Board of Directors 2008-2009

Daily Bread Food Bank is run by a volunteer board of directors elected annually by its member agencies. Daily Bread tries to ensure the board reflects the composition of the wider community, including representation from member agencies and people experiencing low-income.

Eric Meerkamper, Chair, is a partner in DECODE, a company that is devoted to building better relationships between organizations and youth, young adults and young families. He has extensive international experience in sales and marketing. His expertise is invaluable to the development, research and public education functions of Daily Bread. Eric is also Cofounder and Chair of the Centre for Social Innovation in Toronto.

Elaine Crossland, Vice-Chair, is in-house legal counsel for a land developer based in Markham, and formerly served on the Board of the Ottawa Food Bank. She is committed to addressing hunger issues in the community.

Alex Sandahl, Treasurer, is currently Chief Financial Officer at Sim Video Group of Companies. Alex has experience in both the public and private sectors of the Canadian film and television industry. Previously he headed the Program Finance Department and served on the Management Team at TFO, TVOntario's French language network. Alex earned his Chartered Accountant designation in 1996 after articling with Deloitte and Touche in Montreal.

John McMillan, Secretary, is a barrister and solicitor with a practice devoted to health law. He was a volunteer at Daily Bread from 1993 through 1999 and is a former board member of Mainstay (formerly Supportive Housing Coalition). John has a long history of successful fund raising for numerous charities and not-for-profit organizations.

Gail Barkic is a member of Agency Council at Daily Bread and is the founding President of Churches by the Bluffs Community Services Food Bank, an agency of Daily Bread. Gail, a retired school principal with over 30 years experience at the Toronto District School Board, has volunteer experience on numerous committees and church boards which have benefited from her administrative and organizational skills.

Kevin Borden has extensive management experience in the private sector, and is currently the Program Coordinator, including food programs, at the Toronto People With AIDS Foundation. Kevin's previous board experience includes the board positions with the Canadian Mental Health Association, Blacks for Social Change and NAACP.

Meera Dhebar recently left her position as Programs Coordinator at the Toronto People With AIDS Foundation, also a member agency, to pursue her Masters of Social Work degree at Ryerson University. She has an extensive background in community agencies dealing with poverty, homelessness, mental health, illness, addiction, and violence. Previously, Meera had served as Chair of Desh Pardesh, a five-day multi-disciplinary South Asian Arts Festival. Her considerable organizational experience and dedication to social justice are of major benefit to the Board.

Ron Duke is a Chartered Accountant and is currently CFO COO of Lavalife. Ron has over 30 years of global operating, financial management, A and turnaround experience in public and private companies in eCommerce, retailing, franchising, manufacturing, distribution, and financial services. Ron is a Director of the Toronto Chapter of Financial Executives International and has private company board experience.

Tim Huff works for Youth Unlimited, an agency that serves homeless youth. Tim has been on the front lines for 17 years locally and has been involved in national initiatives addressing homeless youth. Youth Unlimited is a member agency of Daily Bread. Tim has a unique perspective on youth poverty issues. He is a published author with a children's book on homelessness "The Cardboard Shack Beneath the Bridge", and another book soon to published.

Anne Kothawala, former President and CEO of the Canadian Newspaper Association, with extensive experience on boards, brings to the board a wealth of knowledge of media, communications and public relations. She finds it troubling that in a wealthy country like Canada people do not have the means to feed their families.

Belinda Longe is currently on secondment to the Faculty of Education at OISE/UT from her role of Vice-Principal at Nelson Mandela Park Public School. At OISE/UT she is the coordinator of the Inner City Option which focuses on issues of equity, social justice and anti-oppression. In her role as an educator, Belinda is keenly aware of the social issues involving low-income families and has worked effectively to establish positive solutions.

Phil Nazar is a Pastoral Minister/Community Development Worker at the Toronto Christian Resource Centre, a recipient agency of Daily Bread, located in the Regent Park neighbourhood. Phil has served on the Board since 2001 and has been active on the Public Affairs and Nominating Committees. He served as Chair of Daily Bread's Board from 2005-2008.

Anthony Schatzky is a Clinic and Programs Advisor (Central and Eastern Region) at Legal Aid Ontario (LAO). His former not-for-profit board experience includes Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO), and Chair of both Arts York and Insight Theatre Company. Anthony has also managed a number of organizations, primarily in the not-for-profit arts sector. Through his work with LAO, Anthony is well aware of the daily reality of and difficulties arising from poverty and hunger.

Greg Smith is Vice-President, Human Resources at Campbell Company of Canada, a generous supporter of Daily Bread for many years. Greg has exceptional professional skills in facilitation, leadership, conflict management, negotiation and organizational development. He has lengthy volunteer experience with the United Way and with various church groups.

Elizabeth Squissato is an expert in Human Resources Strategic Planning, Change Management, Organization and Leadership Development, Talent Management, and Reward and Recognition. She has a strong interest in social justice. Her previous volunteer experience includes the Toronto Women's Referral Centre and intensive work with UNICEF Canada.

Paul Taylor has had a varied career as an educator, entrepreneur and chef. He is currently employed as the Director of Education and the Manager, Food Services at Second Base Youth Shelter. Paul has previous Board experience with the Fudger House, and sat on the Advisory Board for the School of Liberal Arts Charitable Foundation.