Our Board & Honourees

Executive

Trevor Swerdfager

Chair

Trevor Swerdfager is a Practitioner-in-Residence teaching courses in in fish, forest and wildlife management, environmental policy and decision-making and oceans conservation and protection at the University of Waterloo. Prior to that, his career centered on senior management service in Parks Canada (Senior Vice-President), the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (Senior Assistant Deputy Minister), and Environment Canada (Director-General of the Canadian Wildlife Service). Trevor resides in Ottawa and Waterloo. He brings widespread knowledge and experience concerning environmental science, policy, and conservation across Canada, with particular experience in the federal government’s responsibility for migratory birds and habitat.

Anil Wijesooriya

Vice Chair

Anil Wijesooriya is the Director of Restoration and Infrastructure and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. In this role, he leads a dynamic, multi-disciplinary team dedicated to building nature-based infrastructure that fosters safe and resilient communities. His leadership encompasses construction project delivery, erosion risk management, environmental restoration, and a suite of professional services including environmental assessments, trails design and development, soils management, archaeology, and surveying. Anil began his career as a Land Use Planner with the City of Ottawa. Prior to his tenure at TRCA, Anil worked at Infrastructure Ontario, where he held several key positions, including Analytics & Data Governance, Business Performance, Sales & Acquisitions, and Development Planning. In these roles, he spearheaded strategic initiatives focused on data-driven decision-making, business transformation, and the modernization of transactional programs, consistently achieving government-mandated delivery, revenue and cost-saving targets. Anil holds a Master’s degree in Urban & Regional Planning from Queen’s University and is a registered professional planner, holding memberships with the Canadian Institute of Planners and the Ontario Professional Planners Institute.

Anne McConnell

Past Chair

Anne is a professional engineer and President of McConnell Hiring Consulting Ltd., where she works on a variety of environmental, regulatory, and sustainability topics. Previously, Anne was a leader in R&D, regulatory affairs and environmental sustainability at Procter & Gamble. Her experience includes working with Canadian and U.S. industry, non-governmental organizations, and all levels of government. For many years, Anne has been a champion for progressive chemicals management and waste diversion programs. Since 1997, she has been a dedicated participant in Birdathons for Birds Canada, and helped to raise over $20,000 working together with family, friends, and neighbours. Anne’s educational training includes degrees from UBC in chemistry and biology, and in agricultural engineering. She hails from British Columbia and now resides in Toronto, Ontario. Anne’s recreational pursuits include birdwatching and native plant gardening, and she is also an avid walker, cyclist, and community volunteer.

Mike Wong

Secretary

Mike Wong serves as the Regional Chair for North America for the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN’s) World Commission on Protected Areas. His current interest is on promoting a nature positive recovery following the pandemic. Retired from the federal government, Mike is a biologist with Bachelor’s (St. Francis Xavier University) and Master’s (University of Ottawa) degrees, with the latter examining the impact of chemicals on fish and wildlife. He was with the ecosystem health group of Environment Canada for 15 years, directing the development of national environmental quality guidelines and the ecological monitoring and assessment network. Mike also worked 15 years with Parks Canada as the Executive Director of Ecological Integrity, developing monitoring and ecological restoration programs for Canada’s national parks, which are continuing today.

While captivated by the world of birds, Mike self-declares that he does not have a life list, but is very interested in advancing conservation overall in Canada and globally! He has governance experience with the National Committee of the IUCN, the Conservation Committee of the Nature Conservancy of Canada, and with Ocean Bridge, a program empowering Canadian youth from coast to coast to coast to make a difference towards ocean conservation. Mike brings a wealth of familiarity in environmental matters and public engagement for conservation.

Julie Towers

Treasurer

Julie Towers is the former Deputy Minister in Nova Scotia for departments of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Aboriginal Affairs and Immigration. She currently sits on the Nature Advisory Committee for Environment and Climate Change Canada. Julie started her career as a wildlife biologist after earning Bachelor and Master of Science degrees from the University of Toronto and University of New Brunswick. Before becoming Deputy Minister and CEO of Aboriginal Affairs, Julie worked in applied research, environmental education and forest, parks and wildlife management. She was directly involved in developing and implementing the National Biodiversity Framework, Aichi targets, Canada's Biodiversity Strategy, and 2020 Biodiversity Goals and Targets, and recently worked on the post-2020 biodiversity strategy. Julie has authored three books, including the reference guide Wildlife of Nova Scotia.

