada’s Board.

She has been the Vice President of Fundraising at the Starlight Foundation, and was jointly responsible for opening its first office in Toronto.

From 2008 to 2017, Lori sat on the Board of SickKids Hospital and contributed to the Ethics, Governance, Capital Campaign, and Development committees. She was responsible for creation of the Tie Domi Rehabilitation Clinic raising $1,000,000 to design, build, implement and budget for ongoing operating expenses. With a team of three, developed SickKids signature event called “GETLOUD”, a walk that takes place each fall. Since 2014, this walk has proudly grossed just under $10,000,000.

Lori brings her extensive experience in the non-profit sector to the board and passion for making a difference to the Melanoma Canada Board of Directors.

Anthony Miceli

Joined 2022

A strategic advancement professional with over 25 years of experience in creating revenue growth within the charitable sector. Currently, Anthony holds the position of Executive Director, Corporate and Foundation Relations at the University of Toronto. In this role, Anthony develops and maintains strategic relationships with both Canadian and Internationally based companies and granting foundations. Prior to his work at U of T, Anthony held senior level positions in a variety of national non-profit organizations including; The Heart & Stroke Foundation, The Arthritis Society, Special Olympics Canada, and The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Anthony’s primary responsibility was to drive sustainable financial growth to expand program delivery, research, and education for patients and other relevant stakeholders.

Early in his career, Anthony had the opportunity to work closely with Board Members from across the Country. His exposure to these groups of passionate members of the community provided a gateway into better understanding the importance of community service. Subsequently, Anthony developed a boutique service, delivering marketing and fundraising education for leaders of community-based non-profits. Anthony also enjoys a variety of sports and leisure activities, contributing his time over the years to local sports organizations.

Dr. Jessica Minardi

Joined 2018

Dr. Jessica Minardi is a practicing dentist in the city of Toronto and a member of the Ontario Dental Association. She completed her graduate degree at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry in 2007 at which time she relocated to Toronto from Windsor.

Aside from her career, Dr Minardi loves spending time with family and friends, in particular her daughters Brianna and Isabelle.

She joined the board of directors in 2018, in honour of her late husband Sean who battled Melanoma for 14 months and passed away in 2017.

Mike Pilato

Joined 2022

Mike Pilato is President, CEO, and board director with Jamieson Wellness, assuming these roles in June 2021, after joining the organization in 2018. Mike has diverse Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) experience across companies of various sizes. Prior to Jamieson, he was with The Clorox Company for over a decade including his role as General Manager and President, Canada, where he led the organization to unprecedented growth across multiple consumer categories. Mike has also held various cross-functional roles at Playtex Products, Kraft Foods, and as a leader within some startups.

He was previously a Director at the Food, Health and Consumer Products Association of Canada (FHCP) from 2015 to 2023, serving time as both Vice-Chair and Treasurer. He also sat on the boards of the Canadian Consumer Specialty Products Association (CCSPA), Avante Logixx Inc (XX.V), and Breakaway Community Services. Mike holds a Bachelor of Accounting degree from Brock University, as well as a CPA, CMA designation.

Mike was diagnosed with Melanoma in 2017 and he attributes early detection and action for saving his life. His passion for early detection programs led him to join Melanoma Canada where he is happy to provide his broad range of business, leadership, and board experience in helping the organization fulfill its mission.

Jenna Wood

Joined 2024

Jenna is a Human Resources executive who has grown her career in the Construction and Pharmaceutical industries over the past 14 years. In her current role as Vice President, Human Resources at Aecon, Jenna is accountable for delivering full-scope HR business partnership services to Operational Executives, supporting over 7,500 employees across Canada, the U.S. and Internationally.

With a passion for building a collaborative, diverse and inclusive work environment, Jenna enjoys championing initiatives that maximize community impact and support the increased participation and employment of underrepresented groups in the construction industry.

With recent lived experience with melanoma, Jenna is driven to raise awareness and education about the risks of melanoma and other skin cancers, and support those in the community who may have similar diagnoses.

Jenna holds a Bachelor of Management and Organizational Studies from Western University, a Master of Business Administration from McMaster University, and a Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) Designation.

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