Voting Committee

Jennifer Mondoux

MANAGING PARTNER & CEO, MONDOUXROLLINS PARTNERS INC.
CHAIR AND FOUNDER, CANADA’S BEST PRIVATE BOARDS

Jennifer Mondoux is a human capital advisor and talent solutions professional, with nearly two decades of experience working with private companies. She has helped dozens of founders and entrepreneurs of mid-market companies build out their senior leadership teams. She is also the founder of Canada’s Best Private Boards, a program that recognizes the impact of governance on the performance of private companies. Jennifer holds a bachelor’s degree in political studies from Queen’s University, a post-graduate degree in journalism from Toronto Metropolitan University, as well as a directorship certification from NACD. She volunteers her time with The Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health as a board director and as chair of the foundation’s compensation and succession committee. In 2023, she established The Valerie Feltham and Tammy Bekkers Memorial Bursary at Queen’s University in honour of the passing of two dear friends in 1993.

Bill McLean

PARTNER, RICHTER
VICE CHAIR, CANADA’S BEST PRIVATE BOARDS

For 30 years, Bill McLean has assisted family enterprises and private company business owners, giving him a wealth of business and executive management experience. He has successfully led several private companies and practices and delivered many complex transformation programs. Bill has held CEO/President positions, led Family Enterprise Services, and held a host of other executive positions. Bill also has extensive experience in leading, advising and coaching individuals, teams and families in many critical areas including: conflict resolution and management of change cycles, wealth/business transition and communication planning, owner and organization alignment, family and business board planning, executive and leadership development, merger and acquisition synergy, and culture assessment/definition. Bill holds the Family Enterprise Advisor (FEA) designation and accredited as a coach with the International Coach Federation (ICF).

Ashley Armstrong

DIRECTOR, ARMSTRONG COLLECTIVE
(2024 WINNER – CANADA’S BEST PRIVATE BOARDS)

Ashley is a director on the Armstrong Collective Board. Armstrong Collective operates Rocky Mountaineer in Western Canada, which offers luxury train journeys that connect Vancouver with the Canadian Rockies and the Canyon Spirit train in the American Southwest. Ashley is also a director of Alder Bay Equity Partners, which invests in and acquires profitable, privately held businesses in Western Canada. Ashley has previously worked as a management consultant at Accenture’s London, UK office and as program director for both the Forum for Women Entrepreneurs and the Business Families Centre at UBC. Ashley has a BA from Queen’s University, an MBA from the Sauder School of Business, UBC, and is an ICD.D holder.

David Au-Yeung

MANAGING PARTNER, COLLECTIVEXP

David Au-Yeung is the Managing Partner at CollectiveXP and a seasoned entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience in the tech industry. David co-founded Flipp, a retail technology company that works with some of the largest retail enterprises to automate, publish, and distribute digitally-native merchandising content, with distribution reach of over 100 million households. During his tenure at Flipp, he played a significant role spearheading the culture. As a multi-faceted leader, he also oversaw the Engineering function where his expertise drove innovation in the retail industry to help millions of shoppers to save time and money every day. Flipp was recently acquired by Truelink Capital in August, 2023. David now spends his time providing advisory for startups and serves on nonprofit boards.

Jerry Bouma

ADVISORY BOARD CHAIR, THE LITTLE POTATO COMPANY
(2024 WINNER – CANADA’S BEST PRIVATE BOARDS)

Jerry Bouma is the Advisory Board Chair at The Little Potato Company. He is also the founder of Toma & Bouma Management Consultants, where he provides strategic insights and operational support to agri-businesses, industry organizations, and government entities across Canada. His leadership in agriculture master planning, value chain management, and environmental issues is well recognized within the sector. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jerry has also contributed significantly to numerous boards and advisory councils. He serves as the Honorary Consul for the Kingdom of the Netherlands and has held leadership roles with organizations such as the Agriculture Financial Services Corporation and Olds College. Jerry’s strategic foresight and operational expertise drive growth and long-term solutions in the agriculture sector.

