Meet the Executives

The Career Foundation is governed by a Board that is actively involved in overseeing the processes and systems at work within our organization. They provide leadership and advice with regard to strategic and business planning, organizational evaluation and development, human resources, finance, legal matters, and operations. The following Directors also serve on other boards and represent diverse segments of the community.

Chair, Lyell Farquharson: Lyell is currently the President and CEO of The TKB Group Inc. Lyell’s extensive leadership experience includes serving as President of TTI, VP of Global Sales with WestJet Airlines, VP and GM with American Express Canada, a member of the board of directors with Navigant Canada, and a member of the parent company executive committee. Lyell is a CPA, CA, who has prior experience on two public boards, chairing their Audit Committees.

Treasurer, Peter Thomas: Peter is currently Director of Facilities and Real Estate Operations for The Royal Conservatory of Music. He was formerly with SNC Lavalin, Silverleaf Materials and Brookfield Asset Management. He brings excellent management and entrepreneurial skills, along with a strong attention to detail, to the Board. Peter holds an Honours Bachelor of Science from the University of Toronto.

Director, Bob McAlpine: Bob is a retired high school teacher with extensive experience, including a very successful role as a track coach in Ontario. He is also a published poet and the leader of the Caledon Literary Guild. Bob provides a connection with youth as well as educational and training issues.

Director, Tanya Hunte: Tanya is a Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) with extensive background in developing, enhancing and managing employee relations programs. Tanya’s current experience as Manager, Employee Relations with Colliers International, matched with her previous experience with Manulife Financial, B2B Bank and Canadian Tire have positively influenced her passion for cultivating strong personnel and corporate growth. She is committed to guiding and meeting our organization’s strategic objectives through strong HR support.

Director, Stéphanie Bishop: Stéphanie has a proven track record for high performance, fiscal responsibility, strategic thinking, and building a customer-centric and growth-minded work environment. She is an inclusive leader with solid business operations knowledge who demonstrates agility in times of change. Stéphanie has held senior executive positions throughout her career at several companies, including Wardair Airlines, Thomas Cook, and the Globus family of brands, where she acts as Managing Director for Canada today.

Director, Patricia Smith: Patricia has extensive leadership experience in information technology strategic planning, product development, program management, digital enablement, and operations process re-engineering, across multiple industries. She has played CIO, COO, VP, and Director roles throughout her career, domestically and internationally, and is currently President of her own IT Technology Consulting company. Patricia holds an Honours Bachelor of Science Degree and was featured on the “Who’s Who in Canadian Technology” list. She has prior experience as a director on two boards.

Director, Guido Romagnoli: Guido is currently the President and CEO at Second Nature Designs and has served in many executive and senior leadership positions in the manufacturing and service industries at companies such as Hunter Amenities International, Welbilt, Kensington Tours, The Clorox Company, and Maple Leaf Foods. Guido is a results-driven and innovative senior executive, with extensive experience guiding organizations in the areas of business strategy, financial profitability, and employee engagement. He holds both an MBA and a Master of Science in Human Factors in Manufacturing Systems. He also has previous experience as a board member at three organizations and as Chair of Fundraising for a charitable organization.