Board of Directors

We are grateful to the tremendous contribution of the following individuals. Their guidance and expertise bring us closer to a world without type 1 diabetes each day.

Helena Gottschling Chair,
(Kelowna, BC) “I volunteer as a Board member for JDRF because of their unwavering commitment to find a cure for type 1 diabetes and while on that journey, improve the lives of those living with T1D. Our son was diagnosed with T1D many years ago and JDRF has given me hope and renewed confidence that a cure will be discovered during his lifetime.”
Ron Miller Past Chair,
Partner, Lorem Partners (Calgary, AB) "I volunteer as a board member of JDRF because of my daughter Beth (diagnosed T1D over 12 years ago) and other Canadians like her who are living with the 24/7/365 challenges of this chronic disease. I am inspired by my daughter and her ability to live life on her terms; it’s not easy but she does a remarkable job of managing the complexities of T1D while leading a very active life! With that being said, I am involved with JDRF so that one day she will be able to live her life without the burdens of T1D."
Murray Suey Treasurer,
Regional Managing Partner, KPMG Calgary (Calgary, AB) “Recent events have demonstrated that the health of Canadians has never been more important. I volunteer with JDRF knowing that the organization is relentless in the pursuit of finding a cure for type 1 diabetes and improving the lives of all Canadians, including a member of my family, who lives with T1D.”
Rebecca Saturley Rebecca Saturley Chair, HR Committee,
Managing Partner, Stewart McKelvey (Halifax, NS) I am excited about the opportunity to be on the board of JDRF because I want to be part of the team that is committed to funding research that will both improve the lives of people at all ages and all stages of T1D and finding a cure. My son was diagnosed with T1D at Age 9 – he inspires me as he manages the challenges of his disease everyday and he never lets it hold him back. With a cure, these challenges will become a thing of the past!
Holly Jackson Chair, Nominating and Governance Committee,
Head, North American Customer Contact Centre, BMO (Toronto, ON) “My sister has had T1D for 43 years, since she was 5 years old. I am committed to helping find a cure in our lifetime so that she and all those with T1D can enjoy the freedom of life without the constant of diabetes. I know we can do it – and I am passionate about being part of the solution. Imagine a world where type one is type none!"
Sue Beamish President, Aluminum Mold & Pattern (Toronto, ON) “I believe JDRF plays a pivotal role identifying, supporting and nurturing the important early stage research needed to keep moving to a cure for T1D. JDRF advocacy in Canada also ensures the challenges and full costs of living everyday with T1D are understood when health care funding decisions are made. I am proud to support JDRF and volunteer as a board member.”
Jennifer Bizzarri Jennifer Bizzarri Consulting Partner, Marts&Lundy Canada (Toronto, ON) “I was diagnosed in 1989. So much has changed since those early days, largely due to developments funded by JDRF. Now it’s my turn to make things better for the next generation, and most importantly, to help find the cure.”
Dr. Nick Hajidiacos Physician, Associate Professor of Medicine (Winnipeg, MB) "Volunteering for JDRF means being part of an organization that shares a common goal - preventing and finding a cure for Type 1 Diabetes. After my son's diagnosis, I promised I would do everything I could to be a part of the mission. I am proud and lucky to be a part of this dynamic and focused organization."
Kim Lucas Senior Vice President, Sales North America, STEMCELL Technologies (Vancouver, BC) I continue to be impressed by the JDRF and their impact in funding world class research, supporting and advocating for families and influencing government policy all to help improve the lives of people and families living with T1D. My son Oskar has benefited tremendously from the advancement of treatments that are available due to the research the JDRF funds and the support that they provide. I am compelled to do what I can to support this cause and help expedite a cure for Type 1 Diabetes!
Hélène Michel Managing Partner Audit Quebec, Mallette (Quebec City, QC It was in August 2017 that Édouard, my then 12 year old son, was diagnosed with T1D. In June 2019, Édouard and I became involved in the Walk to Cure Diabetes as Honourary Chair and Ambassador respectively. Since then, we have been involved with JDRF with the common goal of putting a stop to type one diabetes.
Lorne Shiff President, LandCon Limited (Toronto, ON) "My involvement with JDRF began almost 50 years ago when my parents told me I was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes now called T1D. They and other families were founding members of JDRF Canada and my involvement began there. The work of JDRF has transformed the lives of all those living with T1D and continues to move forward at an increasingly fast pace. When I was diagnosed in 1970, I took one shot of insulin a day and had no way to accurately know what my blood sugar level was. Today I am using an insulin pump and CGM which act as an early stage artificial pancreas, all because of the research and funding of JDRF. The research JDRF funds is life changing and we are on our way to a WORLD WITHOUT DIABETES."
Réjean Tremblay CCO Canada, Aon (Montreal, QC) “As a person living with T1D myself, I am involved with JDRF by being a member of the Board so I can help attain the “Type none” mission. But more than that, I am motivated by the fact that what we are doing under JDRF works: we are making great progress that we must continue to support!”
Matthew Varey JDRF International Board Member, Senior Vice President, RBC (Toronto, ON) "What is given is yours forever. JDRF is an incredible purposeful organization that gives of itself to the over 300,000 Canadians that don’t deserve to live life with T1D. I am completely humbled to be part of JDRF’s mission as it will make life better.”
Justin Vineberg Partner, Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP (Montreal, QC) “I volunteer as a board member because insulin is not a cure and I am committed to ensuring that we make advances in technology to improve diabetes management. I am working to make life easier and healthier for families like mine who struggle with the daily highs and lows of diabetes. I want to help create a safer and better future for my daughter Joelle and others like her who live with T1D.”