Erik Brien-Wright

PARTNER – PRIVATE EQUITY INVESTMENTS, EDC
(2025 WINNER - CANADA'S BEST PRIVATE BOARDS)

Erik Brien-Wright is a Partner in Export Development Canada`s Private Equity Team which seeks to invest in Canadian based mid-market businesses with international growth ambitions. His experience spans investment management, corporate finance, private equity, and real estate development with experience at National Bank Financial, Astrolabe Financial, Export Development Canada, and having Co-founded Lion Trade Ltd – an Ottawa based multi-residential general contracting and real estate development firm. Erik was also recognized as an Emerging Trailblazer in 2025 by Canada's Best Private Boards program. He has held various Board positions with companies including Clearpath Robotics, E2ip Technologies, Add Energie, Novarc Technologies and Kinova Robotics. Erik is a Chartered Financial Analyst and holds a Bachelor of Commerce with a finance specialty from the Telfer School of Management.

Jamie Duncan

BOARD DIRECTOR & CHAIR, PHILANTHROPY ADVISORY BOARD, NICOLA WEALTH
(2025 WINNER - CANADA'S BEST PRIVATE BOARDS)

Jamie Duncan, CFP, MBA, is a Board Director and Chair of the Philanthropy Advisory Board at Nicola Wealth. She has been with the firm since its inception and spent more than three decades in senior leadership, most recently as Chief Operating Officer, where she played a central role in developing the infrastructure and award-winning culture that underpin Nicola Wealth’s success. Today, Jamie remains actively involved as a member of the Corporate Board of Directors and leads the firm’s philanthropic work, helping guide its charitable initiatives and long-term community impact. Her leadership reflects a disciplined, values-driven approach and a deep commitment to giving back.

Kerry Gerber

INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR

Kerry Gerber is a corporate director and advisor. A former partner at PwC Canada, he served as Chief Auditor, leading professional practice, risk management, and regulatory mandates nationally and internationally. He was Board Chair of MTE Consultants Inc. for six years, recognized in 2024 as Canada’s Best Private Boards in the Best Fiduciary Board: Employee-Owned category. He is current Chair of CPCS Transcom Ltd. and R.V. Anderson Associates Ltd. Kerry has served on various boards including the PwC Canada Partnership Board, London Community Foundation, and Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. Post-retirement from PwC, his advisory work spans private company transactions and project management training globally. He holds a B.Math (Hons) from the University of Waterloo, an MBA from Ivey Business School (Western University), and is an ICD.D holder and Fellow of CPA Ontario.

Lisa Giannone

PRESIDENT AND COO, BFL CANADA
(2025 WINNER - CANADA'S BEST PRIVATE BOARDS)

Lisa Giannone is President and Chief Operating Officer of BFL CANADA, where she drives sustainable growth and innovation through strategic vision and a client-centric approach. Since joining BFL CANADA in 2009, she has brought over 30 years of experience in insurance and risk management. She excels in strategic planning and high-level negotiations, and is recognized for her ability to develop alternative and creative solutions for clients. Throughout her career, she has held numerous leadership roles and has been involved in designing insurance and risk management programs for Canadian companies with international operations, leveraging an innovative digital approach. Lisa is deeply engaged in community initiatives, supporting organizations such as the Concordia Centre for Women Entrepreneurship and Leadership, the Barry F. Lorenzetti Foundation, and the Italian-Canadian Community Foundation.

Keith Gillard

CEO, SUSTAERO

Keith Gillard is CEO of SUSTAERO, a cleantech company developing sustainable aviation solutions, and co-founder of UpperStage.Capital Inc., an impact-focused private equity firm. An entrepreneur and investment professional, he has focused more than 20 years on impact investment. Keith is co-founder and chair of Foresight Canada, now Canada’s largest cleantech accelerator, with over 1,000 client companies. He is a board committee member of the Canadian Venture Capital Association and has served as chair of Vestaron Corporation, and director of Talius, Keela, Hazel Technologies, NewLeaf Symbiotics, and others. Keith served on the advisory boards of ARCH Venture Partners, Chrysalix Venture Capital, and NGEN Partners. He served as advisor to the World Economic Forum on sustainability and collaborative innovation in chemicals and materials, speaking at Davos in 2020.

