Growing Chefs! Ontario: Our Board of Directors

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Mary retired from the Ivey Business School at Western University in 2021 where she held the position of CFO. Prior to joining Ivey, Mary held senior financial positions for several
organizations in London.

Prior to becoming a CPA, Mary completed the Nutrition and Biochemistry program at the
University of Guelph and spent the early years of her career in nutrition research. With four
family members with Type I diabetes, Mary’s interest in food and nutrition education, and theimpact of making healthy food choices on our health has always played a key role in her
family’s life and the reason for her interest in joining the Growing Chefs board.

Mary has two grown daughters, Natalie, and Kristen. She is an avid runner and enjoys cooking, gardening, cycling, and has recently taken up tennis!

Michael is an Urban Planner with the City of London working to help build a sustainable and equitable city for the future. Prior to joining the City, Michael worked with the Old East Village BIA supporting small businesses, many of which were in the food industry, to open up and grow in the neighbourhood.

Previously, Michael completed a Master of Arts degree in Geography at Western University, including his thesis studying the local supply chains and food networks which connected small food businesses in London to growers, producers, distributors and retailers around South Western Ontario and beyond.

Michael enjoys cooking for his family and tending to his vegetable and fruit garden, being outside biking and walking, and playing board games.

Michael is passionate about food education and volunteering with Growing Chefs! Ontario since food is so important in our communities. Food impacts everything from our personal health, our local economy, to the environment. Cooking and eating also bring together families, friends and new acquaintances to catch up, share a laugh, and get to know one another.

Andrew is a twenty-year veteran of the food service industry; Chef Andrew enjoys the challenges and demands of a service-orientated career. As Stratford Chefs School graduate, his experience in restaurant kitchen’s include hands-on training with distinguished professionals including Jamie Kennedy, Rob Feenie and Norman Apris.

With regards to his extracurricular cooking activities, Andrew and two other Toronto chefs were invited a couple years back to cook at the Ontario Wine Awards in the Distillery District which was a great honour and experience. As well, Andrew has presented several talks on behalf of the O.F.I. on Food Trends and other Kitchen and restaurant issues. He does consulting cooking with a Major food Distribution company in Canada, and has had the pleasure of preparing lunch for the Prime Minister of Canada while on his visit to London.

Andrew believes his style, energy and hospitable demeanour are source of pride. He promises to uphold these characteristics. He works to enjoy a record of excellence with catering to the guests needs and surpassing their dining expectations.

Caitlin is a Chartered Professional Accountant and Western University alumnus who has worked in corporate finance and public accounting for over 10 years. She has experience in a wide range of industries, including asset management, renewable energy, apparel, and software. She currently provides freelance specialty finance and accounting services to her clients.

Caitlin has a passion for food education, sustainability, and local agriculture. She loves learning about where her food comes from and is always willing to try new cuisines! She regularly takes her two young daughters to visit local food producers and enjoys teaching them about new foods and how to cook.

Stay Tuned!

As the Founder, CEO, and Chairman of Selectpath Benefits & Financial Inc., Gordon has exemplified exceptional strategic vision and operational excellence, transforming the firm into one of Canada’s leading independent financial services companies. Under his leadership, Selectpath oversees more than $1 billion in group insurance premiums and assets under management, supporting thousands of organizations and households across multiple provinces. Recognized for his expertise in mergers, strategic partnerships, and market innovation, Gordon has steered the company toward sustained growth and exceptional client retention. His proficiency spans employee benefits, pension strategies, and human resource solutions, making him a trusted advisor to organizations ranging from startups to Fortune 100 companies.

In addition to his professional achievements, Gordon is highly regarded for his commitment to thought leadership and client success. As a Certified Employee Benefits Specialist and a Fellow of the International Society of Certified Employee Benefits Specialists, he combines technical expertise with a nuanced understanding of market dynamics. His influence as a speaker and author on topics such as generational and healthcare trends further underscores his forward-thinking approach to industry challenges. Selectpath’s outstanding Net Promoter Score and cutting-edge service innovations reflect Gordon’s unwavering client-first philosophy.

Beyond his career accomplishments, Gordon is deeply engaged with his community and personal passions. Whether coaching youth sports, golfing, or contributing to community initiatives, he exemplifies the integration of professional success and personal fulfillment.