Allison Steinberg, Chief Executive Officer
Allison Steinberg is the Chief Executive Officer at JVS Toronto. She has spent over 20 years in the non-profit sector and has had an impressive career with JVS Toronto over her 15 years of service. Allison is a strategic leader with a proven track record of fostering critical relationships and designing and implementing innovative programs that have significant impact on clients, the organization and the community. Prior to moving into the CEO role at JVS Toronto in 2022, Allison was the VP, Strategy and Stakeholder Engagement. She oversaw fundraising, communications, program and partnership development, government relations, quality assurance and compliance. Allison is a results-oriented leader who is skilled at balancing new ideas, financial accountability and operational excellence. Before joining JVS Toronto, she honed her skills at two large foundations, in the health and education sectors.
Board of Directors
Ariella Fuhrmann, Chair
Since 2020
Ariella Fuhrmann is a lawyer with over 20 years of experience in the pension and benefits industry with a particular expertise in governance matters. She has been involved with JVS Toronto since 2015. Ariella is the Chair of the Board and Executive Committee. She is also a member of Governance, Pension, and Nominating Committees. Ariella previously served as JVS Toronto’s Chair of the Pension Committee.
Avi Pollock, Immediate Past Chair
Since 2015
Avi Pollock a seasoned executive who is truly passionate about helping high growth businesses achieve their potential through operational excellence. His 25+ year career has been split evenly between leading, scaling and advising entrepreneurial, high-growth companies and as an executive leading innovation, strategy and P&Ls at large companies like RBC and Davis & Henderson (D&H). In 2018, Avi launched his own consulting firm to help start-up and scale-up companies through the key phases of their life cycles with an eye toward building successful, sustainable businesses. He joined Grapevine6, one of his clients, in 2019 as President to help grow and scale the company. After experiencing 10x growth in 2020, Grapevine6 exited to Seismic, the leader in Sales Enablement. Since leaving Seismic in November 2020, Avi has returned to his consulting firm. Avi is a graduate of the LLB/ MBA program at York University. He is a frequent speaker on innovation and growth and has been active in charitable and community causes, including: Public Service Advisory Board for Canada’s Networks of Centres of Excellence and Camp Ramah in Canada. Avi is the Immediate Past Chair of the Board at JVS Toronto; Chair of Nominating Committee; and Member of Executive and Governance Committees.
Saul Goodman, Vice Chair
Since 2015
Saul Goodman is a Social Worker having worked in the field of Mental Health all of his career. He was a long time employee of North York General Hospital where he held many positions including Director of Social Work and Director of Mental Health. Saul has a close bond with JVS where he interned as a MSW student under the supervision of former Executive Director Bernie Berger. Following his graduation, Saul worked as a Social Worker in the JVS rehabilitation workshop prior to joining The Hospital. Since his retirement, Saul is available as a consultant to mental health services within the community. He is a member of the Advisory Group Alzheimer Society Canada. Saul is the Vice Chair of the JVS Toronto Board of Directors and member of Executive, Advocacy, Finance, and Nominating Committees.
Nicole Diamond, Vice Chair
Since 2015
Nicole Diamond is an award-winning global leader with a successful track record in strategy to execution, advising leadership teams across sectors as they transform for future business growth. Nicole’s expertise is in strategic growth, business transformation, digital and product, customer experience, marketing strategy, AI and advanced analytics, technology, innovation, eCommerce, CRM, value realization and revenue generation. With over 18 years of experience, Nicole was most recently part of the Global Commercial Leadership team at Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts and has previously led teams at TELUS and Accenture. She holds an MBA from Sauder School of Business at the University of British Columbia and ESADE, and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Guelph-Humber. Nicole has previously served on Accenture’s Global Advisory Board. Nicole is JVS Toronto’s Co-Vice Chair of the Board, and a Member of the Executive, Strategic Planning, Nominating, and Fundraising Committees.
Aaron Goldstein, Treasurer
Since 2021
Aaron is a Partner in Crowe Soberman LLP’s Audit and Advisory practice. From his time in public practice, he is well-acquainted with the following components of business: administration, management, financing and revenue. Aaron is familiar with the challenges that entrepreneurs face and, in working with them, is able to see clients overcome setbacks and reach their goals. Using his diverse skill set, Aaron has helped many business owners and professionals improve their financial situations. He has acted as a Finance Committee member at Skylark Children, Youth & Families. Aaron is JVS Toronto’s Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee; member of the Executive Committee.
