Appointee Biographies

PAULINE LARSEN

Pauline Larsen has a background in economic analysis and journalism, combined with a passion for building community, Pauline has spent 25 years working in the field of urban economics, based first in Johannesburg, South Africa, and then in Toronto, Canada. She takes a particular interest in cycles of urban revitalization and blight as seen in many global cities, an interested that started with her BSocSc (Hons) degree in Economics from the University of Kwazulu-Natal and an MA in Geography from the University of Pretoria. In Toronto, she has focused on the intersection of safety, inclusion and economic development. She aims to build effective partnerships to address those needs in downtown Toronto by working with a diverse range of stakeholders, from neighbourhood police officers, to Elders and peer workers in the Aboriginal community, to crisis intervention teams for street-front businesses and piloting partnered outreach in large, private commercial properties.

EARL DAVIS

Earl Davis is Head of Fixed Income for BMO Global Asset Management. He is a former Vice-President and Director for TD Bank, and a former Director for the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan. His community involvement includes serving as Vice-President for Tropicana Community Services Board.

RICHARD RABBA

Richard Rabba is the president of Rabba Fine Foods. He holds an Honours BA in philosophy from the University of Western Ontario, and an MBA from Queen's University at Kingston. Growing up in a family food business, he worked his way through many store and warehouse level positions. After obtaining his CPA designation, he progressed through finance, real estate management and ultimately to executive management. He has previously volunteered by working with Waterfront Toronto, as a director on the board of Distribution Canada Inc., and is currently a director of the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers.

JOHN BREAKEY

John Breakey is a serial entrepreneur in the I.T. industry. In 1990 John founded UNIS LUMIN, growing to 5 offices in Canada & $85m, selling it in 2011. In 2002 John founded Promys, a software company which is sold internationally. John joined ITAC in 1998, serving as Chair in 2003 (2yrs). In 2003 John bought NCS, a data/voice wiring company providing solutions across Canada. He sold NCS in 2010. In 2005 John cofounded SuttomMed, to track injuries/recovery of athletes (NHL, MLB & World Tennis). He sold his interest in 2012. In 2012 John founded Fivel Systems, online learning specializing in the effective user adoption of technology. Board positions include: P. Chair, Colleges Ont. Network for Industry Innovation, NSERC College Fund, P. Chair, 1nservice, P. Chair, Haltech RIC, P. Pres., Oakville Chamber of Commerce, P. Chair, Oakville Economic Dev. Alliance, P. Chair, Innovators Alliance, P. Dir., SuttonMed, and Advisor, Lassonde School.