Tracey Riley is the Managing Partner of the Consulting & Deals practice of PwC Canada. Working out of PwC’s Toronto office, Tracey has more than 20 years of experience advising clients across all sectors in Canada, the US and the UK.

Tracey began her career with PwC in the Audit practice in Toronto and transferred to the UK firm in 1989. While in the UK, Tracey led our Risk & Controls practice for North of England and was responsible for establishing and growing our Assurance services around large scale projects. Tracey was also responsible for the global roll-out of our Project Assurance Service training and methodology.

In 2002, Tracey was appointed to lead the Technology, Information, Communication and Entertainment (TICE) industry for PwC Consulting in Canada. Following IBM’s acquisition of PwC Consulting later that year, Tracey was asked to expand her leadership role to include both the TICE and Utilities Industries. After leading these practices for two years, Tracey took on the Americas leadership for the Telecommunications Industry covering the US, Canada and Latin America. Tracey continued in this role until she rejoined PwC in January of 2006 with a focus on Risk & Controls. In 2007, Tracey shifted her focus to drive Business Transformation Consulting services. In 2008, Tracey took on leadership of our National TICE business. Tracey was appointed National Leader, Consulting & Deals in May 2010.

Tracey graduated from the University of Waterloo with an Honours degree in Accounting and a Master in Economics. She is a CA and Certified Information Systems Auditor. Tracey is active in her community and is past chair of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Foundation (CAMHF) finance committee. She is also a Board member of the Country Day School. Tracey enjoys a variety of sports, reading and spending time with her two children.

Aly graduated from the University of Waterloo in 2003 with a BA and a MAcc and joined Deloitte in their diversified industries audit practice.  After stints in Deloitte’s Birmingham UK and San Jose CA offices, he left in 2006 to continue his education at the Graduate School of Business at Stanford University.  While at Stanford, Aly interned at the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, working with their Private Equity group.  In 2008, Aly joined Callisto Capital, a mid-market private equity firm based in Toronto.  Today, Aly is a key member of Callisto’s investment team, and is responsible for investment analysis, sourcing and due diligence of potential acquisitions.

Aly is always keen to give back to the community.  He is active in the Big Brother program, mentoring a young man from a single parent family, and previously working with the organization’s finance committee.  He previously served as the Treasurer of a non-profit that helps disabled people live independently and is currently looking for new opportunities to serve others.

Aly enjoys traveling having visited more than 20 countries in the past 5 years and attempts to keep in shape by jogging (far less often than he should).

Bryan graduated the University of Waterloo in 2008 and joined BMO Capital Markets’ Global Metals & Mining Group, following a co-op placement with them in 2007. While at BMO, Bryan has had the opportunity to work on a number of M&A transactions, debt and equity financings for companies, both foreign and domestic, in the metals and mining space. Notable transactions include Kinross Gold Corporation’s C$8.0 billion acquisition of Red Back Mining Inc in 2010 and the hostile defence of Canadian Royalties Inc in 2009.

Bryan has been involved with the School of Accountancy & Finance as a liaison between the SAF and professionals in the financial services industry and has worked with the Career Services and Business Development teams in preparing students for future careers in financial services. He has demonstrated his passion in working with students and universities by taking a significant role in BMO Capital Markets’ campus recruitment team, involved in both co-op and full-time recruiting and working with a number of student organizations with an interest in finance.

In his spare time, Bryan enjoys travelling and recent destinations include Shanghai, Birmingham and Paris.

Mr. Dawes is currently the CFO and Treasurer of The Catalyst Capital Group Inc. (“Catalyst”), a Toronto based Private Equity firm that manages in excess of $2.5 billion with a focus on distressed and special situations.

Prior to joining Catalyst, Mr. Dawes served as Chief Financial Officer and Director, Finance and for the Specialty Funds Group at Brookfield Asset Management Inc.  He has also held progressively senior positions in Canada, Europe and Asia for Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd. (“Husky”) where he spend 5 years working outside of Canada.  Prior to joining Husky, Mr. Dawes had been an auditor with Deloitte & Touche LLP in Toronto, Canada.

Chester graduated from the University of Waterloo with a Bachelor of Mathematics degree in 1999.  He is a Chartered Accountant, Certified Public Accountant, and a CFA charter holder.

Chester is an avid cyclist and also travel enthusiast.

