Meet the Executives
Get to Know Our Talented Executive Team!
The Career Foundation is led and managed by a competent team of experienced executives who specialize in the delivery of effective employment services. Their expertise, along with the wisdom and guidance of the Board of Directors and the dedication and hard work of all staff, contribute to the growth and success of The Career Foundation.
Mary Harari
Mary Harari, Chief Operating Officer, joined The Career Foundation in 1997 and has been an instrumental driver of the organization’s ongoing development by implementing and evaluating programs while ensuring internal organizational effectiveness. Previously working in the private sector, she owned a consulting company that provided business and HR services to Canadian corporations, after having run another successful business in Mexico City where she was born.
Mary is a member of the Board of Trade, the City of Toronto’s Youth Employment Partnership, and the Mexican-Canadian Professionals Association. She holds a degree in Business Administration, specializing in Human Resources.
Kristin Morrison
Having spent over two decades with The Career Foundation, Kristin Morrison, CEO, has performed strategic and operational leadership roles and has been instrumental in developing systems and standards that the agency is known for. She has a Master’s degree in Psychology and is passionate about cultivating a culture and values that ensure a quality experience for all.
Throughout her career, Kristin has enjoyed working with extraordinary teams to create and implement innovative programming that has had a positive impact on individuals, industries, and the economy. She has worked with many government and community stakeholders to create new divisions and partnerships—growing the organization and extending its reach to new regions and priority neighbourhoods.
Evelyn Akselrod
Evelyn Akselrod, VP of Strategic Development, Community & Corporate Relations, has been in the employment and workforce development sector since 2001. With nearly 20 years of experience in non-profit management and strategy consulting, Evelyn specializes in people and project management, organizational development, and public-private partnerships. With an MBA in Leadership and Human Resources along with Change Management and Project Management Professional Certifications, Evelyn is committed to using her experience to implement business strategies to advance The Career Foundation’s growth and development. She lends her expertise to designing innovative workforce development solutions that ensure the economic security and inclusion of people from diverse and equity-seeking groups.
Board of Directors
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 of BCD – TTI Travel, a travel management company specializing in custom corporate travel solutions and personalized travel arrangements for discerning leisure travelers. Lyell’s extensive leadership experience includes serving as VP, Global Sales with WestJet Airlines, VP 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.
