Appointee Biographies

GARY CRAWFORD

Gary Crawford, former City of Toronto Councillor is recognized as a respected leader and consensus builder by his former colleagues on Toronto City Council, Toronto city staff and with elected officials and staff across the province. Gary sat on numerous Boards during his 12-year tenure, including successfully leading nine City budgets as Budget Chair, Chair of TOLive and Chair of the Exhibition Place Board of Governors. As a practicing artist with a BFA degree from York University, Gary Crawford has brought a unique perspective and vision on the importance of arts and creativity in building a vibrant and world class city. Prior to his career in politics Gary spent almost 20 years in the retail food industry, as a consultant and manager in various companies, including Kitchen Table food stores and Miracle Food Mart.

JON REID

Jon Reid is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Toronto Police Association, a former Director of the Executive Board, Uniform Field Service for Toronto Police Association, and a former Detective/Sergeant for the Toronto Police Service.

ROBERT POIRIER

Robert Poirier holds his ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors and has a 25-year career in banking, investment management and technology. He is currently a financial technology executive and serves on several corporate boards including as chair of Northern Trust Company Canada and the Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority. Robert also possesses experience in the transportation sector as the former chair of the federal Toronto Port Authority including Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. Robert was previously the Managing Director of the Alternative Investments division at State Street and served as a senior advisor to members of the Senate Committee on Banking, Trade and Commerce from 1992 until 1999 where he was involved in governance practices of institutional investors and the evolution of some of Canada’s largest public sector plans.

HOLLY THOMPSON

Holly Thompson is a Director in PwC’s Crisis & Resilience practice. Holly has extensive experience advising clients working through crisis, assisting with stakeholder management, communications requirements, and business continuity issues. Holly specializes in guiding clients through complex crisis situations such as cyber-attacks, ransomware incidents, technology outages, financial liquidity events, and high-profile reputational challenges. Holly is a CPA, CA and previously worked in PwC's Audit and Assurance group. Holly is active in her community and currently sits as the Audit Committee Chair of Ontario Creates.

LARYSSA HETMANCZUK

Laryssa Waler, from Niagara, Ontario, brings two decades of leadership in strategic communications, public affairs, and media relations experience. She holds a degree from the University of Toronto and a graduate certificate in Public Relations from Humber College. Laryssa is fluent in English, Ukrainian, and French.