Skip to main content

Appointee Biographies

Species at Risk Conservation Trust (Species Conservation Action Agency)

IAN BARRETT

Ian Barrett is a Senior Biologist and the Senior Manager of Environmental Projects for Colville Consulting Inc. During his 28-year career as a Biologist, Ecologist and Habitat Technician, Ian has worked on projects throughout Ontario, focusing on the inventory and management of natural heritage features and areas. Ian holds a Fish and Wildlife Technologist Diploma from Sir Sandford Fleming College, a B.Sc. in Environmental Science and Biology from Trent University and a M.Sc. in Biology from the University of Waterloo. He also serves as a member of the Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario (COSSARO).

DOLF DEJONG

Dolf DeJong, with a passion for protecting nature, an understanding of the challenges the natural world faces, and a spirit of ruthless optimism, Dolf DeJong has enjoyed an incredible career in the parks, conservation, wildlife protection and education field. Dolf began as Chief Executive Officer of your Toronto Zoo in September 2018, and his focus revolves around a commitment to raising the Zoo’s community connections to ensure we are working together to deliver on the new Strategic Plan to protect nature for future generations. Dolf has a Masters of Environmental Studies from Wilfred Laurier University, a Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto, and a Bachelor of Science (Honours) from Brock University.

PAUL NORRIS

Paul Norris is the founding President of the Ontario Waterpower Association, a Not-for-Profit organization which represents the province's primary source of renewable energy. Prior to joining the OWA in 2001, Paul had a fifteen-year career with the (then) Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources with roles in Land Management, Communications, Fisheries and Widlife Policy. Paul has a BSc from the University of Toronto, an MBA from Queen's University and is a Certified Association Executive. He currently volunteers with the Peterborough Regional Farmers' Network, Jamaican Self Help and with a local citizen's group working to resettle refugees from Malawi. He lives and works in rural Peterborough and has been a member of the Species at Risk Program Advisory Committee since its inception.

SALLY KRIGSTIN

Sally Krigstin is a professor at the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Design at the University of Toronto. Her research and teaching focus on Wood as a material for energy, chemicals, material and societal benefit. She is an active board member of the Canadian Institute of Forestry, Southern Section and a public councilor on the board of the Ontario Professional Foresters Association.

SAM VANDERVEER

Sam began his Financial Services career with Scotiabank in 2014. He has worked in the Office of the President & CEO, Investment Banking and National Accounts Commercial Lending. Prior to Scotiabank Sam served as Director of Budget Planning for the Federal Minister of Finance and assistant to the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff in Ottawa, Canada. Sam has a Masters of Business Administration from Duke University and a Bachelor of Arts from Trinity Western University.