Appointee Biographies

ESTHER VLESSING

Esther Vlessing is a Canadian female entrepreneur with a passion for science, innovation, and healthcare. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Toronto with select courses in economics and management behavior at Harvard University. She's worked on the Design Team at Canada Goose Inc. focused on material sciences and most recently co-founded Canada Emergency Medical Manufacturers (CEMM) to aid in the domestic manufacturing effort of personal protective equipment (PPE) in Canada. She is a recipient of RBC’s Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards in the Ones to Watch category and is recognized as one of Canada's 30 Under 30 entrepreneurs by Bay Street Bull.

CENOBAR PARKER

Cenobar Parker, of Toronto, is a founding Partner with Parker Sim LLP, a former Senior Associate Lawyer with Pinto Wray James LLP, and former General Counsel, Arbitration Place/ASAP Reporting Services Inc. Cenobar’s community involvement has included serving as Vice-Chair with Don Valley Community Legal Services.

PASCALE GONTHIER

Pascale Gonthier, of Oakville, is currently Manager, with Transition Services Canada. She attended International Coaching Academy and graduated with Bachelor of Environmental Studies. Currently is a General Service's Volunteer with the Ian Anderson House.

PAUL STOPCIATI

Paul Stopciati was born in Sudbury and owns and operates a local fire prevention business, PES Commercial Cleaning Ltd. Paul was instrumental in the success of two fundraising events for local causes while serving on the board of director of the Northern Cancer Research Foundation. He was a founder of the Strokes for Hope Golf Classic, a charity tournament that raised over $300,000 for cancer research for over five years under his chairmanship. He also served as Chair of the NHL Oldtimer’s Hockey Game for four years. He has also served with other community organizations, including the Sudbury-Manitoulin Alzheimer Society and the Sunrisers Rotary Club. In 2011, Paul was appointed to the Greater Sudbury Public Library Board. As a member of the board, he oversaw the successful construction of the new South End Branch, which opened in July 2012, and the feasibility study of a new main branch downtown. On April 8, 2020 Paul was appointed to The Council of The College of Psychologists of Ontario. Paul is fluent in both English and Italian. He is currently an active member of the Marchigiana Association of Sudbury as well as a 35-year member of the Knights of Columbus.

NADIA MOCAN

Nadia Mocan is a self-employed entrepreneur with almost 20 years in the food industry. Prior to that, Nadia was employed for 14 years with Purolator Courier as a Senior Marketing Manager in Communications and Public Relations where she worked closely with Senior Management to implement key initiatives and marketing campaigns.

SCOTT WARNOCK

Scott Warnock is the Executive Director of Huronia Community Foundation, a provincial appointee for Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, and an Executive Director for Huronia Community Foundation. His community involvement includes serving as a volunteer driver for Canadian Cancer Society.

KEN MOREAU

Ken has had a distinguished 33-year career within the Federal public service. This includes over 20 years at the Department of Public Safety. During that time, he served as Director of the Anti-Organized Crime Division and Community Safety. He also served as Director of Federal, Provincial and Territorial Relations, Director General of Research, and Intergovernmental Affairs and most recently, as Departmental Liaison to the Minister of Public Safety. Ken has served in senior executive leadership positions in various Federal department’s including Director General of Strategic Policy with Health Canada and as a Senior Advisor with the Queen’s Privy Council of Canada. Ken has degrees in Education and Legal Studies from the University of Ottawa and Carleton University as well as teaching experience with the Ottawa Board of Education.