Doug Conroy is the Vice President of Human Resources, for Glencore’s Global Nickel Operations. With more than 40 years of mining experience in Ontario and South America, including over 15 years of experience in senior management roles, Doug oversees the Human Resource functions for all Glencore’s Nickel Operations globally including Ontario, Quebec, Norway, Australia and New Caledonia. Previous to this role Doug was the Director of Human Resources for Sudbury Operations, accountable for Indigenous Engagement, Labour Relations, Occupational Health, Organizational Development, Compensation and Benefit, Communications and Public Affairs. Doug holds a Master of Business Administration from Laurentian University, and a Bachelor of Science in Geology from Lake Superior State University, Sault Ste. Marie, MI.

Having been called to the Bar in 2019, Thomas is a licensed lawyer who holds a law degree from The Bora Laskin Faculty of Law at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay where he explored the foundations of the rights of Indigenous peoples in Canada and focused on improving access to justice in rural communities. The decision to venture into law was driven by his past experiences working as a summer student with the Ministry of Community and Social Services, where he became aware of the significant needs of our most vulnerable population. Thomas is eager to use what he has learned in both public and private practice to improve their quality of life through the United Way. Now with the accounting and tax firm SRWC LLP, Thomas continues to help assist the local businesses of Sudbury everyday to succeed and develop the community that he grew up in.

Valerie Barbe joined United Way’s Board of Directors as a Labour Representative in May 2018. Bringing 30 years of experience in supporting individuals with developmental disabilities, Valerie is passionate about helping others by offering a “hand-up,” not a “handout.” Valerie is a proud CUPE member of Local 2599 and sits on their Executive as the Chief Steward and a Return to Work Advocate. Valerie is dedicated to building stronger communities and helping to create permanent, positive change for those struggling in poverty. Valerie is also a delegate for the Sudbury District Labour Council and the Vice President of the Sudbury Provincial NDP Riding Association.

Lisa Scott is a Partner at Baker Tilly SNT. She was born and raised in Sudbury and graduated from Laurentian University with an Honours Bachelor of Commerce in 2001. Lisa is a Chartered Professional Accountant and a Chartered Business Valuator with 18 years of professional experience. Along with her passion toward her career, Lisa enjoys giving back to the community which includes volunteering on Boards of organizations such as United Way North East Ontario.

Barb retired in 2002 after a wonderful career with the Rainbow District School Board. Since then, she has been a staple in the volunteer sector in our City. She has sat on various boards, trained with Girl Guides of Canada and was elected President of the Sudbury Teachers Lions Club. Recently, Barb was named chair of the Seniors Advisory Panel for the City of Greater Sudbury. This group is working to help our community become more age-friendly and to bring attention to seniors’ issues. Barb is arguably just as busy in retirement. Barb believes in giving back to the community and organizations that she belongs to, so we have a better place to live and be active. Her experience working on boards and with non-profits will provide valuable insights and prospective.

Karen has a diverse background in Municipal Parks, Recreation, Community Development, and Employment and Immigrant Services. She has successfully developed and implemented programs fostering well-being, accessible and sustainable spaces, and enhanced community engagement. Karen's experience in Employment and Immigrant Services, further demonstrates her commitment to fostering inclusion, and creating opportunities for individuals to thrive. Bringing Board of Director experience at the local, Provincial and National level, Karen offers strategic vision, unique insights and decision-making skills, that help drive organizational growth and success. Karen’s multifaceted knowledge, coupled with her genuine passion for community development and volunteerism, has helped her lead and advocate for positive change. Karen has dedicated countless hours of volunteer work actively contributing to various church, charitable, community, and social causes. Striving to improve the lives of individuals and communities, Karen recognizes the power of giving back.

Nastassia holds an Honors Bachelors of Science in Biology and a Masters of Public Health. She's currently a Health Promoter at Public Health Sudbury & Districts and is passionate about building healthy communities. Nastassia has been involved with the UWCNEO in a volunteer capacity since 2013 through both the Young Leaders on Board and GenNext Programs. In her spare time, she enjoys taking dance classes, playing volleyball, and travelling to new places. Nastassia is looking forward to giving back to the community where she grew up and help drive community change across the North East.

Krista holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Queen's University, is a Registered Nurse with a Master's in Public Health, a consultant and trainer in continuous quality improvement, and certified as a Lean six sigma black belt, an instructor, and facilitator.