Franceen Bernstein, Secretary
Since 2022
Franceen has 25 years of experience in consulting and financial management. As a consultant at Deloitte, she worked across many different industries supporting clients with business strategy, software selection and implementation, and organizational design. She joined Bank of Montreal in November 2004 where she held roles in Corporate Audit, Wealth Management, Learning & Development, and Enterprise Transformation. Franceen was recruited to TD Wealth in March 2018 to establish a business management centre of excellence. From January 2020 through April 2023, she was the Vice President of Wealth Operations and is now Vice President of Financial Planning for Canada. Franceen is the TD sponsor for the Rotman Back to Work and Women in Capital Markets Return to Bay Street programs, and is a United Way annual campaign chair. Franceen is JVS Toronto’s Secretary of the Board, member of the Executive Committee, and Chair of the Governance Committee.
Eric Wilson, Member At Large
Since 2022
Eric is the founder of MerCapital LP, a quantitative commodities hedge fund. He is a PhD Candidate in Finance at McMaster University’s DeGroote School of Business. Prior to pursuing his doctorate, Eric worked at National Bank Financial in Mergers and Acquisitions. He holds advanced degrees from the University of Michigan and the University of Toronto. Eric is a member of JVS Toronto’s Pension and Governance Committees.
Armand Abehsera, Director
Since 2023
Armand is an actuary and consultant with over 25 years of experience in the pension and benefits industry. He advises public and private companies as well as not-for-profit organizations on the operations, design, funding, accounting, governance and risk management of retirement plans. Armand regularly meets with human resources and finance management teams as well as committees and boards to provide education, regular updates, discuss changes, provide recommendations and assist with change management and communication to all stakeholders. Armand is a Fellow of the Canadian Institute of Actuaries and a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries. He graduated from the University of Toronto in 1995 with an Honours Bachelor of Science in actuarial science, commerce and statistics. Armand is a new Board member and member of JVS Toronto’s Pension Committee.
Ruth Altman, Director
Since 2024
Ruth Altman has over twenty years of experience working in the telecommunications and broadcasting industry. Since 2006, she has been with Rogers Communications, working in a variety of progressive roles in the Regulatory group. Currently, Ruth is the Director Regulatory Consumer Policy, where she provides guidance and advice on consumer-oriented matters. She represents the company with government, industry and community group stakeholders. Ruth has a Bachelor of Journalism from Carleton University and an MBA from York University’s Schulich School of Business. She is presently a Board Director at Canada VRS, a telecommunications service that lets Deaf, hard of hearing or speech-impaired Canadians who use sign language access and make telephone calls with hearing people. There she serves on both the Finance and Audit Committee and the Technology Committee. Ruth is an incoming JVS Toronto Board Member.
Barry Fishman, Director
Since 2023
Barry Fishman is an entrepreneurial leader recognized as a change agent that drives growth during times of disruption, transformation, or turnaround. Over the past two decades, He has been the CEO of four life science companies (two listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange) and has served as a director on several public, private, and not-for-profit organizations. Barry mentors and coaches business executives to deliver profitable growth, and has proven success in strategy development, performance enhancement and governance. In 2015, he was inaugurated into the Canadian Healthcare Marketing Hall of Fame for his contributions to healthcare and exemplary service to the community. Barry graduated from McGill University and spent the first few years of his career in southern California. His late brother Mitchell benefited from decades of support from JVS Montreal, and by joining the Board of JVS Toronto, Barry hopes to contribute to this great organization. He is also a member of the Governance Committee.
Richard Goldberger, Director
Since 2024
Rick is a founder and partner in a Lease Audit firm, providing Lease Audit and Consulting Services, in Canada and the United States, throughout the life cycle of a commercial lease. He has over 45 years of commercial real estate experience, both as a landlord/owner and as a consultant to commercial tenants. Rick is a recognized industry expert and is regularly called upon by the legal and realty communities to provide seminars and consultative services. Over the last number of years he has become more involved in charitable causes, especially within the Jewish community. Rick also sat on the Board of Directors of his synagogue, serving on their Fundraising Committee and also led the real estate committee to find a new location. As well, he has served on the Board of Directors for two condominiums. Rick is an incoming JVS Toronto Board Member.
Elana Hagi, Director
Since 2021
Elana is a pension actuary with over 25 years of experience in the pension and benefits industry. She is responsible for building and maintaining effective working partnerships with diverse clients – sponsors of a variety of funded and unfunded pension arrangements in various jurisdictions (defined benefit and defined contribution). Elana provides strategic advice tailored to a variety of businesses, corporate philosophies and evolving pension environments; and assists clients in understanding and solving various challenges that apply to their employee benefit programs, including design, funding, governance and risk management of their pension plans. She is a Fellow of the Canadian Institute of Actuaries and a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries. She has been involved with JVS Toronto since 2015. Elana is the Chair of the Pension Committee.
Prabhas Jha, Director
Since 2017
Prabhas Jha, Digital technology evangelist, is leading the professional services practice for an innovative global data management and data science organization in Canada and the US. He is responsible for digital transformation initiatives to accelerate growth and enhance customer experience by unlocking the potential of right data products and solutions. With more than 24 years’ experience, Prabhas has been delivering digital solutions for public, private and government sector companies in Canada, the United States and India. Prabhas is actively engaged in mentorship activities through Canada InfoNet program. Prabhas is a member of JVS Toronto’s Governance Committee.