Dianne completed her Bachelor of Mathematics (Honours Co-op Program) degree in 1984 at the University of Waterloo, graduating on the Dean’s Honour Roll.  Upon graduation Dianne successfully completed the Uniform Final Examination (UFE) obtain the highest mark at Dunwoody & Company and in the Central Ontario district of the ICAO for the 1984 UFE.  Dianne had worked at Dunwoody & Company in Oshawa as a co-op student and began her full-time career in the Tax department of the Toronto office of Dunwoody & Company in 1985.  She completed the CICA In-depth Tax program in 1988.  After graduation Dianne enjoyed teaching UFE prep courses and at the ICAO summer school.  Dianne became a partner of BDO Dunwoody in 1992.

Dianne is a former member (2003-2009) and chair (2005-2006) of BDO’s National Policy Board which is responsible for the leadership of the firm. She is also past Chair of BDO’s National Taxation Committee which is responsible for establishing policy for taxation for the firm.

Dianne was elected a Fellow (FCA) of the Ontario Institute in 2009 and is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP).   She is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario, Canadian Tax Foundation and the Toronto Estate Planning Council. She was a member of the ICAO Council (2008-2010) and the Executive Group of Council.  Past committee involvement includes the ICAO Professional Conduct Committee, the ICAO Examination Committee as well as the Profession Committee for the Canadian Women’s Foundation.

Dianne is a former editor of the Taxation Department for CA magazine, has appeared on the ICAO’s television program “Your Wealth” and has presented on taxation issues at conferences and events hosted by the ICAO, International Association of Financial Planners Convention and Insight.
Dianne, and her husband Chris (B. Math, 1984) live in Toronto with their two children, Janet and Andrew.

Ken is married to Denise and they have two children that are both currently enrolled at the University of Waterloo, Mark (Physics) and Renee (AFM). 

John graduated from the University of Waterloo with an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Chartered Accountancy Studies. He received the Chartered Accountant designation in 1995 and became a CFA Charterholder in 2004.  John worked at Grant Thornton and Price Waterhouse while gaining his CA designation.  Following that he moved to London, England and spent the next eight years in investment banking there.  That was followed by two years in New York before returning home to Toronto where he has been the CFO of EdgeStone Capital Partners (a private equity firm) for the past six years.

John loves to spend all of his free time with his wife and three young boys.

John is the Global Head of Tax for BDO International, assuming
this role on January 1, 2010. In this role, John is responsible for
developing the tax service line in the BDO International network,
ensuring high quality and consistent service across the globe.
Prior to that, John was the National Tax Partner for BDO Canada
LLP and was the head of the firm's National Tax Department.
John has over 20 years experience as a chartered accountant,
providing tax advice to Canadian businesses and the people
behind them.

John is a frequent speaker both at BDO events in Canada and
internationally, as well as at continuing education events for tax
professionals including the Institute of Chartered Accountants of
Ontario, the Canadian Tax Foundation and other associations.
John is a frequent guest expert for various media, appearing on
television news programs and in major newspaper and magazine
articles to discuss tax issues important to Canadians. John is
currently a member of the Canada Revenue Agency's Toronto
Centre Professional's Advisory Committee, a Governor of the
Canadian Tax Foundation, and a member of the Canadian
Chamber of Commerce Tax Committee.

Professional Designations & Education

• University of Waterloo,
• Bachelor of Mathematics (Honours), 1985
• Chartered Accountant, Ontario, 1986
• Certified Financial Planner, 1997
• Trust and Estate Practitioner, 2001
• Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accounts, Ontario, 2011
  

Professional Affiliations

• Governor, Canadian Tax Foundation

John graduated from the University of Waterloo with a Master of Accounting degree in 1996 and received his CA designation in 1997.   John is the President and CEO of Standardbred Canada.  

Upon graduation, John started his full time employment with KPMG’s North York office.   In 1998 John accepted a short term transfer to KPMG’s telecommunications consulting practice.  The intent was to deepen his industry knowledge to better serve his telecom and high tech audit clients.   John never returned to the KPMG assurance practice.  He accepted a full time position with KPMG Consulting, that later became the publicly traded consulting firm BearingPoint.  

n 2003, John made a move into the racing and entertainment industry with Magna Entertainment Corp (MEC).  In May of 2010, after serving as MEC’s VP of Information Technology, John accepted his current role as the President and CEO of Standardbred Canada.

John is an active volunteer within the not-for-profit sector.  He currently serves as a Director for the Golf Canada Foundation and the Ontario Equine Centre.  John is also a member of the Canadian National Exhibition Association, the Ontario Horse Racing Industry Alliance, and the Equine Guelph Advisory Committee.

John is married to a fellow UW accounting graduate, Carolyn (Lee) Gallinger.   Carolyn and John are avid golfers, and love spending time with their three children. 

