Campaign Leadership
Inspiring students and graduates to make a difference in a tech-focused world.
This is human.
Through the Tech with a Conscience giving campaign, we prioritize humanity and the planet, fostering ethical tech leadership and groundbreaking research with real-world impact. Meet our campaign leadership team.
Dr. Steven Murphy
Campaign Cabinet Member
President and Vice-Chancellor
Ontario Tech University
Dr. Steven Murphy
Dr. Steven Murphy joined Ontario Tech University as its fourth President and Vice‐Chancellor on March 1, 2018 and was reappointed for a second term beginning July 1, 2023. He envisions the university as an active space to reinvent learning while championing diversity in all its forms. He believes experiential and co‐operative learning opportunities are fundamental training for successful careers.
Dr. Murphy is renowned for his organizational and human behaviour expertise across business and industry. Even more notably, his dedication to equity, diversity and inclusiveness underscores every facet of how he lives his life. Beyond the lens of race and gender, he believes firmly in the diversity of thought and ideas that underpin civil society.
Dr. Murphy’s vision for positive change influenced Ontario Tech’s Strategic Research Plan, supported the creation of the Integrated Academic Research Plan, the establishment of the President’s Equity Taskforce, and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to Indigenous Reconciliation. Dr. Murphy also rapidly guided the university’s evolution toward a distinct and bold new identity, a process that included renaming the university, and refreshing the brand and accompanying university and spirit logos.
He earned a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) in Human Resource Management, a Master of Management Studies (with Distinction) in the Management of Technology, a Master of Laws (LLM) from the University of Toronto, and his Doctorate in Management, Organizational Behaviour from Carleton University.
Dr. Murphy champions the notion of tech with a conscience – imbedding technology with strong human values for the betterment of society and the planet. He is an ardent supporter of ethically driven, artificial intelligence and its transformative power on higher education.
Dr. Murphy currently serves on the Board of Directors of Lakeridge Health, the Board of Directors of the National Research Council of Canada; as Past Chair of eCampus Ontario; as Chair of Ontario University Athletics; as a Director of U Sports; and as a member of the Universities Canada Education Committee.
Dr. Lori Livingston
Dr. Livingston joined Ontario Tech as Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences in 2015. She became the university’s Provost and Vice-President, Academic in 2019. Under Dr. Livingston’s leadership, the university developed and launched its inaugural 2021-2023 Integrated Academic-Research Plan (IARP), followed by the recently released 2023-2028 IARP.
Additionally, she has advanced the university’s core values of inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility by introducing enhanced leadership and initiatives within the Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging, and Co-operative Education, Experiential Learning and Career Development portfolios.
Dr. Livingston is a noted university administrator and scholar whose research has spanned a broad range of topics including computer-based learning, the human-computer interface, clinical biomechanics, and most recently her Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council-funded research program in the area of sport officiating.
Prior to joining the university, she served as the Dean of the Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences at Lakehead University (Thunder Bay, Ontario) from 2009 to 2015. Her administrative appointments have also included being the Director of the School of Health and Human Performance at Dalhousie University (Halifax, Nova Scotia) from 2000 to 2007. She was also the Chair of the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education at Wilfrid Laurier University (Waterloo, Ontario) where she began her academic career in 1991.
She received her PhD in Educational Psychology from the University of Calgary in Alberta. She also earned her Master of Science in Biomechanics and a concurrent Bachelor of Arts in Biology/Bachelor of Physical and Health Education (with distinction) from Queen’s University (Kingston, Ontario).
She has held several leadership positions, including terms as the President of the Canadian Association of Health Sciences Deans and the Canadian Council of University Physical Education and Kinesiology Administrators. She also served as a member of numerous boards of directors, including the Northern Ontario School of Medicine and the NorWest Community Health Centres (Thunder Bay).
In addition to her academic successes, Dr. Livingston is a former national team coach and leader in women’s field lacrosse, and a former university varsity athlete in ice hockey and field hockey. Involvement in sport and physical activity has always been one of her passions, and she continues to contribute back to sport through her research endeavours.
Tech with a Conscience Campaign Cabinet
The Campaign Cabinet comprises dedicated volunteers and Ontario Tech staff who provide strategic leadership, guidance, and support to accomplish the campaign goals.
