MICHAEL MESSENGER – President and CEO

Michael provides leadership to World Vision Canada’s relief, development and advocacy work, supporting the world’s most vulnerable children. His keen interest in the most fragile regions has taken him to countries such as South Sudan, Central African Republic and Afghanistan, where he has met children and families who were living on the margins. Michael first joined World Vision in 1990 and was involved in early advocacy efforts in Canada and Geneva. In 1995, Michael moved to attend law school and then practiced law for nine years in Halifax. As a partner at Cox & Palmer, he developed a broad litigation practice and served as chief counsel to a high-profile public inquiry on issues of youth justice. During this time, Michael was a member of the Board of Directors of World Vision Canada. He returned to a staff leadership role at World Vision in 2007, serving as Vice President for Public Affairs and Executive Vice President before assuming the role of President and CEO in 2015.  As President, Michael supports strategy realization, leadership development, and external engagement with key partners and stakeholders like media, churches, donors, other humanitarian organizations and government. Beyond his role in Canada, Michael plays a significant role in supporting international strategic initiatives with the World Vision Partnership.

Michael holds an undergraduate degree in economics from Gordon College in Wenham, Massachusetts, a J.D. in law from the University of Toronto, and an MBA from the Ivey Business School at Western University. He has been involved with numerous non-profit and church boards. He and his wife, Yvonne, have two adult children and live near Toronto. They attend Trinity Church Streetsville. In his spare time, Michael runs marathons with Team World Vision, raising awareness and funds for children so they can reach their God-given potential.

Follow Michael on Twitter (@mjmessenger)

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Michael Messenger, World Vision Canada CEO and President and part of our leadership team.

 

Senior Leadership Team 

  Sumair Mirza, Chief Operating Officer

SUMAIR MIRZA - Chief Operating Officer

Sumair oversees operations and execution at World Vision Canada and has more than a decade of leadership experience in marketing, consulting and product development.  Previously, Sumair worked with GE Capital and Element Fleet Management and possesses a unique blend of creative, technological, and analytical skills. He has also acquired a deep knowledge of commercial, sourcing and IT. Sumair honed his business acumen by attending executive courses at acclaimed institutions such as GE Crotonville Management Institute and Harvard Business School. He is actively involved in his community through local volunteer work and through the Toronto Swatow Baptist Church, where he has been a Sunday School teacher, chair of the church board, and chair of the Christian education committee.


Anita Tong, Chief Finance and Administration Officer at World Vision Canada


ANITA TONG - Chief Finance and Administration Officer

Anita joined World Vision Canada 15 years ago and has led several teams, including financial planning and analysis, corporate performance, and efficiency innovation. As World Vision Canada’s Chief Finance and Administration Officer, Anita leads our finance, accounting and shared services functions, including our customer care and legal teams. A Chartered Professional Accountant and Chartered Accountant, Anita previously held finance leadership roles at Allstream and Ernst & Young LLP. Anita holds a BA (Honours – Chartered Accountancy Studies) and a Masters in Accounting from the University of Waterloo. Anita enjoys spending time with her family which includes serving at their church on the finance and risk committee, and in outreach programs.


Horace Matthews, Chief of Staff


HORACE MATTHEWS - Chief of Staff

Horace operates as a complementary extension of the Chief Operating Officer. In this role, he has direct responsibility for organizational strategy execution/monitoring and management, enterprise planning, investigating new non-traditional revenue generating opportunities and organizational change acceleration/management. Horace has an undergraduate degree in Computer and Management Studies with over 25 years of experience in the not-for-profit, public and private sectors, serving in various strategic leadership positions. Horace is also actively engaged in the community at Kingdom House Christian Centre and a youth mentor and sponsor.


Kevin Andrews, Vice President of Brand


KEVIN ANDREWS - Vice President, Brand

Kevin brings over 20 years of experience in Brand and Product Marketing leadership, with a passion for purposeful brands that connect with their customers in authentic and meaningful ways. He has developed a broad range of marketing expertise across both technology and consumer package goods industries having worked for leading organizations including Microsoft Canada, Sharp Electronics Canada, LG Canada, and most recently the #1 and #2 consumer packaged goods brands in Canada (President’s Choice ™ and no name ™) for Loblaw Companies Ltd.

