CPFF Board of Directors
Todd Georgieff,
Board chair, Quebec
“I am happy to be joining CPFF to help lead the organization through its next stage of growth. I have spent my whole career in healthcare, first as a hospital pharmacist and then managing global drug development programs for major pharma companies. I am hoping to apply some of that learning and experience to support patients, families, health providers and researchers working in this under-recognized disease area.”
“I am happy to be joining CPFF to help lead the organization through its next stage of growth. I have spent my whole career in healthcare, first as a hospital pharmacist and then managing global drug development programs for major pharma companies. I am hoping to apply some of that learning and experience to support patients, families, health providers and researchers working in this under-recognized disease area.”
Todd Georgieff, a resident of Montreal, Quebec, is a collaborative, strategic leader and excellent communicator with almost 30 years of experience in pharmaceutical drug development in North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia and Australia. He is currently an industry collaborations lead at Roche and Genentech.
Todd holds a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy degree from the University of Toronto and an MBA from York University.
On a personal note, Todd’s father-in-law passed away in February 2019 after a nine-year battle with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Todd joined the CPFF Board in 2019.
Mark Ashcroft, ONtario
Mark understands the challenges of living with pulmonary fibrosis. It took three years after the onset of symptoms for Mark to finally receive a diagnosis of IPF. He was already familiar with pulmonary fibrosis, having lost a brother to the disease in 1997, at the age of 41. Mark has received a double lung transplant.
Mark understands the challenges of living with pulmonary fibrosis. It took three years after the onset of symptoms for Mark to finally receive a diagnosis of IPF. He was already familiar with pulmonary fibrosis, having lost a brother to the disease in 1997, at the age of 41. Mark has received a double lung transplant.
A resident of Oshawa, Ontario, Mark has spent most of his career in paramedic and fire services. He recently retired as a professor in the pre-fire program at Seneca College and served during more than 31 years at Toronto Fire Services (1987 to 2018) as the acting district chief and a training officer. He also worked as a primary care paramedic for Durham Region Paramedic Services, for six years full time (1981 to 1987) and 17 years part time, after joining Toronto Fire Services.
Mark currently serves on the Board of the Oshawa Senior Community Centres 55+ and the Oshawa Public Library. He also served for nine years on the Lakeridge Health Corporation Board of Trustees and for two years on the Durham Access to Care Board of Directors. During his time at Lakeridge, a large, multi-campus hospital, with a $750 million budget, Mark was involved in strategic planning and governance.
Mark joined the CPFF Board in August 2021.
Nicole hilliard, Ontario
Nicole is an employment law lawyer working at a large multi-national firm in Ottawa, Ontario. She has developed industry expertise in evaluating and responding to a broad range of issues that arise during employment relationships. Nicole also advises on organizational risk management and legislative compliance. She is a member in good standing of the Law Society of Ontario.
Nicole is an employment law lawyer working at a large multi-national firm in Ottawa, Ontario. She has developed industry expertise in evaluating and responding to a broad range of issues that arise during employment relationships. Nicole also advises on organizational risk management and legislative compliance. She is a member in good standing of the Law Society of Ontario.
Nicole served as the Community Outreach Manager for StartProud Ottawa, a national not-for-profit that facilitates the professional development of LGBTQ2IA+ students. Her primary responsibilities included implementing outreach strategies to connect queer students with businesses to cultivate professional relationships. Nicole assisted with planning and implementing numerous StartProud Ottawa community events.
Nicole received her Juris Doctor from the University of Ottawa, where she volunteered on the executive committees of the Ottawa Law Students First Generation Network and OUTLaw.
Nicole joined the CPFF Board in 2022. She was diagnosed with interstitial lung disease (IPF) in 2019.
Tom Hunter, Ontario
“It is so rewarding to be a part of CPFF. I lost my father to PF in 2016 and this is my way to honour his memory and help others affected by this disease.”
Tom Hunter is the Chief Executive Officer at Toronto Seniors Housing Corporation. Tom leads the collective efforts of staff and works with tenants and community partners to shape the strategy and future of Toronto Seniors Housing.
“It is so rewarding to be a part of CPFF. I lost my father to PF in 2016 and this is my way to honour his memory and help others affected by this disease.”
Tom Hunter is the Chief Executive Officer at Toronto Seniors Housing Corporation. Tom leads the collective efforts of staff and works with tenants and community partners to shape the strategy and future of Toronto Seniors Housing. He oversees the implementation of strategies to ensure senior tenants can remain in their homes with dignity and in comfort. Other previous roles include Chief Executive Officer at City Housing Hamilton, and work in health care, seniors’ services, and long-term care.
Tom currently serves on the Board of the Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association. He holds a Bachelor of Science from McGill University and a Master of Health Science from the University of Toronto.
Tom joined the CPFF Board in 2019.
Derek mastin, ontario
Originally from Peterborough, Ontario, Derek Mastin now lives in Toronto. As a person with Anishinaabe heritage and status, he joined the Board to raise awareness of the resources and support that CPFF has to offer, and improve community advocacy.
Originally from Peterborough, Ontario, Derek Mastin now lives in Toronto. As a person with Anishinaabe heritage and status, he joined the Board to raise awareness of the resources and support that CPFF has to offer, and improve community advocacy.
He recently completed his law degree in Ontario, B.A (Hons.), J.D.I and lived in Australia for four years during his undergraduate and post-graduate studies. He escaped a shark attack while surfing!
“I have lost multiple family members to diseases with unknown causes and understand how the ability to find support in difficult times can be challenging. I look forward to reaching out and speaking with communities to help facilitate community awareness of the resources available.”
