(Appointed 2019) David’s past work experience has had him in various industries including agriculture, manufacturing, conservation, and most recently, the public service sector. This breadth of experiences has allowed him to develop a strong understanding of current sustainable business practices and to help drive businesses towards adopting more ecologically minded business models. David currently works with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and his role has him working closely with various stakeholders to ensure Canada’s aquatic ecosystems remain sustainable for generations to come. David holds a Bachelor Environmental Science (Hons.) degree where he double majored in Biology and Conservation and a Master of Business Administration degree where he double majored in Finance and Leadership – both degrees were obtained from the University of Manitoba. David enjoys spending time outside in his vegetable garden as well as camping, kayaking, canoeing and hiking throughout Manitoba’s diverse natural landscapes and waterways.

(appointed 2023) Grant Calder is a consultant with MNP’s Consulting Services. He has previously worked as a case manager in the fields of mental health and justice, addiction and housing support, and outreach services – Grant has an extensive background working with folks experiencing unsheltered homelessness across the cities of Toronto, Vancouver, and Winnipeg. Traditionally trained as an urban planner, he holds a Master of Environmental Studies: Planning degree with a specialization in community / social policy and planning. Having spent six years studying in York University’s Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change, where he also completed a Bachelor of Environmental Studies (Hons.), Grant is passionate about exploring and taking action on social and environmental issues. He also enjoys spending time outside hiking, camping, adventuring, and walking / cycling. 

(Appointed 2022) Brayden works in corporate development with G3 Canada, a Canadian grain handler, where he’s involved with corporate strategy, M&A, and financial forecasting. He has worked in a number of industries including agriculture, finance, retail, and hospitality. He has a history of community involvement working as co-chair of the University of Manitoba’s annual fundraiser raising funds for cystic fibrosis research and volunteer coordinator raising funds for Resource Assistance for Youth (RaY). Brayden holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons.) degree where he double majored in Finance and International Business from the I.H. Asper School of Business at the University of Manitoba. He is also currently studying to obtain his Chartered Financial Analyst designation. In his spare time Brayden loves to explore the outdoors through hiking, snowboarding, and hockey.

(Appointed 2021) Jessie worked as a Commuter Options Coordinator with Green Action Centre from 2007 – 2016 and is excited to contribute to an organization she respects and believes in as a member of the Board. Jessie brings community engagement and project management experience working as a Sustainability Engagement and Projects Coordinator in the University of Manitoba’s Office of Sustainability. In her previous role as Advocacy and Community Engagement Coordinator with CNIB Foundation of Manitoba, Jessie worked to build and support a large base of committed volunteers and gained experience with innovative volunteer and donor recognition approaches. Jessie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Health Sciences from Queen’s University, a Masters degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in leadership and community engagement from Royal Roads University, and a Certificate in Sustainable Building Design and Construction from Fleming College. In her free time, Jessie enjoys camping, hiking, and biking with her family, and reading a good book in the sunshine.

(Appointed 2024) Omolola Fashesin is a Principal with the Canadian Sustainability Standards Board (CSSB). In this role, she helps to shape the future of sustainability standards through technical research, market outreach, educational and awareness building activities.

In her previous role as Head of Sustainability at Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, Omolola was pivotal in crafting and executing the company’s sustainability strategy. She supported the development of environmentally and socially responsible business practices across the organization’s wide-ranging services, including Banking, Stock Broking, Investment Advisory, Asset Management, Pension Funds Management, Trustees, and Insurance Brokerage. Her commitment to reducing the company’s environmental impact was evident through initiatives aimed at energy conservation, paper reduction, and waste recycling. Moreover, she was instrumental in creating programs that bolstered female entrepreneurship and financial literacy.

Omolola holds a CPA designation and received her MBA from the Alliance Manchester Business School, University of Manchester, United Kingdom. She is a Fundamentals of Sustainability Accounting (FSA) credential holder and has completed the Certificate in Sustainability and Climate Risk (SCR™) program offered by the Global Association of Risk Professionals.

Through her expertise and dedication, Omolola continues to be a driving force in shaping a more environmentally conscious and socially responsible corporate landscape.

(Appointed 2022) Charles has lived and worked in Manitoba for 40 years. He focused on various aspects of communications throughout his career. He came to Winnipeg to advise the provincial government on telecommunications policy. After 10 years in that role, he completed an MBA, and moved on to manage market research in a database marketing company, and then led customer research for an investment company. Since his retirement, he has been active in Bike Winnipeg, focusing on road safety and fundraising. More recently, he has become part of the Trees Please Winnipeg coalition to lobby for better funding of tree maintenance and planting in Winnipeg.

(Appointed 2020) Nicola is the Director of Marketing and Business Development for MLT Aikins LLP, a large Western Canadian law firm. She’s experienced in marketing and digital strategy, sponsorship and events. She has worked with multiple industries including legal and finance, agriculture and retail. Nicola grew up on farms in rural Cornwall, England and then Manitoba and now considers herself a proud Winnipegger. She’s volunteered with the Queen Green Coaches program via The David Suzuki Foundation and Big Brothers Big Sisters Winnipeg. She enjoys urban gardening, exploring trails on foot or by bike and camping in Otentiks.

