{"id":15,"date":"2023-09-13T19:41:16","date_gmt":"2023-09-13T19:41:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ccbnational.6xperts.com\/?page_id=15"},"modified":"2025-04-28T14:01:18","modified_gmt":"2025-04-28T14:01:18","slug":"board-of-directors","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ccbnational.net\/shaggy\/board-of-directors\/","title":{"rendered":"Board of Directors"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"15\" class=\"elementor elementor-15\" data-elementor-post-type=\"page\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section data-particle_enable=\"false\" data-particle-mobile-disabled=\"false\" class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-04afeaa elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"04afeaa\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-8c4a050\" data-id=\"8c4a050\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-32d372f elementor-widget elementor-widget-shortcode\" data-id=\"32d372f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"shortcode.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-shortcode\"><button id=\"listenButton1\" class=\"responsivevoice-button\" type=\"button\" value=\"Play\" title=\"ResponsiveVoice Tap to Start\/Stop Speech\"><span>&#128266; Listen to Post<\/span><\/button>\n        <script>\n            listenButton1.onclick = function(){\n                if(responsiveVoice.isPlaying()){\n                    responsiveVoice.cancel();\n                }else{\n                    responsiveVoice.speak(\"Board of Directors EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:National President - Jim Tokos: Jim has over 40 years experience as a leader in private and non-profit positions. Hailing from Hamilton, Ontario Jim is currently serving his second term as CCB National President. Jim believes in flexibly supporting the CCB community to ensure strategic goals are consistently met, and that the needs of CCB members should determine the direction of the Council. \u201cI look forward to continuing this role in supporting the long-term viability of the organization, ensuring we remain well represented to be leaders in the community we represent.\u201d\u00a0Past President - Louise Gillis: Louise has been a dedicated member of the Canadian Council of the Blind since 1997, serving in numerous roles, including National President from 2010 to 2021. Based in Sydney, Nova Scotia, she continues to represent CCB on committees focused on accessibility, healthcare, and public policy. Her advocacy work spans national and international platforms, promoting accessibility in media, transportation, and healthcare. Louise\u2019s commitment to inclusivity is evident through her roles on advisory boards such as the Accessible Canada Act and Nova Scotia\u2019s Accessibility Advisory Board.Executive Director - Jim Prowse: Jim is a valued member of the Canadian Council of the Blind, bringing extensive experience in leadership and advocacy. His dedication to supporting the blind and visually impaired community strengthens the council\\'s mission and impact across Canada.1st Vice - Leslie Yee:\u00a0 Proud Peterborough Chapter Chair, Leslie joins the board this term as the 1st vice president. Leslie also has experience serving on the CCB Membership Committee, CCB Advocacy Committee, and has represented the Canadian Council of the Blind on countless external committees and subcommittees. Leslie spent her career developing leadership skills that will no doubt prove invaluable in her role as 1st president on the Council board.\u00a02nd Vice - Leo Bissonnette: Leo has been involved with the CCB for over 50 years. His background in financial literacy, governance and ethics, risk management, strategic planning, and leadership has led to Leo being included on a number of vision-related boards and committees, including numerous terms on the CCB board. Leo resides in the Montreal area and before retiring worked as the manager of the Access Centre for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) at Concordia University.\u00a03rd Vice - Surander Singh: Surander first joined the CCB through his local Kamloops Chapter in 2017. Surander has experience in financial planning and risk management that make him a valuable part of the CCB board. Surander is known for his problem solving skills and prides himself on being a collaborator. BOARD MEMBERS\u00a0\u00a0Elizabeth Mayo: Elizabeth is a long-time volunteer with the Canadian Council of the Blind and a strong advocate for the blind and low vision community. Born in Avondale, Newfoundland, she graduated from the Halifax School for the Blind and later Memorial University of Newfoundland with a degree in Vocational Education. Elizabeth has worked as a Rehabilitation Teacher, Life Skills Instructor, and Substitute Teacher. She has also supported youth as a foster caregiver alongside her husband, Russell. Elizabeth remains active in the CCB, serving as a National Board Member, 1st Vice-President of the CCB Newfoundland & Labrador Division, and 2nd Vice-President and Fundraiser with the CCB E. A. Baker Chapter. She also represents CCB on the Board of Braille Literacy Canada and is Secretary of the Blind Bowls Association of Canada. Elizabeth enjoys dancing, walking, reading, and spending time with animals.\u00a0Heather Hannett: Heather has been part of the Canadian Council of the Blind since the 1980\u2019s. Heather hails from Alberta where she is a proud member of the CCB Calgary Chapter. Heather\u2019s passion is in working with youth living with sight loss, where she has inspired countless university students to succeed. \u201cI enjoy being part of the CCB Membership Committee where we can learn from others what works in each Province.\u201d Heather is looking forward to serving her term on the board and to be part of the growth of the organization moving forward.\u00a0Heidi White: Heidi is a long serving member of the Canadian Council of the Blind. She has been involved in the CCB Advocacy Committee, CCB National Membership Committee, and CCB ASRW Committee. Heidi is also a Smartlife Coach and has experience mentoring members of the CCB community and advocating for our organization. Heidi is a proud Islander and her chapter has hosted the annual Atlantic Sports and Recreation Weekend in Summerside PEI for Atlantic members.