Notice:
Our upcoming “Fall Pet Fair” has been canceled due to inclement weather. We will notify you of the new date as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience, and stay safe!
Notice:
Our upcoming “Fall Pet Fair” has been canceled due to inclement weather. We will notify you of the new date as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience, and stay safe!
Left to right: Jeff Vallentin, Nilpa Srivastava, Nelia Rutledge, Eileen McCormack, Lillian Mortensen, Catherine Wilson, Paul Dillon, Tara Wong, Christine Nielsen, Ahsan Ahmed
Executive Director
Jeff is a seasoned senior leader with experience in the public and not-for-profit sectors and is recognized for his ability to move teams and organizations forward strategically. A catalyst for change and innovation, he has held positions of increasing responsibility with Hamilton Health Sciences, United Way, and Sheridan College. As the CEO of United Way Burlington & Greater Hamilton, he helped spearhead the merger of the four United Way organizations in the region.
With extensive community relations and communications experience, coupled with his development, advancement and fundraising experience, Jeff is ideally positioned to lead OMHS into the future. He is a graduate of Queen’s University with a Master of Business Administration (MBA), has a post graduate diploma in Public Relations from Niagara College, and a Bachelor of Applied Arts, Political Science from McMaster University.
Jeff also enjoys spending time with his wife and three children and their Portuguese Water Dog, Harlowe.
Chair
Eileen McCormack is a semi-retired consultant in the pharmaceutical industry. During her career in pharma, Eileen held positions in the US, Canada and Japan and held several Global Commercial roles focusing on pharmaceutical product lines in-market and also in early clinical trial development stages. Eileen holds a Master’s degree in BioMedical Science from the University of Guelph and is an occasional guest speaker/teacher at universities in Ontario.
With her broad business background, Eileen has served previously on other non-profit Boards, including as Chair of Raising the Roof, a national charity dedicated to reducing homelessness. She is currently Vice Chair, Board member at the YMCA of Oakville and she also currently serves as Independent Director on a corporate board, TSX-listed. Eileen’s ongoing interest in community service has led her to become involved in the HSOMH, and her family is a proud animal foster home in Oakville.
Vice Chair
Ahsan is a seasoned legal and compliance professional with over two decades of experience, including over 10 years in C-level roles. With a law degree from the University of London and UK qualification, he has led legal, compliance, and risk management frameworks across Europe, Asia Pacific, and North America. Ahsan excels in navigating complex regulatory landscapes while maintaining organizational integrity. Proudly residing in Oakville, he is dedicated to community volunteering, particularly in initiatives supporting animal welfare.
Secretary
Nilpa brings more than 20 years of business experience in both the profit and not-for-profit sectors. She is a proven sales and marketing executive with an extensive background in accelerating business growth through innovation and strategic initiatives. Nilpa is currently the Vice President of Marketing at Pethealth Inc. where she leads a team of marketers bringing lifesaving services for pets to pet parents. Nilpa is passionate about giving back to the community, and she is currently a Board member of the Fit Active Beautiful Foundation. She has also been an active volunteer, leadership mentor and fundraiser over the last few years, supporting causes that will help her community.
Nilpa holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Toronto. She is an Oakville resident who welcomes the opportunity to make a difference at the OMHS with her expertise and experience.
Treasurer
John is the Treasurer of Teranet, Canada’s leader in the delivery and transformation of statutory registry services, with extensive expertise in land and commercial registries, and provider of insightful property intelligence and data solutions.
John previously has held a variety of senior Treasury and Finance roles, including previously as Vice-President and Treasurer of HomeEquity Bank, Canada’s leading provider of reverse mortgage solutions, Assistant Treasurer of Maple Leaf Foods, and other progressively senior positions at Manulife Financial / John Hancock and CIBC.
He is a Chartered Accountant, holds an MBA from the Yale School of Management and has a Certified Treasury Professional designation.
John is currently the Board Treasurer and Chair, Finance Committee for the Oakville & Milton Humane Society. He and his wife have a huge soft spot for animals and wildlife, sponsor a dog cage at the shelter, and own three dachshunds, all rescued.
He has also served as a Board Director for other non-profit organizations, including Board Director and Treasurer of Links2Care, and Board Director and Treasurer of the Oakville Columbus Association (the arm of the Oakville chapter of the Knights of Columbus that owned and operated a banquet hall in Oakville).
Tara Wong is a dynamic professional librarian serving as the CEO of Oakville Public Library. With an unwavering commitment to community empowerment, Tara sees public libraries as vital hubs fostering enrichment and resilience. With over 15 years of leadership experience, she excels in strategic planning, business development, and research. Tara’s dedication extends beyond her career; since 2022, she’s volunteered with HSOMH as a cat socializer and has previously contributed to the Governance and Nomination Committee community member. She now joins the Board to have even more impact.
Nilpa holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Toronto. She is an Oakville resident who welcomes the opportunity to make a difference at the OMHS with her expertise and experience.
