John Gardner - President and Board Chair

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John, a retired senior level businessman, has a three point goal for Habitat for Humanity Mississauga:

• Opening a ReStore
• Hiring a full-time Executive Director
• Developing build opportunities

Appointed to the Board in June 2011, the former CEO of Sysco food Services and Executive chair of Genesis Worldwide Inc., which licences and builds modular homes throughout the world, says that he is very impressed with HFHM volunteers.

 

"In my experience organizations need three things to be successful – a great culture, a strategic direction, and a good product."

 

 

Doug Clark - Past President and Board Chair

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Doug is a Chartered Accountant who has lived and worked in Mississauga since 1987. His 30 year professional career has included work with a large national public accounting firm as well as senior financial roles in the real estate development and construction industries. Doug has been involved with HFHM since early 2005 and was appointed President and Board Chair in 2007. What attracted Doug to Habitat for Humanity was the concept of providing families in need with “a hand up rather than a hand out”. He saw it as an opportunity to get involved with a worthwhile cause in a very ‘hands on’ way – being able to participate directly in the building activity itself – working alongside other volunteers and the families for whom the homes were being built.

 

Pat Lawrence – Board Secretary

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Pat has more than 20 years experience in senior management positions within the pharmaceutical industry and has run her own consulting business since 2006.  She brings significant business management, strategic planning, governance and project management skills to the organization.  She is a strong believer in the hand up philosophy of Habitat, the tangible results demonstrated and the grass roots nature of the organization.

 

 

Lise Arnett - Treasurer

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Lise brings to the Board 28 years of experience in financial services ‐ leading operations and technology teams. She was formerly Vice‐President at TD Bank Financial Group. Lise has been a board member since 2007 and was drawn to Habitat because of her strong belief in the Mission of Habitat for Humanity. Lise was instrumental in creating opportunities for corporate participation with HFHM’s first build and Co‐chairs the Development committee.

“What I enjoy most about my association with Habitat for Humanity Mississauga is the ability to use my skills as an executive leader to give back to my community and support such a great organization”

 

 

Terry Clark - Family Selection Committee Chair

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Terry is a retired Teacher with the Peel District School Board who specialized with special needs children. Terry has been involved with HFHM since 2005 and upon retirement took over the role of Family Selection Chair which is an area that held significant interest for Terry. Terry’s previous work with families brings strength to the committee and personal satisfaction for Terry in her work with HRHM.

“Being part of the group that would see the first HFHM home built has truly been a once in a lifetime opportunity!!”

 

Gerry Callender - Family Support Committee Chair

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Gerry is a retired elementary school Principal and has been involved with HFHM since 2005. Gerry’s work actually prompted him to get involved with Habitat as he saw the need first hand with students and families at his school over the years. Gerry’s objectives are to assist in providing an affordable home for some of the many children and families he has met over the years and to give something back to our community.

 

"The echo of small feet, running on laminate floors, children's voices echoing through their empty home and explaining the many features in their affordable home has been my greatest joy with (our first) build"

 

Bernie Fishbein - ReStore Committee Chair

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Bernie is retired from Ontario Power Generation where he was a Chemical Research Technologist. Bernie has been involved with HFHM since 2005. Bernie was attracted to the startup nature of the affiliate and passionately believes in the Habitat Mission.

 

 

 

“Getting involved in the start‐up of a local Habitat affiliate and seeing our first family move into their new home has been a very gratifying experience”

Jacqueline Knowles

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Jacqueline is a Lawyer who was called to the bar in 1992. Jacquie manages her own legal practice specializing in real estate law including residential, commercial, financings, leasing, acquisitions and dispositions, as well as mortgage enforcement, including power of sale and foreclosure claims. Jacquie was instrumental in assisting with the land transfer and mortgage agreements for the first build.

 

 

 

Sandi Hester – Development Committee Chair

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Sandi Hester has been an active volunteer with Habitat for Humanity Mississauga since 2007 and has served on the Board since 2010.  Sandi has had more than 20 years experience leading marketing and sales development.