Laura Da Re is a Chartered Accountant and graduated with a Bachelor of Mathematics, from the University of Waterloo in 1994.  She obtained her CA designation in 1995.

Laura began her career in 1990 with a medium size accounting firm called Clarke, Hennning  & Co in Toronto, Ontario.  Upon graduation she began working at Ernst & Young’s Toronto office.   She began in the auditing department but moved to the Corporate Recovery and Insolvency group when she was promoted to Manager.  In the Corporate Recovery and Insolvency group Laura worked on many high profile engagements such as the restructuring of Eaton’s and Livent.

After 5 years at Ernst & Young, Laura moved to Grand Cayman to work for Cayman Airways on a 3 month contract.  After the engagement was completed she became the Acting General Manager and Financial Controller for Pedro St. James (a historic park) and the Cayman Island’s Botanic Park.  This new role gave Laura the opportunity to gain experience managing small businesses.
From the Cayman Islands Laura moved to Milan, Italy to work for an internet start up called Bizmatica.  The company tried to re-invent itself many times and Laura’s financial background helped the senior team develop business plans and financial models.

In the fall of 2001 Laura moved back to Canada and began working with CBC as the Director of Financial Operations.  Laura has held many roles at the CBC.  She is currently the Director Finance – Controller and Financial Reporting.

Laura is married with three children.  She enjoys yoga, travelling, hiking, biking, snowboarding and swimming. 

Russ first joined BDO in 1981 as a co-op student in Hamilton. Over the next decade, he graduated from the University of Waterloo with a Bachelor of Math in Accounting, earned his Chartered Accountant designation and was admitted to BDO’s partnership in 1991. He later joined the Brantford office from Kitchener-Waterloo, where he led his team in providing practical advice to a variety of clients in all areas of business and financial management issues.

Russ has worked with many owner-managed businesses, including agricultural organizations, franchises, manufacturing and distribution companies, as well as not-for-profits. Russ was the lead Partner on the firm’s rainmaker program which taught Partners and staff how to grow their client base, provide exceptional service and work together to pool specialties for the best success.
Experience

Chief Operating Officer, BDO (2009–Present)
As COO, Russ is responsible for running the firm’s national office, including in-office activities and events, as well as its Professional Indemnity Insurance and all other litigation.

Policy Board Member, BDO (2007-2009)
Russ was elected for the BDO Policy Board, which is responsible for the policies and directions of the firm, at the Annual General Meeting and served on the Board of Directors until becoming COO.

Brantford Office Managing Partner, BDO (1996-2009)
After taking over for the only partner at the Brantford office, Russ assumed all roles there ― human resources, marketing, janitor and dishwasher. In his spare time, he was responsible for ensuring the office met firm standards and for growing the practice. This included growing the office in clients as well as bringing in two mergers between 2006 and 2009, thereby expanding the Brantford team from four people in 1996 to 25 in 2009.
Education

• Rainmaker Academy Program, BDO (2004)
• Family Business Diploma, Waterloo Centre for Family Business (2002)
• Master Manager Program, Wilfrid Laurier University (1998)
• Chartered Accountant (1986)
• B.Math, Accounting and C&O, University of Waterloo (1985)

Community:
Russ enjoys being involved in the community and is currently a member of the Rotary Club of Toronto.  Russ has been involved in a number of organizations including

• Past President Rotary Club of Brantford Sunrise
• Board of Directors Brant Community Healthcare System
• Past President Heart and Stroke Foundation Brantford Chapter

Nancy Lala is Chair and CFO of About Communications, a private company providing telecom and internet services to the small to mid-sized organizations. Nancy has over 25 years of finance experience which includes taking a company public, bought deals, mergers and acquisitions, international task forces, global systems integration, corporate taxation, customs and sales tax and financing structures.

Prior to joining About Communications, Nancy was CFO of Morneau Sobeco Income Fund where she took the company public and helped grow the company from revenues of $100 million to over $300 million through organic growth and a number of acquisitions. Previous roles include CFO of EDS Canada and a variety of senior finance positions with Xerox Canada.

Nancy is both a Chartered Accountant and a Certified Management Accountant. She completed her articling with Thorne Riddell (now KPMG). She has a Master's Degree in Accounting from the University of Waterloo.

In 2003, Nancy was recognized as one of the 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada. She sits on the boards of Kerry’s Place Autism Services, Canadian Finance Executive Research Foundation and FEI Toronto Chapter. Nancy is currently a member of the Issues & Policy Advisory Committee and the Committee on Corporate Reporting of the Canadian Division of Financial Executives International (FEI) and is a mentor for the Women’s Executive Network (WXN) and Opportunities Unlimited for Youth-in-Motion.

