Board of Directors

Meet our Board

Our board meets from September to November and February to May on the third Thursday of the month.  The Board of Directors is appointed at the Annual General Meeting held in May of each year.

Board members 2022-23 (see bios below)

• Jaclyn Jones – CHAIR – Whiting & Holmes Marketing
• Dave Whale – Vice-Chair  – Joelle’s Jeff’s Guy Shop Graphic design
• Vacant – Treasurer
• Councillor Kelvin Galbraith- Council representative
• Mark Crooks – Hampton Inn & Suites
• Shelly Datseris – Conservation Halton
• Myles Rusak – Sound of Music Inc.
• Stephen Bell – Pepperwood Bistro
• Vacant

Staff Resources

• Kristene Smith – Executive Director – Association Secretary
• Angela Paparizo  – City of Burlington staff liaison

Jaclyn Jones

Position:  CHAIR – Executive Committee
Years on Board:  6

Jaclyn has over 20 years of marketing experience and currently owns Whiting & Holmes Marketing & Advertising.  She has extensive board and volunteer experience with various fundraising events.  Jaclyn currently is the Membership Engagement Specialist for Burlington Downtown Business Association.

David Whale

Position: Vice-Chair – Executive Committee
Years on Board:  6

Dave worked in the hospitality field for many years in Toronto and Burlington before he moved into graphic design where he worked for Burlington Downtown and Tourism Burlington, and currently does marketing for Joelle’s & Jeff’s Guy shop.  Dave’s passion is music and he coordinated the Live & Local Music Series which promoted up-and-coming local artists.

VACANT

Position: Treasurer – Executive Committee
Years on Board: Recruiting

Councillor Kelvin Galbraith

Position: City Council Representative
Years on Board: 4
Kelvin was born and lives in the Aldershot community where Kelvin owned and managed several businesses in Aldershot including a property holding company and The Fitness Firm Inc. for the past 20 years. In addition to his work, he has volunteered and served as Chairman of the Aldershot Village Business Improvement Association for the past 11 years and was a founding member.  Kelvin became a Council member representing Ward 1 in December 2018.

Mark Crooks

Position:  Director
Years on Board:  1

A strong career in hospitality with 25 years’ experience in the lodging industry providing excellence in tourism, guest and team member experience. Very focused on health and safety, security and risk management. Currently General Manager at Hampton Inn & Suites, Burlington and prior experience includes General Manager at an  Airport hotel and Director of Rooms Operation at a 1000 room hotel in Toronto. Mark is a resident of Halton Region, where he has resided for 18 years with his family.  

Myles Rusak

Position:  Director
Years on Board:  1

Myles is the CEO of Sound of Music Inc.

Shelly Datseris

Position:  Director
Years on Board: new

Shelly Datseris is an experienced and effective marketing and communications professional. Her collaborative approach has proven successful across corporate, municipal, and not-for-profit organizations. Over the past 20+ years, Shelly has gained experience as a leader and subject matter expert in marketing, promotions and communications at Rogers Television, Rogers, Town of Oakville, YMCAs of Niagara, Hamilton, Burlington, Brantford and Oakville, Theatre Aquarius, The Canadian Stage Company, SNC-Lavalin and currently, Conservation Halton.

Stephen Bell 

Position:  Director
Years on Board: 2

Stephen has co-owned the restaurant for more 20 than years, been an advocate for Burlington, the waterfront, and downtown businesses. He is currently on the executive team for the Burlington Downtown Business Association.