Kirk Morrison, Alberta
Kirk has come to know IPF through the experiences of his mother, Barbara Morrison of Niagara-on-the-Lake, who passed away from the disease in early 2020.
Kirk is a professional engineer with 40 years of experience in the energy & resources, environmental and infrastructure industries. He has Bachelors and Masters degrees in civil engineering from the Universities of Waterloo and British Columbia respectively, and is a graduate of the Directors Education Program from the Institute of Corporate Directors.
Kirk has come to know IPF through the experiences of his mother, Barbara Morrison of Niagara-on-the-Lake, who passed away from the disease in early 2020.
Kirk is a professional engineer with 40 years of experience in the energy & resources, environmental and infrastructure industries. He has Bachelors and Masters degrees in civil engineering from the Universities of Waterloo and British Columbia respectively, and is a graduate of the Directors Education Program from the Institute of Corporate Directors.
Kirk has served as a Director for both for-profit and non-profit organizations including Cimarron Engineering Ltd., the Canadian Energy Pipeline Association Foundation, and Silvera for Seniors.
Kirk resides in Calgary. He and his wife Michelle have two adult sons, Robert who lives in Kamloops, and Andrew, who resides in Calgary.
Verity Pringle, Treasurer, British Columbia
Verity is a Chartered Professional Accountant working as an Assurance Manager with BDO Canada. Through her work, she assists many charitable and not-for-profit organizations with financial reporting in accordance with accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations.
Verity is a Chartered Professional Accountant working as an Assurance Manager with BDO Canada. Through her work, she assists many charitable and not-for-profit organizations with financial reporting in accordance with accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations. She holds a Bachelors of Science from the University of British Columbia, a Diploma in Accounting from the Sauder School of Business and completed her CPA in 2018.
Verity lives in Whistler, BC where she skis, bikes and sings in the local community choir.
Ray Protti, British Columbia
A University of Alberta graduate with an MA in economics, Ray Protti was President and CEO of the Canadian Bankers Association from 1996 to 2007. Prior to that he spent more than 25 years in the federal public service in Ottawa, where his positions included Deputy Minister of Labour, Director of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service and Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
A University of Alberta graduate with an MA in economics, Ray Protti was President and CEO of the Canadian Bankers Association from 1996 to 2007. Prior to that he spent more than 25 years in the federal public service in Ottawa, where his positions included Deputy Minister of Labour, Director of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service and Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
Ray moved from Ottawa to Toronto in 1996, after which he served on numerous boards including the Toronto Community Foundation, Ryerson University (now Toronto Metropolitan University) (Chair of the Finance Committee) and the St. Joseph’s Health Centre Foundation.
Upon moving to Victoria B.C. in 2007, Ray was appointed to the Board of the University of Victoria where he served for six years including two as Chair. While in Victoria, he served as Chair of the Audit Committees of the federal departments of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Transport Canada, and Infrastructure Canada (2007 to 2013). In 2009 he was elected to the Board of the Canadian Western Bank and served on its Audit and Governance and Nominating committees. He retired from the Board in 2021. Ray was appointed to the Board of the Royal B.C. Museum in 2013 and retired after six years, including two as its Chair. He also served five years on the Board of Pacific Opera Victoria.
Mr. Protti is one of the first eight directors to receive the ICD.D accreditation following completion of the Directors Education Program (2003-2004) offered by the Institute of Corporate Directors in partnership with the Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto.
Ray was diagnosed with IPF in 2015.
Holly Smith, British Columbia
“As an oppressed minority, I understand how challenging it is to deal with a life-limiting illness while at the same time experiencing fear of accessing needed resources. I would bring to the board this understanding and acknowledgement and can help to support others who are in similar positions.”
“As an oppressed minority, I understand how challenging it is to deal with a life limiting illness while at the same time experiencing fear of accessing needed resources. I would bring to the board this understanding and acknowledgement and can help to support others who are in similar positions.”
A resident of Ladysmith, B.C., Holly worked as a social worker and as a registered psychologist until her retirement in 2019. Along with Martha Hardy, she co-founded the Central Vancouver Island CPFF support group and currently serves as its co-chair. She also serves as an educator/facilitator for Vancouver General Hospital Lung Rehabilitation Program, teaching and supporting interstitial lung disease patients that struggle with preparatory and anticipatory grief.
Holly has a Master’s degree in social work and a PhD in psychology. She joined the Board in August 2021.
Ex officio, Sharon Lee, Executive Director
“I am honoured to use my fundraising experience and leadership skills to expand CPFF’s services for Canadians living with pulmonary fibrosis and to continue to invest in research for advances in treatments and a cure.”
“I am honoured to use my fundraising experience and leadership skills to expand CPFF’s services for Canadians living with pulmonary fibrosis and to continue to invest in research for advances in treatments and a cure.”
Sharon Lee is responsible for supporting CPFF’s board of directors and volunteer groups. She serves as the main public contact and spokesperson for the organization and represents the foundation in all professional business capacities. She works to continue Founder Robert Davidson’s vision and dedication to Canadians touched by pulmonary fibrosis.
A 20-year veteran of the non-profit sector, Sharon was most recently with the Allergy Asthma Information Association. She has also held positions with the Canadian Council of Human Resources, ErinoakKids Foundation and Ontario Real Estate Association Foundation. She joined CPFF as Executive Director in 2018.
Sharon holds a MA from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota in Philanthropy & Development, specializing in non-profit management, high-level fundraising and donor relations. Sharon currently volunteers on the board of her Rotary Club, and has been a presenter at various conferences, including the Association of Fundraising Professionals GTA, Canadian Association of Gift Planners, Human Resources Association of Manitoba, North American Human Resource Management Association and ConnieHubbs.com