Steven graduated from the University of Waterloo’s Honours Bachelor of Arts - Chartered Accountancy Studies program in 1993.  After graduation from Waterloo, Steven worked at Deloitte & Touche, in Toronto, in the Audit Group and the Corporate Finance Group.

In 1993, Steven transferred with Deloitte & Touche to work in the Financial Services Audit Group in New York City.  After obtaining his CPA, Steven then returned to school, entering the MBA program at Columbia Business School majoring in finance and investment banking.  Upon graduating Dean’s List from Columbia, in 1996, Steven remained in New York City and embarked on an investment banking career.  Steven specialized in mergers and acquisitions with the following firms:  Warburg Dillon Read (1996-1997), Salomon Brothers (1997-2000) and Morgan Stanley (Vice-President, 2000-2001). 

In 2001, Steven decided to leave investment banking and embarked on a career in money management.  Steven joined Lord Abbett & Co., a private money management firm, where he was responsible for investing in small cap US companies.  Steven ultimately became a Portfolio Manager and Partner at Lord Abbett, and was responsible for co-managing a $5 billion Small Value Fund and successfully launching a Small-Mid Value Fund.  Steven’s Small-Mid Value Fund was the #1 ranked Mid Cap fund in the US in 2006 (Wall Street Journal rankings).

In 2007, Steven joined and is currently employed with Royce & Associates, a highly successful, $40 billion fund company in New York City, serving as a Portfolio Manager of small and mid cap funds.  In 2008, Steven’s Mid Value fund was the #2 ranked Mid Cap fund in the US (Wall Street Journal rankings).

Steven is a member of the Hermes Society of Columbia Business School and active in alumni events. 

Steven is married to Deanna (BA Honours Accountancy, University of Waterloo, 1993) and they have three children: Reid, Paige and Grant.  In his free time, Steven enjoys traveling, triathlons and vacationing with family and friends on Kiawah Island, SC. 

David Middleton graduated from the University of Waterloo in the Co-op Honours Math CA/Computer Science option in 1984.  Working with BDO Dunwoody, David obtained his CA designation and then proceeded to join Deloitte in 1987.  While working at Deloitte, David moved into their Financial & Special Services Group where he specialized in Valuation and M&A projects.  In 1990, David moved to a real estate development firm and then in 1995, joined a growing pension investment management firm as CFO and Chief Compliance Officer.  Over the next several years, David qualified for his CA-IT designation and earned his CFA designation.

In 2004, David became a partner at Genuity Capital Markets, a startup brokerage firm, during its formation as CFO.  While at Genuity, David proceeded with his CPA designation and other Canadian Securities Institute courses.  After working for 2 years at Genuity, David started his own business operating a multi-family office for several high net worth families providing investment, tax and accounting services.  Also during this time, David worked with several startup initiatives through the Ontario Commercial Investment Fund Program at major Ontario universities setting up new companies to develop and commercialize intellectual property from Ontario university research programs.

In 2008, David joined KingSett Capital, a private equity real estate investment firm, as Partner and CFO and today focuses on the portfolio management of KingSett Funds and acting as liaison for investor groups in those Funds which include high net worth families and institutional investors.”

Nicole D’Souza Russell graduated from the University of Waterloo’s School of Accounting and Finance with an Honours Arts Accountancy Degree, followed by a Master of Accounting in 1999.  She earned her Chartered Accountant designation in 2001 and her U.S. Certified Public Accountant designation in 2006.

Upon graduation, Nicole returned to Evans Martin LLP, where she had been employed on co-op terms during her undergraduate studies.  In her role as Manager in the Audit and Advisory group, Nicole provided audit and a wide range of accounting and advisory services to a diverse group of owner-managed businesses, mainly in manufacturing, but also in the insurance, real estate and investment industries.   During her time at the firm, Nicole was involved in recruiting and mentoring CA students; she co-developed and conducted the Firm’s internal training program for CA students preparing for the Uniform Final Exam and developed and delivered internal seminars to all staff levels within the Firm.

A professional development exchange program in Germany ignited Nicole’s wanderlust and, in 2004, Nicole joined the Internal Audit group at Nortel - a move that allowed her to marry her professional skills with her love of travel.  In her capacity as Audit Manager, Nicole lead cross-functional teams, often spanning multiple countries, in conducting audits of various corporate and operating groups.  Nicole’s role allowed her to experience different cultures around the globe and included international assignments in the United States, England, France, Hong Kong and Brazil.