Christina Sorbara
Campaign Cabinet Chair
Class of 2023 (hon)
EVP, Corporate Knowledge
Sorbara Group of Companies
Christina Sorbara
Christina Sorbara, ICD.D, is a multi-faceted businessperson, corporate director, strategic coach and national team athlete. Within the multi-generational and multi-family-run real estate development company, the Sorbara Group of Companies, she is EVP, Corporate Knowledge, part of the Strategic Planning Oversight Group, Lead of Human Resources (HR) and Corporate Responsibility across all departments of the company and shareholders. She is also a Director of the Advisory Board, Chair of the HR Committee and the Chair of The Sam Sorbara Charitable Foundation (1983); she is actively involved with various causes in Toronto and sits on the SickKids Foundation Board, the Bannockburn School Board of Directors and the President’s Executive Committee of Brown University’s Annual Fund.
Christina holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Economics and International Relations from Brown University. She holds the professional designation of Corporate Director, ICD.D, jointly developed by the Institute of Corporate Directors and the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management. She is a trained strategic coach through Adler International Learning and the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto. As well, she holds a professional educational credential from Cornell University in Diversity and Inclusion.
Christina has been named the first Family Business Institute Fellow at Toronto Metropolitan University’s Ted Rogers School of Management. She is a candidate to become a Family Enterprise Advisor through Family Enterprise Canada, a global benchmark designation. In 2024, Christina received the Transformational Woman in a Family Business Award from Family Business Magazine.
Christina is President and Founder of Banyan Philanthropy Advisory, with a mission to assist individuals and families in exploring the generational strategies and tools for knowledge learning, transfer and successful giving impact.
She regularly speaks on various topics including women in leadership, leadership, philanthropy, family business dynamics and real estate development.
For her renowned leadership in the real estate development industry, community volunteerism, philanthropic endeavours that have contributed greatly to the growth of Southern Ontario, Canada and beyond, and her success as a national team athlete, Ontario Tech University proudly conferred upon Christina the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws in 2023.
Frank Carnevale
Frank Carnevale brings over 25 years of experience in real estate technology platforms and environmental sustainability solutions to his role as Country Head, Canada, at iGreenTree. Leading growth strategies in utilities and municipalities, he drives innovation in the proptech and cleantech sectors. Previously, he held the role of President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BHC Canada. As CEO of Cleantech Power Corp. and Chief Growth Officer at Universal PropTech Inc., Frank led growth strategies in utilities and municipalities and drove the integration of cleantech and proptech innovations for building developers and operators. He leverages his experience and serves as the Innovations Lead for Dexterra on Demand.
In addition to his corporate leadership, Frank contributes to industry associations and boards, previously including the Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association, the Energy Council of Canada and the Ontario Energy Association. As well, he served on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Stage Company. Frank's dedication to sustainability and community development underscores his involvement in initiatives promoting clean and reliable energy solutions.
Frank holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from York University. Alongside his professional achievements, Frank serves on the Board of Governors at Ontario Tech University, leveraging his expertise to drive strategic growth and development initiatives.
Dr. Naheed Dosani
Campaign Cabinet Member
Class of 2008, 2022 (hon)
Palliative Care Physician and Health Justice Activist
Dr. Naheed Dosani
As a palliative care physician and health justice activist, Dr. Naheed Dosani is dedicated to advancing equitable access to health care for people experiencing structural vulnerabilities like poverty and homelessness. These efforts include founding and leading the Palliative Education and Care for the Homeless (PEACH) Program at the Inner City Health Associates in downtown Toronto, serving as the Medical Director of Kensington Hospice at Kensington Health, Health Equity Lead at Kensington Health, a Health Equity Expert Advisor at the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer and as a palliative care physician at St. Michael’s Hospital at Unity Health Toronto.
Naheed shares his passion for palliative care and health equity with learners as an Assistant Professor with the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto. As a researcher, he is appointed as an Investigator with the St. Michael’s Hospital Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, with a special interest in health system innovation and advancing access to equity-oriented care for structurally vulnerable populations. As a health systems leader, he serves on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Medical Association.
Naheed has received many prestigious honours for his trailblazing work. These awards include the Meritorious Service Cross for Humanitarianism from Canada’s Governor General in 2018, a humanitarian award from the Canadian Society of Palliative Care Physicians in May 2019 and the Early Career Leader award from the Canadian Medical Association in 2020. Most recently, Naheed received an Honorary Degree (Doctor of Laws) from Ontario Tech University in 2022.