Kevin accompanies his extensive work experience with a strong educational background including a BBA from the University of Toronto with a Marketing major and an MBA from the Schulich School of Business.  Kevin is also actively involved as alumni at both University of Toronto and Schulich School of Business programs, volunteering his time to guest-lecture on various Marketing topics to the next generation of Marketing leaders.


Martin Campbell, Vice-President of Marketing


MARTIN CAMPBELL - Vice President, Marketing

Martin oversees Marketing strategy and operations at World Vision Canada, with five years of prior experience at World Vision UK and World Vision International, leading digital transformation programs. An award-winning entrepreneur, Martin founded one of Europe’s leading digital agencies for charities, delivering innovative digital fundraising and online products. He also served as Convio and Blackbaud Europe Director before founding the successful big-data company, Ormsby Street. Martin is especially passionate about utilizing tech for good and developing supporter-centric experiences that engage people and transform lives. Martin’s skills and experience make him an excellent leader in the development of new strategic platforms, products and services at World Vision, with a focus on introducing new and effective ways to help the world’s most vulnerable children.


Rocky, Philanthropy & Partnerships at World Vision Canada


ROCKWELL DUNDAS-  Vice President, Philanthropy and Partnerships

Rocky heads Philanthropy & Partnerships at World Vision Canada, bringing decades of experience in business development, in both non-profit and for-profit industries. Rocky is ordained with two denominations and has served nationwide in pastoral and lay leadership roles for over thirty years. In his undergraduate studies, Rocky obtained a Bachelor of Education from Tyndale University, and most recently an MBA from Norwich University in Change Management and Organizational Leadership. Rocky values lifelong learning and is committed to utilizing his education and experience to develop vehicles for transformation as a Christian-focused leader. Throughout the duration of his career, Rocky has established an exceptional set of abilities that have led him to become an entrepreneurial founder, executive member and investor in team development specifically geared towards reaching new markets. Rocky has a deep passion for his Indigenous heritage, as a member of the Métis nation, and is an active member of Springvale Baptist Church, in Stouffville.


Selby Mong – Vice President of Digital & Information Technology


SELBY MONG - Vice President, Digital & Information Technology

Selby heads Digital & Information Technology where he leads our multi-disciplinary technical teams toward digital enablement and optimization. He has over 20 years of experience in the IT industry, primarily in the financial services sector, having spent most of his career in the business process outsourcing industry. His expertise in delivering applications and IT services brings a wealth of experience and perspective to the organization. Selby has a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science with a minor in Business from Concordia University in Montreal. He likes spending his time coaching house league soccer, building computers and gaming with his two sons. He is also an active volunteer at St. Gabriel’s Passionist Parish in Toronto, which he attends with his family.


James Pothirajulu, Vice President of Programs and Policy at World Vision Canada


JAMES POTHIRAJULU - Vice President, Programs and Policy

James oversees a global portfolio of program commitments and advocacy initiatives. He has more than 30 years of experience in international development with a focus on child rights and justice issues. He has worked for World Vision Canada since 2005 in various management and field-facing roles. Previously, he worked in India with faith-based organizations, para-governmental agencies and organizations that promote people’s collectives and movements. James has a Master’s Degree in International Development from the University of Pune, India. James also serves on the Board of St. Bede’s Anglican Church in Toronto.


 

Board of Directors 

  • Yolanda Dasselaar, Treasurer | Independent Marketing and Strategy Consultant, Toronto, ON
  • Drew Fitch Retired professional accountant and past public company CFO and CEO, Calgary, AB
  • Deborah Holbrook, Chair | Lawyer, Pickering, ON
  • Michael Kamel | Partner, Strategy & Business & Corporate Strategy, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Montreal, QC
  • Steven Kroeker | Former Senior VP and CFO, Keyera Corp., Calgary, AB
  • Rob Meikle, Vice-Chair​ | Director, Innovation for CEO Global Network and Pastor of Kingdom House Christian Centre, Brampton, ON
  • Suanne Miedema | President, Miedema's Board Consulting Inc., Concord, ON
  • Peter Neufeld, Secretary | Senior Vice President, HR, Spinmaster, Toronto, ON
  • Rebekah Powell | Legal Counsel, Director of Employee & Labour Relations at Shannex Inc., Halifax, NS
  • Harry Spaling | Retired University Professor, Edmonton, AB
  • Alison Williams | Retired from BMO Capital Markets, Toronto, ON
  • Eva Wong | Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer, Borrowell, Toronto, ON