\u00a0\u00a0Lori Shea: In her first term on the CCB Board, Lori is excited to represent Newfoundland and Labrador on the national board. Lori is a strong advocate for individuals living with sight loss, which is evident in her previous roles and responsibilities as part of her local chapter. Lori has served in a number of other board and leadership roles before joining the CCB board of directors, which has allowed her to hone her skills as a leader, effective collaborator, and strategic thinker.\u00a0Michelle Batram: Michelle hails from Sydney, NS and has worked on various CCB initiatives and events, including chairing the CCB Crafts & Hobbies Chapter.\u00a0Sharon Ruttan: For almost 30 years Sharon has been involved in the sight loss community, working with CCB as well as various other partner organizations. Sharon is a technology enthusiast who loves learning to use the latest gadgets as they become available. Sharon is an ambassador for those living with sight loss and has represented the community at special events, schools, information fairs and special interest groups and meetings. Sharon has previously served on the CCB advocacy committee and as a long time guide dog handler enjoys interacting with people when asked about her experience with her guide dog. Sharon currently resides in Hamilton and looks forward to representing southern Ontario as part of the CCB board. Together with your support, we can bring a brighter future Help us get better care for Canadians living with eye related illnesses. DONATE\", \"US English Female\");\n                }\n            };\n        <\/script>\n    <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4c003ae elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"4c003ae\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Board of Directors <\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7e990e2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7e990e2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><b>EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:<\/b><\/p><p><b>National President &#8211; Jim Tokos:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Jim has over 40 years experience as a leader in private and non-profit positions. Hailing from Hamilton, Ontario Jim is currently serving his second term as CCB National President. Jim believes in flexibly supporting the CCB community to ensure strategic goals are consistently met, and that the needs of CCB members should determine the direction of the Council. \u201cI look forward to continuing this role in supporting the long-term viability of the organization, ensuring we remain well represented to be leaders in the community we represent.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><b>Past President &#8211; Louise Gillis:<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Louise has been a dedicated member of the Canadian Council of the Blind since 1997, serving in numerous roles, including National President from 2010 to 2021. Based in Sydney, Nova Scotia, she continues to represent CCB on committees focused on accessibility, healthcare, and public policy. Her advocacy work spans national and international platforms, promoting accessibility in media, transportation, and healthcare. Louise\u2019s commitment to inclusivity is evident through her roles on advisory boards such as the Accessible Canada Act and Nova Scotia\u2019s Accessibility Advisory Board.<\/span><\/b><\/p><p><b>Executive Director &#8211; Jim Prowse:<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Jim is a valued member of the Canadian Council of the Blind, bringing extensive experience in leadership and advocacy. His dedication to supporting the blind and visually impaired community strengthens the council&#8217;s mission and impact across Canada.<\/span><\/b><\/p><p><b>1st Vice &#8211; Leslie Yee:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0 Proud Peterborough Chapter Chair, Leslie joins the board this term as the 1st vice president. Leslie also has experience serving on the CCB Membership Committee, CCB Advocacy Committee, and has represented the Canadian Council of the Blind on countless external committees and subcommittees. Leslie spent her career developing leadership skills that will no doubt prove invaluable in her role as 1st president on the Council board.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><b>2nd Vice &#8211; Leo Bissonnette: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Leo has been involved with the CCB for over 50 years. His background in financial literacy, governance and ethics, risk management, strategic planning, and leadership has led to Leo being included on a number of vision-related boards and committees, including numerous terms on the CCB board. Leo resides in the Montreal area and before retiring worked as the manager of the Access Centre for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) at Concordia University.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><b>3rd Vice &#8211; Surander Singh:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Surander first joined the CCB through his local Kamloops Chapter in 2017. Surander has experience in financial planning and risk management that make him a valuable part of the CCB board. Surander is known for his problem solving skills and prides himself on being a collaborator. <\/span><\/p><div><b>BOARD MEMBERS\u00a0<\/b><\/div><div>\u00a0<\/div><div><p><b>Elizabeth Mayo:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Elizabeth is a long-time volunteer with the Canadian Council of the Blind and a strong advocate for the blind and low vision community. Born in Avondale, Newfoundland, she graduated from the Halifax School for the Blind and later Memorial University of Newfoundland with a degree in Vocational Education. Elizabeth has worked as a Rehabilitation Teacher, Life Skills Instructor, and Substitute Teacher. She has also supported youth as a foster caregiver alongside her husband, Russell. Elizabeth remains active in the CCB, serving as a National Board Member, 1st Vice-President of the CCB Newfoundland &amp; Labrador Division, and 2nd Vice-President and Fundraiser with the CCB E. A. Baker Chapter. She also represents CCB on the Board of Braille Literacy Canada and is Secretary of the Blind Bowls Association of Canada. Elizabeth enjoys dancing, walking, reading, and spending time with animals.