Mitch Frazer
Mitch Frazer, the fourth Chancellor of Ontario Tech University, is a distinguished lawyer serving as Managing Partner of the Toronto office of Mintz LLP. With a focus on pension, benefits and employment law, Mitch previously chaired the Pensions and Employment Practice of an international law firm based in Toronto. His commitment to education is evident through his co-founding of the National Institute on Ageing at Toronto Metropolitan University and his past role as Adjunct Professor at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law.
Beyond his legal career, Mitch is actively involved in various boards. He is Chair of the North York General Hospital Board of Governors, a member and former Chair of the Toronto French School Board of Directors, and Chair of the Western Law Advisory Council. He is recognized as one of the 25 most influential lawyers in Canada by Canadian Lawyer Magazine and has received numerous awards, including the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. In 2022 he was appointed to the Order of Ontario. Mitch's passion for running is evident through his completion of all six Abbott World Marathon Majors.
Through a landmark gift agreement of $3 million from the Frazer family, Ontario Tech’s Faculty of Education has been renamed the Mitch and Leslie Frazer Faculty of Education. The Frazer family’s generosity will enable Ontario Tech to elevate the learning community through the creation of the university’s new Centre for Digital Innovation in Education. Affectionately known as the "Students' Chancellor," Mitch's close connection with students and alumni is emblematic of his dedication to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment. His philanthropic leadership continues to shape the future of education, empowering students and educators alike to thrive in a digitally innovative world.
Shannon Galea
Campaign Cabinet Member
Class of 2011
Program Manager, Game Plan
Canadian Olympic Committee
Shannon Galea
Shannon Galea, an Ontario Tech University alumna, is currently the Program Manager for Game Plan at the Canadian Olympic Committee, where she supports athletes in their career transitions and personal development. She recently attended the Paris 2024 Olympic Games as a Mission Team member to support Team Canada at the Games.
Shannon’s career in sports is marked by extensive international experience. As a high-performance softball athlete for 25 years, she competed and coached across six countries, including the Netherlands, Italy and Malta. Her role as the founder of the Malta Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation and her participation in the BMW International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation World Cup underscore her contributions to advancing sports in Malta.
In Canada, Shannon has achieved notable successes, including winning Ontario Tech’s first Ontario University Athletics (OUA) gold medal in both squash and rowing. Her academic credentials include a master’s in Olympic Studies from German Sport University Cologne and a Bachelor of Education in Science from Ontario Tech. She also earned a diploma in Sport Business Management from Durham College.
Shannon’s contributions extend beyond her athletic career. She attended the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Games as a Photographer. This experience stems from her role at the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games and Pyeongchang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games in South Korea as a Sport Photographer and Social Media Content Publisher and served as a Sport Coordinator for the 2015 Toronto Pan/Para Pan American Games. Her involvement in athlete support and media engagement highlights her commitment to the Paralympic Movement.
Leigh Gibbens
Campaign Cabinet Member
Campaign Manager
Ontario Tech University
905.721.8668 ext. 5656
leigh.gibbens@ontariotechu.ca
Leigh Gibbens
Bio coming soon.
Spencer Gill
Campaign Cabinet Member
Class of 2008
Vice-President and Executive Lead Asset Management and Grid Modernization
Hydro One
Spencer Gill
Spencer Gill is the Vice-President and Executive Lead Asset Management and Grid Modernization at Hydro One. He and his team are responsible for integrating planning and investments to maintain the safe and reliable operation of Hydro One’s transmission and distribution system assets. With over $2.7B per year in transmission and distribution projects and programs, the planning team creates value for Hydro One and its customers by focusing on safety, reliability and the environment, while considering future needs to enable the energy transition.
With more than 14 years’ experience at Hydro One, Spencer has built a reputation as a transformational leader with extensive knowledge of the utilities sector. Spencer has held multiple roles within the organization, including Vice-President Customer Service; Strategic Advisor to the President and Chief Executive Officer; Director of Customer Solutions and Key Account Management; and Director of External Relations. Throughout his career, Spencer has advocated to the needs of Hydro One customers by shaping programs, policies and innovative technologies. As a thought leader, Spencer continues to participate in several working groups related to the integration of Distributed Energy Resources and has served as a member of the Ontario Energy Board's Framework for Energy Innovation Working Group and Chair of the Electricity Distributor Association’s Electrification Council.
