LEADERSHIP

Board of Directors

Our board is comprised of strategic and community-minded volunteer leaders who come from a variety of backgrounds with one common interest: igniting healthier generations.

The board provides the insight, foresight and oversight to ensure we meet our community’s needs today and tomorrow, and that we deliver on our charitable objectives.

  • Courtney Cathcart | Board Chair

    Serving as Shaw Communications’ government relations lead for Western Canada has armed Courtney with a keen understanding of the complex issues shaping our province, city and sector and how best to navigate them. He brings astute thinking, combined with outstanding relationship management skills and a firm grasp of philanthropy earned through years of managing Shaw’s community investment. Courtney’s insight into the non-profit sector and his keen eye for opportunities is critical in helping Vivo identify and capture strategic relationships and partnerships.
  • Gagan Dhaliwal

    Prior to joining the international corporate purpose software firm Benevity as their Global Tax Manager, Gagan worked in accounting in the sports and entertainment industries and with large accounting firms.
  • Brian Foster

    Retired executive Brian Foster has decades of leadership experience in executive search and most recently as Executive Director of the international development charity Operation Eyesight. Brian currently serves on the board of Operation Eyesight and has a long history of board service with the Human Resources Institute of Alberta, the Canadian Council of Human Resources Associations and the North American Human Resources Association.
  • Christiane Job McIntosh

    Dr. Job McIntosh serves as Assistant Scientific Director of the Cardiovascular Health & Stroke Strategic Clinical Network at Alberta Health Services. Her knowledge of leading practices in the prevention of chronic disease and of leading thinking in academia informs and elevates Vivo’s research and innovation ambitions.
  • Michael Lee Hing | Treasurer

    In Michael’s role as COO and Chief Compliance Officer at Accelerate Financial, he oversees operations and risk management, directly overseeing budgeting, forecasting, auditing and reporting. His more than 25 years of experience in the financial and telecommunications sectors are invaluable in his role as Chair of Vivo’s Audit, Finance and Risk Committee. Michael honed his governance skills as Treasurer and founding director of Calgary’s Black Chambers. He is an advocate for social justice and people of color in Calgary and an active volunteer. He holds an Executive MBA from Concordia University.
  • Jessie Leighton | Board Secretary

    With more than 15 years of experience in human resources, operations and safety, Jessie brings a unique perspective to the people challenges entrepreneurial organizations face. She is currently Director, People & Culture at Calgary Economic Development. Lifelong learner Jessie is a graduate of the Queen’s University MBA program, a CPHR and a former director of her local community association.
  • Aileen Ong

    A resident in our catchment area and frequent user of Vivo’s services, Aileen ensures we stay connected to local needs. Her day-to-day work advising Service Canada on transformation and partnerships offers complimentary learnings and insight for our efforts with our target populations.
  • Argenis Osorio

    As Head of Governance and Assurance at Teck Resources and having served in similar roles at the University of Calgary and the mining sector, Argenis is a quality assurance and risk management thought leader. His experience as a newcomer to Canada grounds Vivo in the needs of the diverse populations we serve.
  • Alec Silenzi | Vice Chair

    As General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at Alberta Innovates, the Government of Alberta’s research and innovation agency, Alec is the executive who leads governance and legal activities for the organization. He uses his decades as a governance and risk management professional to challenge the Vivo team to implement leading practices and ask tough questions. When he is not working for Vivo, Alec also serves on the boards of Can Learn Society and Immigrant Services Calgary. He was called to the bar in 1995.
  • Cynthia Watson | CEO

    Cynthia is dedicated to shaping healthier generations at Vivo. She is a passionate leader; promoting overall well-being for everyone. Cynthia is committed to fostering a strong sense of community and empowering individuals to lead active, fulfilling lives, while taking care of the planet.
  • Jamie Zachary

    Former journalist and newspaper editor Jamie Zachary applies his penchant for piercing questions and way with words to managing and communications at Solex Thermal Science. Committed to ensuring everyone has an opportunity to thrive, Jamie also serves on the board of Vibrant Communities Calgary.
  • Byron Dent

    Byron is a born and raised Calgarian, who graduated from the University of Lethbridge with a Bachelor of Science degree. With over a decade of experience in the non-profit sector, he held leadership roles, as well as roles focused on fund development both in Lethbridge and in Calgary. Now working in finance, he specializes in personal wealth management and holds his Financial Planning designation. Byron is dedicated to contributing to the success of Vivo through his expertise and commitment to community development, so generations of families can experience the power of coming together, just as he and his family have
  • Karen Kajla

    Karen is a leader in product management and digital innovation with over 15 years of experience across the financial, aviation, real estate, and technology sectors. She has successfully driven customer-centric strategies with a strong focus on enhancing digital experiences for end users. A long-time North Calgary resident and dedicated user of Vivo, Karen has benefited from its diverse programs and services. As a board member and parent of two young children who love visiting, she looks forward to contributing to Vivo's future success.
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