Board of Directors
Among the many volunteers who support the The Stop's work are those who serve as members of the Board of Directors. The board has overall responsibility for the policy direction and financial health of the organization, and provides support and guidance to the Executive Director and staff by establishing policies in strategic planning, personnel and finance matters. It ensures that The Stop's programs and services have adequate resources and are consistent with our mission and values.
If you have an interest in joining the board, please contact Rachel Gray at 416-652-7867 ext. 223. The Stop is fortunate to have a talented group of volunteer directors who bring diverse skills and experience to their work on the board.
Gillian Smith, President
Gillian Smith is the CEO of the Institute for Canadian Citizenship. Gillian’s extensive volunteer commitments span the arts and culture, social justice and education sectors.
John Montesano, Vice-President
For the past three years, John has co-chaired Big Night at the Green Barn, an annual fundraising event in support of The Stop that pays homage to backyard garden pioneers. He is an entrepreneur who is currently a Managing Partner at Bond Paving and Construction as well as a consultant on media projects and events. As a writer, editor and TV executive, John previously worked as the General Manager at Telelatino Network, where he launched the annual Salsa on St. Clair street festival, and a columnist for the Toronto Star. Along with his wife and two children, John lives near the Stop and is inspired by its efforts to use the power of good food to build strong communities.
For the past three years, John has co-chaired Big Night at the Green Barn, an annual fundraising event in support of The Stop that pays homage to backyard garden pioneers. He is an entrepreneur who is currently a Managing Partner at Bond Paving and Construction as well as a consultant on media projects and events. As a writer, editor and TV executive, John previously worked as the General Manager at Telelatino Network, where he launched the annual Salsa on St. Clair street festival, and a columnist for the Toronto Star. Along with his wife and two children, John lives near the Stop and is inspired by its efforts to use the power of good food to build strong communities.
Leigh Knowles, Treasurer
Leigh is currently Director, Head of Operations at Deutsche Bank and a chartered accountant. She was attracted to The Stop's role in the community, the variety of programs and The Green Barn's back-to-basics farming concepts.
Sean Caragata, Secretary
Sean is a Director of Legal Services at Cisco Systems, and a member of Cisco Canada’s Civic Council. He is a former Treasurer and Board member of the National Theatre School of Canada. Sean has worked in the technology and telecommunications sector for 15 years, and in the Saskatchewan public service before that. Sean’s practice at Cisco is focused on the use of information and communications technology to promote sustainable urbanization and transform emerging countries. Sean’s commitment to community and social development and his passion for local, sustainable and good food led him and his wife Renee to become supporters of The Stop. They and their daughter can be found at The Stop Farmers Market at Wychwood Barns nearly every Saturday.
Caroline Zayid, Director
Caroline is a partner at the law firm, McCarthy Tétrault. She practises civil litigation with an emphasis on class actions, product liability and administrative law. She has also worked in policy and issue management within the provincial government. Caroline has been active in community organizations, working for peace and social justice.
Derek Clarke, Director
Derek has worked in aviation for over fifteen years at Bombardier in Toronto, and is currently part of the Commercial Aircraft Marketing team. He is a Professional Engineer and Certified Management Accountant and was attracted to The Stop because of its significant contribution to the community through its food programs and advocacy campaigns, as well as the highly enthusiastic and professional members of The Stop’s board, staff and volunteer teams. Derek served as the Treasurer at The Stop from 2005 to 2008, and in addition to continuing to support in a financial role, is now involved in helping other areas of the organisation.
Michael Curry, Director
Michael is a managing partner at Investeco Capital, Canada's first environmental investment company, focused on renewable energy, water, clean technologies and sustainable agriculture. He grew up on a farm in Southern Ontario and now lives in Toronto with his wife and three children. Michael served as vice chair at Organic Meadow for five years and is vice chair of Rowe Farms since 2006, two of Canada's leading sustainable agriculture companies both of whom are strong supporters and partners of The Stop Community Food Centre. Michael is also a trustee on the board of Trees Ontario. Michael is inspired by the success and mission of The Stop, and the idea of building healthy communities based on the simplicity and power of good food.
Rick Eagan, Director
Rick is the Coordinator of Community Development and Special Projects at St. Christopher's House and in that role has worked with many coalitions, networks and civic society initiatives to address poverty and social exclusion. My association with The Stop over the past 9 years has given me the privilege of meeting and working with remarkable staff, volunteers and community members. Each has contributed to the transformation of The Stop from a food bank to a Community Food Centre which is now in turn transforming how all Canadians talk about issues of poverty, health and sustainable environments.
Matt Galloway, Director
is the host of CBC Radio 1's Metro Morning, the most listened-to radio show in Toronto. He has worked at the CBC for over 10 years, covering everything from elections to Olympics.His attraction to The Stop blends a passion for food, a desire to help his community and the opportunity now, at a time of increased food literacy within society, to connect and combine those two like never before. Matt lives in the west end of Toronto with his partner and their two daughters.
Seana Irvine, Director
Seana brings several years of experience in the non-profit sector and a background in environmental studies. She is national program director of Evergreen, a non-profit committed to bringing nature to our cities through naturalization projects.
Laura Manes, Director
Laura Manes is a management consultant and has worked with clients across many industries in strategic planning, project investment decisions, market intelligence and continuous improvement. She is passionate about social justice, healthy living and the role of the family, and is inspired by the Stop’s commitment to food security for all community members.
Nuria Bronfman, Director
Nuria Bronfman is Executive Director of the Motion Picture Theatre Associations of Canada. She has done PR and communications for some of Canada’s top media, film, and charitable organizations. She was born in Argentina, and has studied in the United States, France, and Canada.