Jordan Hokanson

PRESIDENT AND CEO, HOKANSON CAPITAL INC.
(2025 WINNER - CANADA'S BEST PRIVATE BOARDS)

Jordan Hokanson is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Hokanson Capital. Jordan joined Hokanson Capital in 2002 and was appointed CEO on June 2010. Today, Mr. Hokanson oversees the strategic direction of the Edmonton- based, multifaceted, real estate & investment company with a keen eye for unrecognized opportunities, locally and abroad. Jordan has the unique ambition and ability to learn an industry in short order. His relationship-focused strategy comes from recognizing that through the sharing of information and the ability to look for win-win opportunities, Hokanson Capital, along with its stakeholders and partners, can be successful. Jordan received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (1998) from Western Ontario University, his Petroleum Engineering Technology Diploma (2000) from NAIT, and his MBA (2006) from the University of Alberta.

Jory Lamb

FOUNDER AND CEO, VISTAVU SOLUTIONS
(2025 WINNER - CANADA'S BEST PRIVATE BOARDS)

Jory Lamb is the Founder and CEO of VistaVu Solutions, a Calgary-based technology and SAP services firm he founded in 1996 to help small and midsize organizations improve operational efficiency through technology. Under his leadership, VistaVu has grown into one of the largest SAP mid-market partners in North America, serving industries including wholesale distribution, industrial field services, and manufacturing. Jory holds an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School and currently serves on SAP’s North American Executive Partner Council, advising SAP on partner engagement and their Cloud ERP portfolio.

Doug McDonald

TRUSTED STRATEGIC AND FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Doug McDonald is a trusted strategic advisor with over 35 years of leadership in the Canadian and international M&A market. He held senior positions in Canada and the U.K., including 22 years as a partner at Deloitte, where he founded and led the Corporate Finance and Private Equity practices. Doug has advised management, boards, and shareholders on strategic growth and transformational transactions. He has deep expertise in the consumer industry, spanning retail and all food and beverage sectors. Doug was Board Chair of the McMichael Canadian Art Foundation for eight years and an officer of the Canadian Venture Capital and Private Equity Association for eleven. He serves on advisory boards for MondouxRollins Partners Inc., Gray Inc., Buddha Brands, and Zulu Alpha Kilo.

Karen McKnight

EXECUTIVE COACH, ADVISOR & LEADERSHIP CONSULTANT TO PRIVATE COMPANIES

For over 20 years, Karen McKnight has worked extensively with private companies and founders/entrepreneurs; coaching one-on-one, facilitating groups of CEOs and senior leaders, and creating leadership development programs. In 2002, Karen founded her executive coaching practice, “Transitions’ Edge Ltd.,” providing coaching and consulting to individuals and organizations. Her objectives are to support, challenge, and guide clients in achieving goals and navigating change in both their business and personal lives. In 2021, she wrote “And Just Like That – Using Life Jolts to Create the Next Best Version of Yourself in Leadership and Life.” Karen holds a Master of Education degree in Adult Learning from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto.

Colette Miller

PARTNER, SKYSTONE CPA’S

Colette Miller’s resilience and positive attitude helped her launch SkyStone CPAs after 40+ years with her predecessor firm, founded by her dad in 1962. Known for her common sense, pragmatic advice, and kindness, she supports clients with year-end reporting, tax planning, and succession. She measures success by friendships formed and lessons learned while leading AI adoption and business process innovation. Currently, Colette serves on the Covenant Health Board, Verdex Capital, and the Business Council of Alberta, offering insightful, creative perspectives and strong financial acumen. She previously spent five years with the Canadian Business Growth Fund Board and ten years with ATB Financial Board, where she learned from great leaders and explored innovative HR and culture initiatives.

