Appointee Biographies

NALIN DE SILVA

Nalin de Silva is a 20-year veteran of the Insurance Industry, who is currently employed as a Bodily Injury Claims Representative Level 2. Using strong judgment and investigative skills, Nalin has a proven track record for resolving high value and complex injury and other contentious claims.

RICHARD FARMER

Richard Farmer, of Stouffville, is the owner of The Farmer Group. Richard’s community involvement has included serving as the Secretary/Treasurer of the Aurora Chamber of Commerce and as President of Big Brothers Big Sisters of York.

PETER RUTKAUSKAS

Peter Rutkauskas is the President of an innovative digital communications firm in the tech industry operating across Ontario. As an entrepreneur Peter has over 10 years of experience evaluating a wide variety of business proposals and opportunities. Peter has been a volunteer in a number community sports organizations and most recently for a youth mentorship program to provide support and connect recent graduates to the business community. He holds a degree from Dalhousie University.

DUNCAN FLETCHER

Duncan Fletcher is a Professor of Advertising and Marketing Communications at Humber College in the Faculty of Media Studies and Creative Arts, and the General Manager of News Review Media, a community-based news organisation. He is an active member of his community as a member and supporter of a number of business, social, political and sports organizations.

KEN SIMPSON

Ken Simpson (Toronto) est un inspecteur des services d'incendie de la ville de Toronto à la retraite, dans la ville d'Innisfil. Ken a été élu conseiller municipal pendant deux mandats. Il est membre actuel du Rotary Club d'Innisfil, dont il a déjà été président. Ken aime le plein air, la famille, le sport, les voyages et le bénévolat dans sa communauté. Ken a reçu une formation de bénévole de soutien auprès de Cancer de la vessie Canada.

XI WANG

is the President for King West Homes. Xi's community involvement includes serving as a board member with Jilin Association of Canada. Xi holds a Master of Science degree from McMaster University.

HEATHER BRECKLES

is a General Manager/Director for Coldriver Manufacturing. Her community involvement includes serving as a Board of Director for Kiwanis Club of Orillia, and a former Chair and board member for Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Orillia and Area.

BRUCE YU

Bruce Yu is a student at the Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario. He worked in the Ministry of Education, supporting communications/media relations and advising on policy development. Previous to this, he led a national Canadian education charity. Bruce is fluently trilingual in English, French, and Mandarin. He holds a Certificate in Education Law from Osgoode Hall Law School, a Google Project Management Certificate, Google IT Professional Certificate and is a certified Google Workspace Administrator. He is active in his community, serving as a public appointee on the Minister’s Advisory Council for Special Education and on the Advocacy Committee for Strides Toronto.

PAMELA BLACKMORE

Pamela Blackmore is an accomplished Human Services and Community Development professional with over two decades of extensive experience in the non-profit sector. Her career is marked by a steadfast commitment to advancing community well-being through strategic initiatives and creative problem-solving. Pamela excels in translating high-level strategic vision into actionable plans that yield tangible results. Throughout her career, she has developed and implemented a myriad of community engagement strategies that have successfully fostered collaboration between stakeholders, service providers, and the communities they serve. She is known for her passionate, unapologetic, forward-thinking approach alongside a commitment to continuous learning and improvement. In her personal time, she enjoys being a mother to fraternal twins, traveling, warm weather and beaches.