Elizabeth Beader

Board Endorsed

FirstOntario’s Board is of interest because of the compelling Social Statement “We Exist to Unite Communities for a Sustainable Future”. This aligns with my personal values, my passion, and my career choices in community development, enterprise risk management, strategy, and “Making a Difference Together” as stated in your 2022 Annual Report. It would be a privilege to govern a financial organization that has, as its priority, to work with members to support their financial success.

What can you specifically contribute to the Board?

• Several years of experience serving on Boards reporting to Boards of Directors
• In-depth knowledge and experience in developing, implementing, overseeing, and governing Enterprise Risk Management
• Committed to and have received significant ESG training
• My MBA, my Chartered Director’s Designation, and my many years of experience on Boards of Directors have honed my financial acumen as it relates to governance
• Deeply understand the role of the Board – "Nose in, Fingers out”, providing oversight to fiduciary responsibilities and strategy
• Commitment to lifelong learning and would dive into learning the Credit Union model

Educational and Professional Designations

• Chartered Director, 2021, McMaster University, DeGroote School of Business
• MBA
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours)

Work Experience

• Interim CEO, Villa Italia – Contract to turn around
• Interim CEO, Kitchener Downtown Community Health Centre – Contract to turn around
• CEO, Compass Community Health Centre – 30 years experience. Capital Plan Expansion, Enterprise Risk Management, Mergers, ESG, Employee Engagement

Board and Committee Experience

• I currently serve as Chair of HIROC’s 15-member national Board of Directors. HIROC is an insurance reciprocal, with over $2 Billion in assets, and owned by subscribers – a similar model to Credit Unions, where members are owners. The Board’s regulatory body is FSRA.
• Thrive Incorporated, Board Member
• Alliance for Healthier Communities (Community Health Centres’ Association), Treasurer
• Welcome Inn, Chair
• New Horizons, Board Member