Directors

Trisha Beaty

Director

Trisha Beaty has been a birder since her early teens and has worked as a Park Naturalist in the BC Parks system. Trisha's connection to nature and its biodiversity inspired her to pursue an undergraduate pathway in Zoology. She transferred into medicine, graduating from UBC's Faculty of Medicine, and then completing her medical residency in New Zealand. Trisha has worked in various medical areas of family practise in both Ontario and BC. including women's health, labour and delivery, adolescent health, general practise and travel medicine. For the last ten years of her medical career she taught medical students at UBC.Trisha is the co-founder and Vice-President of the Sitka Foundation, a family foundation with a simple mission: to be a catalyst in the conservation of nature and the protection of biodiversity. She also enjoys participating on the board of Ecojustice and the Nature Trust of BC. When she is not birding, she may be off kayaking, hiking or cycling or with her ever growing family

Michael J. Bonnick

Director

Michael J. Bonnick is a career finance professional, currently serving as Director, Loyalty & Partnerships at Scotiabank, following 12 years at Loblaw Companies Limited. He has a Bachelor’s degree in business from Lakehead University and an MBA from Queen’s. In addition, he has earned several post-degree accreditations, such as in finance (CPA), project management (PMP), and the field of social impact. He has been central to a number of Loblaw initiatives, including the creation of the PC Optimum loyalty program and the establishment of a digital program called Loblaw Media. Michael notes that his favourite bird is the Bald Eagle, which he saw frequently when he lived in Thunder Bay! As a volunteer, Michael has helped establish, finance, and govern the Nia Centre for the Arts, which is the only Black-owned and Black-operated theatre company in Toronto. He looks forward to helping Birds Canada wherever his skill can be best used, including in the financial aspects of governance.

Shannon Coombs

Director

Shannon Coombs has been with CCSPA since 1998 and has been President for 19 years. As President, she is the association’s spokesperson, responsible for the implementation of effective government relations, regulatory strategies and public affairs on the critical issues for member companies. Shannon has an honours degree in Political Science from Carleton University, as well as extensive experience in government and political arenas. Shannon sits on various Ministerial Advisory Panels and Committees. She has participated on various Boards such as the Canadian Institute of Child Health, Rideau Club of Canada, the Government Relations Institute of Canada and Stewardship Ontario. Shannon lives with her son in Ottawa, Ontario.

Harry Dahme

Director

Harry is an environmental lawyer. He practiced with a large multinational law firm based in Canada and the UK. In the course of his career he has been recognized by a number of rating agencies as one of the leading environmental lawyers in Canada. His clients have included governments, corporations, non-governmental organizations and individuals. As a lawyer and as an independent director, he regularly provided, and continues to provide advice to executives on a large variety of issues and he has advised, and continues to advise, boards of directors on a multitude of issues relating to corporate governance. He has a degree in biophysics and biochemistry from the University of Toronto. Harry is an avid outdoors person with a particular interest in adventure travel. He has a long-standing interest in habitat protection, preservation and restoration.

Janet Hill, Ph.D.

Director

Janet has background in Biology and Microbiology. She is Professor and Department Head of the Department of Veterinary Microbiology at University of Saskatchewan. She’s a passionate bird enthusiast, Great Canadian Birdathon supporter and has participated in Project FeederWatch since 2016.

Cher Mereweather

Director

Cher Mereweather is President & CEO of Provision Coalition Inc., a for-profit social enterprise born out of its success as a non-profit. Cher helps food and beverage companies increase revenue, reduce costs and elevate their brand - purposefully. Cher is an advocate for change and a passionate spokesperson that is dedicated to advancing sustainability within the Canadian food system. Cher is currently a Board Director for the National Zero Waste Council and was the Chair of the Board for two years at the Campus Child Care Cooperative of Guelph. Cher’s career has included time with NSF International where she established and directed the Sustainability Consulting Business Unit, and executive positions in environmental economics and policy with the Canadian agri-food think tank, the George Morris Centre. Cher holds a Bachelor and Master’s degree in Environmental Economics and Policy and is certified in both project and change management. Cher enjoys spending time in nature, and finds herself in bird identification debates with family around the dining room table. Cher is pleased to apply her experience in sustainability, business, and the food system’s impact on the environment and conservation needs of birds.