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><b>Heather Hannett:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Heather has been part of the Canadian Council of the Blind since the 1980\u2019s. Heather hails from Alberta where she is a proud member of the CCB Calgary Chapter. Heather\u2019s passion is in working with youth living with sight loss, where she has inspired countless university students to succeed. \u201cI enjoy being part of the CCB Membership Committee where we can learn from others what works in each Province.\u201d Heather is looking forward to serving her term on the board and to be part of the growth of the organization moving forward.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><b>Heidi White:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Heidi is a long serving member of the Canadian Council of the Blind. She has been involved in the CCB Advocacy Committee, CCB National Membership Committee, and CCB ASRW Committee. Heidi is also a Smartlife Coach and has experience mentoring members of the CCB community and advocating for our organization. Heidi is a proud Islander and her chapter has hosted the annual Atlantic Sports and Recreation Weekend in Summerside PEI for Atlantic members.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><b>Lori Shea:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> In her first term on the CCB Board, Lori is excited to represent Newfoundland and Labrador on the national board. Lori is a strong advocate for individuals living with sight loss, which is evident in her previous roles and responsibilities as part of her local chapter. Lori has served in a number of other board and leadership roles before joining the CCB board of directors, which has allowed her to hone her skills as a leader, effective collaborator, and strategic thinker.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><b>Michelle Batram:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Michelle hails from Sydney, NS and has worked on various CCB initiatives and events, including chairing the CCB Crafts &amp; Hobbies Chapter.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p><b>Sharon Ruttan:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> For almost 30 years Sharon has been involved in the sight loss community, working with CCB as well as various other partner organizations. Sharon is a technology enthusiast who loves learning to use the latest gadgets as they become available. Sharon is an ambassador for those living with sight loss and has represented the community at special events, schools, information fairs and special interest groups and meetings. Sharon has previously served on the CCB advocacy committee and as a long time guide dog handler enjoys interacting with people when asked about her experience with her guide dog. Sharon currently resides in Hamilton and looks forward to representing southern Ontario as part of the CCB board.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section data-particle_enable=\"false\" data-particle-mobile-disabled=\"false\" class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-707774a elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"707774a\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-80f95ff\" data-id=\"80f95ff\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bda6fdc elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"bda6fdc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Together with your support,\nwe can bring a brighter future<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4714b78 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4714b78\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHelp us get better care for Canadians living with eye related illnesses.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ab284da elementor-align-center elementor-mobile-align-center elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"ab284da\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-lg\" href=\"https:\/\/ccbnational.net\/donate\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">DONATE<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Board of Directors EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: National President &#8211; Jim Tokos: Jim has over 40 years experience as a leader in private and non-profit positions. Hailing from Hamilton, Ontario Jim is currently serving his second term as CCB National President. Jim believes in flexibly supporting the CCB community to ensure strategic goals are consistently met, and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"no-sidebar","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"full-width-container","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"disabled","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"disabled","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-15","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ccbnational.net\/shaggy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ccbnational.net\/shaggy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ccbnational.net\/shaggy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ccbnational.net\/shaggy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ccbnational.net\/shaggy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15"}],"version-history":[{"count":43,"href":"https:\/\/ccbnational.net\/shaggy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7286,"href":"https:\/\/ccbnational.net\/shaggy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15\/revisions\/7286"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ccbnational.net\/shaggy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}