With a growing family, Nicole decided to take a step back from the jet-set lifestyle and joined BCE Inc. in 2007 as Associate Director – Accounting Policy & Controls for Bell Mobility.  In that capacity, Nicole provided accounting policy guidance to finance and business teams and was also the group’s SOx Compliance resource.  In 2009, Nicole moved to her current role as Associate Director – Controller for Bell Mobility, where she manages a team responsible for the integrity of the company’s Financial close processes and reporting. 
Nicole has always been a strong supporter and advocate of The University of Waterloo and School of Accounting and Finance.  During her time at the University of Waterloo, Nicole was actively involved in the Accounting Students’ Association, was a School of Accounting and Finance Frosh Leader and worked as a Teaching Assistant for a first year accounting course.  As an Alumnus, Nicole returned to the University of Waterloo to speak at School of Accounting and Finance on preparing for the Uniform Final Examination.

Throughout her career, Nicole has been actively involved in her community.  She has been a volunteer for Junior Achievement of Peel, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peel, the ICAO Tax Clinic and the Bell Ambassador Program.   As well, she has been a Firm fundraising campaign coordinator for United Way, Heart & Stroke and the Canadian Cancer Society.  Nicole has also served on the Boards of Catholic Family Services of Peel-Dufferin and the Young Entrepreneurs Association, Peel Chapter and most recently was a Committee member and Team Manager for the YOBS Soccer Program.

Nicole currently resides in Brampton, Ontario, with her husband, Shane, and two children, Emmett and Edith.  In her spare time, she continues to pursue her passion for travel and photography.

Scott is an assurance partner in the Burlington office of Grant Thornton.  He received his CA, CMA and CBV designations in 1990, 1991 and 1998 respectively.  Scott’s practice is primarily focused in audit, primarily involving financial institutions, manufacturing and distribution companies and publicly listed companies.  He has served as the chair of The Deposit Insurance Corporation of Ontario’s Auditor Advisory Committee since 2008 and received Grant Thornton’s Professional Excellence award in 2011.

Scott’s community involvement includes commitments to minor sports and to golf.  He refereed minor hockey from 1981 to 1996 and coached Little League baseball in Ancaster from 1984 to 1996.  He is currently the Treasurer and Assistant District Administrator for Ontario District #1 Little League Baseball.  He is a member of the Board of Directors for the Hamilton Golf and Country Club and previously served as Golf Captain and Junior Golf Chair.  He was a committee chair for the 2003 and 2006 Canadian Opens and will chair the Marshal Committee for the 2012 Canadian Open. 

Anish Chopra joined TD Asset Management Inc. in 1998.  He has lead management responsibilities on the Canadian Value and Target Return strategies for both TD Mutual Funds and TD Waterhouse Private Investment Counsel.  Anish is also the lead manager for several institutional hedge fund strategies.  In addition, he is a part of the management team supporting the TD Pension Fund and a member of the TD Wealth Asset Allocation Committee.  Anish was the inaugural recipient of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Business Valuators (CICBV) Top Chartered Business Valuator Under 40 Award and was recently recognized with the CICBV Communicator Award.

Anish has over 11 years experience managing proprietary funds within TDAM, with knowledge in Canadian, U.S. and global equities as well as numerous absolute return strategies. Prior to joining TDAM, Anish worked as a member of TD Securities’ mergers and acquisitions group.

Anish appears regularly on television as well as in print media discussing business and investment issues.  He has presented at numerous investment industry conferences across North America.  For over a decade, Anish also served as a Course Leader and Course Co-Author for numerous finance courses with the CICBV.  He has served as an instructor for the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario.  In addition, Anish has been a guest lecturer at many business schools including the Schulich School of Business (York University) and the John Molson School of Business (Concordia University).

Anish is very involved in the community.  He is the Vice Chair of the User Advisory Council of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants, serves as a member of the Ontario Judicial Council and is a Chapter Executive with the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) Association in Toronto.  He also held numerous positions on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Cancer Society (Central Toronto Unit) where, as Chairperson of the Fundraising Committee, he led the unit in receiving the Toronto Regional Fundraising Award.

While attending the University of Waterloo, Anish took an active interest in student affairs.  He served as a student representative on the University of Waterloo Senate (serving as well on both the Senate Finance Committee and the Honorary Degrees Committee) as well as Speaker of the Students’ Council (for the Federation of Students) and was the Editor of the Federation of Students’ Annual Student Handbook.  Anish also served on the Accounting Students Education Contribution Fund and was President of the Entrepreneurs’ Club.  Anish received the Overall Outstanding Student Leadership Award for his contributions to student life at Waterloo.