James Nguyen

CO-FOUNDER & CEO, QUANTROPI
(2024 WINNER – CANADA’S BEST PRIVATE BOARDS)

James Nguyen was named Entrepreneur of the Year by Canadian SME Magazine in 2023 and a past top 40 under 40. He co-founded Quantropi, a deep-tech cybersecurity company dedicated to safeguarding digital communications and ensuring data integrity against emerging threats in Quantum and AI. Since its inception in 2018, Quantropi has earned global recognition, including being a 2025 NATO Innovator, a 2024 IDC innovator, a Deloitte’s Fast 50 company (Europe), Best Fiduciary Board for Canada’s Best Private Boards in 2024 and a 2023 Future In Review Company. Before delving into quantum technologies, James was focused on commercializing graphene technologies for clean water and prior to that was a career Banker at once of Canada’s largest financial institutions. His journey reflects his dynamic and bold personality with a strong commitment to advancing to cutting-edge technologies to address massive world problems.

Todd Nicklin

DIRECTOR, VMAC GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES
(2025 WINNER – CANADA’S BEST PRIVATE BOARDS)

Todd Nicklin is CEO and Director of Enex Energy Corporation, one of western Canada’s largest wholesale fuels and lubricants distributors. Enex operates on Vancouver Island, lower mainland of BC, and throughout northern BC and Alberta. Mr. Nicklin is a Director of VMAC Global Technologies Inc., a Deloitte “Canada’s Best Managed Company” and “BC Exporter of the Year” award recipient. Additionally, VMAC’s Board of Directors was recently recognized as one of “Canada’s Best Private Boards”. VMAC designs, manufactures and sells innovative mobile air compressors and multi-power systems globally. Additionally, Todd is Chair and Treasurer of Safety Driven, (Trucking Safety Council of BC), an industry-led organization dedicated to eliminating workplace injuries and fatalities in BC’s trucking, transportation and related industries. Todd is a CA, CPA, and holds an ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.

George Rossolatos

INDEPENDENT ADVISOR, RIVERDALE CAPITAL CORPORATION

George Rossolatos has over 20 years of experience as a private equity investor and entrepreneur. He is the founding CEO of the Canadian Business Growth Fund (CBGF), a C$545 million growth capital investment fund backed by Canada’s largest financial institutions. Prior to CBGF, George was CEO of Avante Logixx Inc. from 2010-2017, where he led the company’s strategic direction, operational turnaround, and growth strategy. Before Avante, he worked in private equity for 10 years. He was Partner and co-founder of TorQuest Partners Inc. from 2002-2010. As a Fellow of the Chartered Public Accountants, George holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management and a B.Com. (Honours) from Queen’s University. He was recognized in 2007 as one of Canada's Top 40 under 40.

Ted Rowe

PRESIDENT AND CEO, MTE CONSULTANTS
(2024 WINNER - CANADA'S BEST PRIVATE BOARDS)

Ted Rowe is an experienced executive and board leader with a strong focus on corporate governance in privately held, employee-owned organizations. As Chief Executive Officer of MTE Consultants, he has led the firm through a period of significant and sustained growth while deliberately strengthening governance practices, board structure, and oversight as the organization matured. With almost 40 years of professional experience, Ted brings a practical, growth-oriented perspective to board work, shaped by hands-on experience guiding organizations through scale, increased complexity, and long-term stewardship. Under his leadership, MTE earned recognition as Canada’s Best Private Board in 2024. In addition to being a licenced professional engineer, Ted holds the ICD.D designation and has completed executive leadership programs through both Harvard Business School and Ivey Business School at Western University.

Ian Sherman

CHAIR OF THE ADVISORY BOARD, LEE VALLEY TOOLS
(2025 WINNER - CANADA'S BEST PRIVATE BOARDS)

Ian Sherman is the Chair of the Advisory Board of Lee Valley Tools. He is also the CEO of Relationship Capital Inc., where he serves as a trusted advisor, corporate director, facilitator, and board strategist. Deeply entrenched in Ottawa’s civic, business, and philanthropic fabric, Ian has held numerous leadership roles in Canada’s Jewish community including with the Jewish Federation of Ottawa. More broadly in the Ottawa community and as Chair of the Ottawa Board of Trade, he led the business community through pandemic recovery and helped unify Ottawa’s chambers of commerce into a single effective voice. Ian’s professional and community contributions have earned broad recognition including the Order of Ottawa, Business Person of the Year, Admission to Fellowship in CPA Ontario, and the CPA Canada Award for Excellence in Income Tax, as well as multiple honours for leadership, philanthropy, and volunteer service.