(Appointed 2020) Elona is a lawyer with Taylor McCaffrey LLP working in both wills and estates law and in corporate and commercial law. She has extensive experience advising charities and not-for-profit organizations on corporate governance matters. Elona’s interest in environmental matters started with childhood canoe trips, hikes and skiing in Manitoba wilderness. Today Elona is a committed supporter of many environmental non-profit organizations in Manitoba with a particular interest in protecting Manitoba’s many ecological treasures.

(Appointed 2024) Anjen is an advisor in risk management, strategy and change management. She is passionate about working with companies and leaders to implement change that is resilient and sustainable. Anjen uses her experience gained in many countries, industries and cultures to bring different perspectives to strategic and tactical challenges. She encourages the use of deep listening and an inclusive approach to develop solutions that are more likely to result in change that sticks. 

After working in leadership positions in risk management for many years- designing and implementing enterprise risk management frameworks that support strategic plans, Anjen is now focused on providing coaching and advisory support in risk management and change management and operational excellence. Her focus is on issues that advance responsible stewardship of the environment, good governance and respect for diversity of thought and experiences. Recent and current projects include the implementation of ESG frameworks in medium and large organizations.

Anjen holds a bachelor’s degree in management studies from the University of the West Indies (Trinidad). She also holds a master’s degree in financial management from Middlesex University (London UK). She is a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. Change Management Advanced Instructor and RIMS certified risk management practitioner. 

Having lived in the Caribbean and the UK, Anjen is now growing roots in Winnipeg with her two teenagers. Anjen loves the outdoors and enjoys hiking. She hopes to discover all that the province has to offer.

(Appointed 2024) Tory McNally is an enthusiastic new board member of the Green Action Centre, bringing her extensive expertise in Human Resources to support the organization’s mission of promoting environmental sustainability. With over 15 years of experience in HR leadership across various sectors, Tory excels in talent management, organizational development, and creating inclusive work environments that foster growth and collaboration.

A passionate advocate for the planet, Tory integrates her professional skills with her love for the environment. On warm and sunny days, she enjoys riding her bike to work and enjoying the outdoors.

(Appointed 2024) Mark Ranson is a Building Science and Renovation Consultant. Mark has over 40 years’ experience in the construction, renovation and energy efficiency fields, and has both designed, and delivered training in these fields.

Starting in 1981, Mark was the co-owner of a successful contracting company whose projects include everything from changing a 90-year-old house into three luxury condominiums, to turning a 1000 sq. ft. bungalow, into a 2500 sq. ft., two story home. Mark has also supervised the construction of a 20,000 Sq./Ft Energy Efficient hospital in Swan River and a personal care Home in Benito, Mb. 

Throughout his career, he has gained extensive experience working with the latest materials and technology. One project that Mark was responsible for was the ground breaking construction of a new home in Winnipeg, that demonstrated the ultimate in energy efficiency. This home far exceeded R2000 standards. Of high concern during construction was the use of all environmentally safe materials that used the least amount of embodied energy, and did not off gas Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC). This intense attention to detail makes this home the apex to which all environmentally friendly homes should aspire to.

As a result of the attention to detail and the focus on energy efficiency this house won the Canada’s Office of Energy Efficiency’s national Award for New Housing. Mark also won the R-2000 Award for Technical Merit as this house was recorded as the tightest building envelope on record in the R-2000 Program. 

Mark’s experiences cover everything from developing and teaching entry level, and professional development training courses for the Manitoba Renovation Contractors Association (MRCA); to contracting and developing the Home Energy Savers Workshops for the Government of Manitoba and Manitoba Hydro – for which he was responsible for its delivery throughout the province. The Entry Level Carpentry Course, developed by Mark and was run by the MRCA in partnership with Manitoba Education and Training is accredited for carpentry apprenticeship level one within the Province of Manitoba.

Mark was the President of the Manitoba Renovation Contractors Association, which was founded in 1990. Under his leadership, the association grew from four original members, to sixty-four members. Mark was instrumental in the merger of the MRCA and the Manitoba Home Builders Association in 2001. 

Mark was also the Director of the Manitoba Government’s Community Places Program (CPP). CPP provided funding and planning assistance to non-profit community organizations for strategic planning, facility construction, upgrading, expansion and acquisition projects. As an experienced professional, with knowledge of all aspects of residential and light commercial construction, organizational planning and energy related fields, Mark will be happy to be an active member of the Green Action team.

(appointed 2023) Alec Soriano is a dynamic and accomplished Territory Account Manager with Nutanix Canada with a proven track record of delivering business value and growth. His strategic mindset and exceptional communications skills enable him to build strong relationships with key stakeholders, and c-level executives holding a BBA from the University of Winnipeg and currently completing his MBA with the Quantic School of Business & Technology Alec helps translate complex IT problems into key business outcomes. He is adept at identifying market trends, and capitalizing on emerging opportunities, positioning himself as a trusted advisor to his clients and committees he serves on. With a passion for technology, innovation, active living and a relentless drive for success, Alec is committed to helping the Green Action Centre drive meaningful growth and foster long-term successful partnerships with the Manitoba business community.