She is passionate about giving back to the community to support and help inform the most effective and impactful local programs.

She has worked in various roles at Public Health Sudbury & Districts since 2007, and both professionally and personally, is committed to championing health and wellbeing for all. She feels privileged to be a part of helping to build strong and healthy communities where all have opportunities to thrive.

Sarah Pabst is a Senior Manager at MNP LLP. She was born and raised in Sudbury and holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce from Laurentian University. 

Sarah has been volunteering with the United Way in various capacities through the years and her involvement started with the Young Leaders on Board program. Through that program, she became involved with Northern Initiative for Social Action, where she is still the Treasurer of the Board. Sarah is excited to become further involved with the United Way in order to help make a difference in our community.

Claude Sharma is a Communications and Marketing Specialist at Greater Sudbury Utilities. He moved to Sudbury in 2015, previously living in North Bay and Timmins. He worked all over Northeastern Ontario as a news journalist, anchor, and producer with CTV and TVO. He then transitioned into communications specializing in the mining, and energy sectors.

Claude is a member of the Diversity Advisory Committee with the Greater Sudbury Police Service and is on the Canadian Mental Health Association Sudbury/Manitoulin Board of Directors. He is a proud graduate of the United Way Young Leaders on Board program. Claude is passionate about giving back to his community and is a big believer in continuous learning as he is enrolled in Organization Management at Cambrian College.

Nick Liard is a Host and News Director for Rogers Sports and Media, working for 92.7 Rock and KiSS 105.3.

He hosts a show daily from 9-12 on 92.7 Rock and on stations across the North.

Nick is born and raised in Sudbury, only leaving briefly for school and an internship in Belleville and Toronto.

He has been with Rogers for 8 years and has joined the United Way with the goal of making this city the best place to call home.

Jon Desbiens is bilingual and currently serves as a Branch Manager at a local financial institution. Since entering the financial industry in 2020, he has held various roles, including Banking Advisor and Financial Advisor. 

Jon was born and raised in Kapuskasing and later moved to Sudbury to study Electrical Engineering at Collège Boréal, where he graduated in 2018. Passionate about Jiu Jitsu, he is actively involved in the martial arts community. Jon joins the United Way with the aim of making a positive impact on as many individuals' lives as possible and contributing to the prosperity of our community.

Dr. Lynn Wells is a Canadian scholar, teacher and university leader, with nearly 20 years of experience in senior academic leadership positions. In April 2024, Dr. Wells became the 12th President and Vice-Chancellor of Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada.

Dr. Wells served as Provost and Vice-President Academic at Brock University from 2020 to 2023, where she also held a concurrent appointment as Interim President and Vice-Chancellor for fifteen months. Prior to 2020, she was the inaugural Associate Vice-President, Students and Teaching at MacEwan University in Edmonton and held senior positions at the University of Regina, including Acting Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Associate Vice-President Academic. For seven years, Dr. Wells worked directly with Indigenous people and communities through her service as Vice-President Academic and Special Advisor to the President at First Nations University of Canada. As a leader, Dr. Wells has demonstrated her commitment to key issues such as national reconciliation, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. Dr. Wells is a respected scholar in her field of Contemporary British Fiction, having published two books and numerous articles. She holds a Master’s in English and a B.A. Honours (summa cum laude) in English and French Studies from York University, along with a PhD in English from Western University.

Originally from Romania, Oana grew up in Quebec and moved to Ontario in 2015. She graduated with an LL.B. from Université de Montréal and a JD from Osgoode Hall Law School. Oana was called to the Ontario Bar in 2017 and has been practicing in Timmins ever since. She is currently pursuing her MBA in financial management at Carleton University. Oana’s professional experience includes private practice and not-for-profit organizations.

Oana has always been passionate about volunteering and being involved in the community. Her goal is to help improve the lives of others and to be of service.

Mnena Ibeneme holds a Masters degree from Laurentian University and is the Coordinator of the Sudbury Local Immigration Partnership at the City of Greater Sudbury. She actively volunteers with local community organizations, demonstrating her commitment to fostering spaces where everyone thrives.

Mnena’s passion for building strong communities is evident through her experience in stakeholder engagement, advocacy, and the implementation of impactful community initiatives.

Her personal and professional interests align with the mission of United Way, reflecting her dedication to making a tangible difference. Mnena considers it a privilege to be part of this vital work and is enthusiastic about contributing to the community’s wellbeing and development.