Samantha Manis, Director
Since 2024
Samantha is a Human Resource professional and entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience specializing in recruitment. She launched her career with Jewish Vocational Services in Montreal and went on to develop her recruitment skills at Quantum Management Services, Lovas Stanley Executive Search and Groupe Dynamite. Samantha currently operates as an independent recruitment consultant. Her expertise spans diverse industries as well as a broad range of organizational positions. Samantha has been a long time philanthropist having sat on the Board of Solomon Schechter Academy, Montreal as Chair of Fundraising from 2010-2013. Furthermore, Samantha has acted as VP and Chair of Just for Kids with respect to its Dancing With The Stars Gala from 2011- 2013 raising over 500k. Currently, she volunteers with March of the Living Canada amongst many other charitable endeavours. Samantha is an incoming JVS Toronto Board Member.
Mana Nikaeen, Director
Since 2020
Mana has been with RBC since 2003 and has worked across a variety of mandates spanning Sales Leadership, Corporate Banking, Finance (reporting & advisory) and Risk Management. She is a Chartered Financial Analyst and obtained a Master of Finance (MFin) from Rotman School of Management. Mana is passionate about career mentorship and works with a number of agencies including United Way, TRIEC, CFA society, JVS Toronto and its Canada InfoNet program. She is also a member of JVS Toronto’s Finance Committee.
Fiona Orr, Director
Since 2017
Fiona is a business and legal affairs lawyer. Previously with MYM Nutraceuticals Inc, Biome Grow Inc., and as Senior Compliance Counsel, Ethics and Compliance Office reporting to the Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer of The Coca-Cola Company in Atlanta, Georgia. Fiona was responsible for various company ethics and Code of Business Conduct matters for compliance, administration and investigations, as well as compliance policy initiatives and programs across several international company business units. Prior roles included Vice-President, Secretary and Senior Managing Counsel with Coca-Cola Ltd. and The Minute Maid Company Canada Inc. She was executive co-chair of two Coca-Cola United Way Campaigns, recognized by the United Way for achievements in fundraising, increase in associate participation and donation rates. Fiona is a past member of the Board of Directors of Craigleith Ski Club, Member of Connected North advisory committee, as well as a prior volunteer with the United Way Toronto Law Cabinet, the United Way Community Services Sector Program Funding Stream Review Committee, as well as a volunteer with Pro Bono Ontario. Fiona is a member of JVS Toronto’s Governance Committee and former Chair.
Tori Peacock, Director
Since 2023
Tori is currently the Manager of Stewardship Strategy and Donor Impact at The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. Her journey in the world of nonprofit leadership began with her studies at Carleton University, where she earned a Masters in Philanthropy and Non-Profit Leadership. Prior to joining PMHF, Tori contributed significantly to the mission of the SickKids Foundation and the $1.6 Billion VS Campaign. Her commitment to advancing the field of philanthropy extends beyond her professional endeavours. Tori actively volunteers for the Association of Healthcare Philanthropy’s International and Canadian conferences, sharing her knowledge and learning from other industry experts to enhance her skills and stay at the forefront of best practices in charitable giving and donor stewardship. Tori is a new Board Member and member of JVS Toronto’s Fundraising Committee.
Janet Schoel, Director
Since 2020
Janet Schoel is a strategic marketing and business professional with over 20 years of experience in the corporate and not for profit sectors. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Concordia University and an MBA from The Ivey School of Business. Janet’s career has had a strong focus on direct and digital marketing applying those skills to fundraising in her roles at SickKids Foundation and currently a Vice President, Individual Giving at UNICEF Canada. She also brings a passion for data to everything she does. Using data informed strategies to optimize revenue and customer/donor retention for the brands and organizations Janet has had the pleasure of working for, including American Express in Canada and Europe, SickKids Foundation and UNICEF. Janet believes in giving back to the community and has held volunteer roles with the Canadian Marketing Association, YMCA of Greater Toronto, Asthma Canada. Janet is JVS Toronto’s Chair of the Fundraising Committee.
Lianne Vineberg, Director
Since 2021
Lianne is the founder of T6 Talent Partners, a leading Canadian Recruitment & HR Strategy Consulting Firm supporting scaling companies across the country. Her focus is on strategic HR practices, recruitment, training and development, people engagement, organizational effectiveness and leadership development. Lianne works closely with leadership teams to identify and implement innovative solutions to support the strategic and operational direction of the business, and the management and development of people resources across your organization. She focuses on building a culture and environment for all teams that is safe, caring, equitable, compassionate and accountable.A native Montrealer, Lianne spent many of her early adult years chairing multiple charitable initiatives for CJA. She is a Member of JVS Toronto’s Human Resources Committee.