Spencer holds a Bachelor of Engineering Degree in Nuclear Engineering from Ontario Tech University, and a Diploma in Electro-Mechanical (Robotics and Automation) Technology from Durham College.
Lisa McBride
Campaign Cabinet Member
Vice-President, Country Leader
GE Hitachi SMR Canada
Lisa McBride
Lisa McBride is the Vice-President, Country Leader, GE Hitachi’s SMR Canada business. In her role, Lisa provides the vision and strategy to lead the deployment and implementation of the BWRX-300 Small Modular Reactor in Canada. She leads the collaboration with customers, Canadian government, industry and partners and provides leadership and oversight of the GEH SMR Canada business operations.
Lisa has over 20 years’ experience, starting her career with Ontario Power Generation, where she held key roles in nuclear and corporate functions. Lisa's diverse experiences have equipped her to lead multi-disciplinary teams and engage in critical initiatives within the industry. In addition to her professional endeavours, Lisa is deeply committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within the nuclear sector.
As President of Women in Nuclear (WiN) Canada, she provides strategic direction for the organization’s operations and advocates for gender equality in the industry. Lisa also holds directorial positions on national boards such as the Canadian Nuclear Association and the Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries, furthering her impact on the industry’s development. Her dedication to advancing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and empowering women is evident through her role as Chair of the Women for STEM Council at Ontario Tech University, where she also serves on the Board of Governors. Through her leadership and advocacy, Lisa continues to drive positive change and inspire future leaders in the nuclear field.
Mark Mulroney
Mark Mulroney is a seasoned financial executive and Global Vice Chair at CIBC. He previously held senior leadership roles at Scotiabank, including Vice-Chair and Head of Financial Institutions and Sponsors, Corporate and Investment Banking. With a career spanning over two decades, Mark has held various leadership positions in investment banking and financial markets. He began his career in 2001 at Goldman Sachs in New York City before moving to Toronto to work for RBC Capital Markets in 2005. Mark's international experience includes serving as Head of Equity Trading for RBC in London (UK) in 2007, followed by a return to Canada as Co-Head of Equity Agency Trading in Toronto in 2009.
In addition to his corporate roles, Mark is actively engaged in community service and serves on several not-for-profit boards, including the BlackNorth Initiative and St. Francis Xavier University. He is also on Concordia University’s Canadian Irish Studies Foundation Board and co-chairs the Boost Fundraising Advisory Board for Boost Child Youth and Advocacy Centre. Passionate about giving back to their community, Mark and his spouse Vanessa are dedicated supporters of causes related to mental health, education, children at risk and the arts.
Sarah Rasile
Campaign Cabinet Member
Director, Alumni and Donor Engagement
Ontario Tech University
905.721.8668 ext. 6804
sarah.rasile@ontariotechu.ca
Sarah Rasile
Bio coming soon.
Jim Reid
Campaign Cabinet Member
Forbes Coaches Council, Former Chief Human Resources Officer at Rogers Communications
Jim Reid
Jim Reid knows what it takes to build a high-performing culture and successfully lead organizations through tremendous growth. An accomplished executive and trusted advisor to six Chief Executive Officers, Jim has navigated significant change and immense pressure to build winning teams that outperform competitors. He has coached, advised and developed thousands of aspiring leaders who have gone on to deliver extraordinary results and to make the world an even better place.
Originally trained as a military pilot, Jim built his expertise working alongside some of the best thinkers on leadership including Jim Collins, Jeffrey Pfeffer, John Kotter and Dave Ulrich. Recognized in 2021 as one of the 50 Best Executives in Canada by ROB Magazine, and in 2022 he was invited to join Forbes Coaches Council. Jim is also the recipient of the 2022 O.C. Tanner Award for Lifetime Achievement in Human Resources. He brings credibility, insight and integrity to shape a framework for leadership based on five timeless principles that if understood and lived, are almost guaranteed to get you to a better place in your life. Jim’s new book on leadership is a must read for all leaders – ‘Leading to Greatness’.