Justin Peter

Director

Justin Peter has been a devoted birder since he was a young child. He has a B.Sc. degree from the University of Guelph, and has served as Park Naturalist in Gatineau Park, Québec and Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario. At Algonquin, Justin was responsible for the education program for many years. Justin is co-owner of Worldwide Quest and director of its Quest Nature Tours branch, where he features birds and other wildlife and continues an outreach role for conservation. He sees himself as a “roving naturalist entrepreneur” and is deeply committed to capacity building and governance.

Justin is a long-term member of Birds Canada and an enthusiastic Birdathoner. He has served as volunteer President of the Toronto Ornithological Club (TOC), where he has gained experience in working with fellow volunteer Board members. A champion for bird outreach and urban birding, Justin has represented the TOC in virtual events held during the Birds Canada-coordinated Toronto Bird Celebration. He is an enthusiastic ambassador for birds and nature wherever they are found. If elected to the Board, Justin will work tirelessly to support Birds Canada’s ongoing mission of bringing birds to a broader audience.

Sébastien Rioux

Director

Sébastien is currently Director of Wildlife Initiatives with the Fondation de la faune du Québec, based in Québec City. The foundation’s work supports partnerships with communities, industry, nonprofit organizations, and other partners to promote conservation of wildlife across Québec. One such project has been the recently published Second Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Southern Québec, for which the foundation is a Gold Level sponsor. Sébastien has been scientific advisor for the Regroupement QuébecOiseaux to the exciting and popular film series on the birds of Canada, “Fou des oiseaux” or “Crazy about Birds”. Sébastien has been an outdoor and wildlife enthusiast all of his life, and offers Birds Canada his experience from across Québec and a desire to support conservation of birds across Canada.

Trish Sahlstrom

Director

Trish is a rancher in British Columbia with strong ties to the prairies. She recently retired as Vice-President, Purchasing and Distribution at A&W. Her forward-thinking approach led to A&W’s progressive procurement policies and support of Birds Canada grasslands conservation work.

John Taranu

Director

John is a birder and long-term supporter of Birds Canada. With a Masters of Environmental Studies in GIS from the University of Waterloo, John works at Google in Toronto, helping clients with their journey to the cloud. Recently, John led a Google charity fundraising drive for Birds Canada, boosting awareness for Birds Canada and raising a significant amount from his peers, including company matching contributions. He also convened company employees to assist with several volunteer events, such as plantings at Birds Canada's landscaping project at the Humber Arboretum. Other community service interests have included board roles with Cycle Toronto and the Deer Park Residents Group, and volunteer roles with Birds Canada's SwiftWatch program and various winter and summer counts. John offers experience to the Board and senior staff with business, data management, IT, mapping and GIS, volunteer engagement, employee engagement, and fundraising.

Honourees

George Finney

President Emeritus

George Finney took the reins as President of Birds Canada, then Bird Studies Canada (BSC), after the departure of Michael Bradstreet in 2004. Previously a senior manager with Environment Canada, George helped increase BSC’s influence by continuing to strengthen its science focus and capability. Better integration of BSC’s programs with governmental conservation priorities led to important multi-year financial agreements with Environment Canada. George retired after a 10-year tenure as President and was succeeded by Steven Price.

Steven Price

President Emeritus

Steven Price served as President of Birds Canada from 2014 to 2021. He worked for nature throughout a 40-year career in the non-government conservation sector in Canada and internationally. Steven continues to “work for birds” by volunteering in Birds Canada Citizen Science programs and providing advice to the Birds Canada President on policies and practices.

Our Board & Honourees

Executive

Trevor Swerdfager

More About Trevor Swerdfager

Anil Wijesooriya

More About Anil Wijesooriya

Anne McConnell

More About Anne McConnell

Mike Wong

More About Mike Wong

Julie Towers

More About Julie Towers

Directors

Trisha Beaty

More About Trisha Beaty

Michael J. Bonnick

More About Michael J. Bonnick

Shannon Coombs

More About Shannon Coombs

Harry Dahme

More About Harry Dahme

Janet Hill, Ph.D.

More About Janet Hill, Ph.D.

Cher Mereweather

More About Cher Mereweather

Justin Peter

More About Justin Peter

Sébastien Rioux

More About Sébastien Rioux

Trish Sahlstrom

More About Trish Sahlstrom

John Taranu

More About John Taranu

Honourees

George Finney

More About George Finney

Steven Price

More About Steven Price