Today, Jim splits his time between Toronto and Muskoka with his wife Pattie, their children and growing group of grandchildren.
John Ruffolo
John is the Founder and Managing Partner of Maverix Private Equity, a private equity firm focused on technology-enabled growth and disruption investment strategies. As a firm run by entrepreneurs, funded by entrepreneurs, and for entrepreneurs, Maverix invests in Smart Cities and Smart Enterprises. John chairs the Investment Committee, guides the strategy of the firm, is deeply involved with fundraising and sourcing and leading investment opportunities, particularly within the technology industry.
John is also the Founder of OMERS Ventures and Co-Founder and Vice Chair of the Council of Canadian Innovators.
John serves as a board member across both profit and non-profit sectors, collaborating with organizations including Kepler Communications, CIBC Foundation, NervGen Pharma, Rick Hansen Foundation, and Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
John has been widely recognized for his contributions to the tech sector and vision for Canada’s economy. He was named Canada’s #1 Most Powerful Business Person by Canadian Business in 2014 (#3 in 2015) and one of Toronto’s 50 Most Influential People by Toronto Life from 2015 to 2017. In 2018, he received the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, and in 2020, became a Fellow of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario. In 2022, he was honored with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2024, he received Ontario Tech University’s inaugural Chancellor’s Circle Award for his tremendous impact in the Canadian tech ecosystem, including the advancements made at OMERS Ventures, the Council of Canadian Innovators and Maverix Private Equity. This recognition is in honour of John’s fostering of innovation and growth in Canada’s technology sector, while encouraging and supporting the entrepreneurial spirit. His volunteer activities have demonstrated commitment, resilience and drive to make the world a better place.
Gaurav Singh
Gaurav Singh is a financial services professional with more than 20 years of experience in retail banking. He is currently the Senior Vice-President, Retail Banking at Tangerine, which is Canada’s leading digital bank with 11 consecutive wins among midsize banks in the J.D. Power Canada Retail Banking Customer Satisfaction Study. Gaurav has served in a variety of capacities at Tangerine, including Chief Operating Officer, Chief Strategy Officer and Head of Payments and Lending; Vice-President of Strategy and Planning; and Vice-President of Integrated Marketing. He is also a champion for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Tangerine, having served as Executive Sponsor for the organization.
Gaurav obtained his MBA from the Ivey School of Business and completed his undergraduate studies in Economics at the University of Toronto at Scarborough. He lives with his wife and two children in Markham and has an avid interest in local arts, culture and sporting activities (Go Raptors!). Gaurav previously served on the Board of Directors for The Safehaven Project for Community Living which provides respite and residential care for children and adults with complex care needs. Gaurav spent his adolescent years in Durham Region and continues to have close ties with the community. He currently serves as a member of Ontario Tech’s Board of Governors.
Yvonne Stefanin
Campaign Cabinet Member
Acting Executive Director, Advancement
Ontario Tech University
905.721.8668 ext. 5679
yvonne.stefanin@ontariotechu.ca
Yvonne Stefanin
Bio coming soon.
Bob Strickert
Campaign Cabinet Member
Class of 2013 (hon)
Former Senior Manager, Hydro One and Ontario Power Generation
(Retired)
Bob Strickert
Bob Strickert’s career spans more than 30 years in the nuclear power industry with Ontario Hydro and Ontario Power Generation (OPG). He served in a variety of senior management capacities including Operating Superintendent, Production Manager and Site Vice-President of Pickering. He was Site Vice-President of the Darlington Nuclear Station for the first five years of operation where he helped the plant become one of the first facilities in the world to receive ISO 14001 certification and international recognition for a strong safety culture.
He worked hard on behalf of the nuclear power industry to improve community relations and helped the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station gain a reputation as a good corporate citizen and environmental leader. He is known as the ‘green director’ among his peers due to his commitment to safe, efficient, and environmentally sound practices. Following his retirement from OPG in 2002, he managed a successful consulting company for 20 years.
Bob is actively involved in the community, participating on numerous boards including previously serving as Chair of the Board of Governors for Durham College. He was the founding Chair of Ontario Tech University’s Board of Governors; served as Chair of the Friends of Ontario Tech Committee; and has been a proud supporter of the university since 2003. In 2013 he was presented with an honorary Doctor of Laws degree by Ontario Tech.
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