Foundation Board of Directors

Carol Lynde was born and raised in Oshawa and returned to her homestead in 2017.  Carol is married and has three children. Carol is an investment professional, and holds the title of CEO at Bridgehouse Canada. She is well known for speaking about Mental Health & The Financial Advice Relationship. In 2016, Bridgehouse identified a correlation between mental health and sound financial decision-making, and partnered with Canadian Mental Health Association – Toronto for their mental health expertise. Carol enjoys fitness and believes in the positive impact of exercise on mental health.

Celina is the Executive Director of the Canadian Community Economic Development Network. She is also a bestselling author, business consultant, and PhD (neuroscience) candidate. Celina was a Member of Parliament for Whitby (2015-2019) and Parliamentary Secretary to the former Prime Minister. Throughout her career, she received numerous awards:  Chatelaine Magazine – Woman of the Year (2019), Champion of Mental Health Parliamentarian Award (2017), and Global 100 Under 40 Most Influential People of African Descent (Politics & Governance category) (2017) to name a few.   She is a respected speaker on issues of business change management, equity, and health. Serving on the Foundation’s Board of Directors is part of her commitment of service to a community that has given her family and herself so much. She is honoured to be part of the Foundation. 

Vanessa Benedict was born and raised in Oshawa. She is a graduate of Queen's University with an honours degree in Life Sciences and a BA in Psychology. With a successful 20+ career in the financial sector, Vanessa is an award-winning portfolio manager with her CIM designation, and she is a partner with NBF SilverBirch Wealth Management. Vanessa is married and has two beautiful children. She is actively involved in the Oshawa Minor Hockey Association and loves volunteering with the OSCC. Vanessa takes great pride in being part of the Lakeridge Health Foundation, especially since her father has been practicing there for 50 years.

Mark Shepherd has been a resident of Durham Region for 35+ years.  He spends his personal time with wife, Michelle, and their two daughters.  Mark has an undergraduate degree in Law & Business from Carleton University and he is the Executive Vice President at MTC.  He is active in his community and has a deep appreciation for quality local healthcare.

Bill Budgell joined the Foundation in 2017. He has Life Sciences, Engineering and EMBA degrees from Queen’s University. He is currently working at Fibergrate Composite Structures as Vice President, Global Product & Corporate Development. Bill has been working in Durham Region for 25+ years and has lived there for 21 with his family. His community involvement includes coaching his daughter’s hockey team. Bill is passionate about making sure that the residents of Durham Region have the best access to medical services possible.

Hassan Farooqi joined the Lakeridge Health Foundation Board in 2024. An Executive MBA graduate from the Rotman School of Management, he is deeply connected to the Durham Region, having lived in Whitby for over 12 years. His passion for healthcare is personal, inspired by the exceptional care his mother received at Lakeridge Health. He also serves on the Canadian Learning Advisory Council and has contributed to the Rotman Executive Program Council, advocating for education and community impact. 

Andrea Freund joined Lakeridge Health Foundation’s Board of Directors in June 2024 and is excited to be on a board that includes dedicated members who are passionate about advancing healthcare in the region.   Andrea is an accomplished lawyer and a trusted strategic advisor, currently working in association with Caravel Law LLP.  She has headed legal departments of Fortune 500 healthcare companies in the past and has continued to support these global companies during her time at Caravel. Andrea is excited about what lies ahead for the Lakeridge Health Foundation, and what she can do to contribute to facilitating ground breaking innovations there. 

Bradley Greenland is an engineering graduate of Ryerson University, and most recently obtained an Executive MBA from the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management.  Bradley is a Director of Special Projects at Ontario Power Generation.  His father, Dr. Larry Greenland, died from cancer in 2017 at the age of 68. Dr. Greenland was a respected dentist in Whitby, who was very involved and active in volunteering for Whitby Sunrise Rotary Club and the Whitby Sports Hall of Fame.  Bradley is a resident of Whitby and is a father to two daughters.

Justin Landry is an actor and producer with over 25 years’ experience in the Canadian and U.S. entertainment industry. He is actively engaged with many charitable organizations and is thrilled to be supporting the Lakeridge Health Foundation as a Board Director and member of the Development & Communications Committee. Besides his work with the hospital foundation, Justin is an accomplished event producer, emcee and public speaker. Justin also works for the Faculty of Law at the University of Toronto in Special Projects, and coaches minor hockey. 

Charlie Morison was born, raised and has worked his entire career in the Oshawa area and so he wants to share his good fortune with his community. He practices law and is Counsel at Creighton Law LLP. He has been a Deputy Judge of the Small Claims Court and was a Children’s Lawyer. Charlie joined the OHF Board of Directors in 2006. Charlie has a long history of serving on boards. He was both Director and President of Big Sisters Newcastle-Oshawa-Whitby. He served in many roles at United Way, including as Campaign Chair. He served as a Director and Chair of the Ontario Philharmonic and is now Chair Emeritas. He was also a Director and President of the Oshawa Ski Club and the Oshawa Golf Club. He was awarded the Ontario Volunteer Service Award for 10 years of service with Lakeridge Health Foundation. He was also named Business Person of the Year by the Oshawa Chamber of Commerce. 

Margaret Stack is a longtime resident of Durham Region. She and her husband, have three sons. She is a current Professional Engineer and also a former Registered Nurse.  She is a visible community leader who is deeply engaged in Healthcare, Human Rights, Parenting, and Education (particularly STEAM). Hobbies: Art Appreciation and Architecture Preservation. 

Janet Stewart has been a resident of the Durham Region since 2001, where she and her family have built strong community ties. With over 20 years of senior leadership experience in the medical devices sector, Janet possesses extensive knowledge of the healthcare system. She is currently national Director, Cardiopulmonary at LivaNova Canada. Dedicated to enhancing healthcare locally, Janet has served on the Foundation’s Board of Directors for nine years, including four as Board Chair. She is proud to serve on a board that has been instrumental in driving initiatives that enhance access to world-class healthcare in the Durham Region, strengthening the community she calls home.

Shannon Trainor is a Thoracic Surgeon who has worked at Lakeridge Health since 2010.  She is chief of her division with a team providing regional care for lung and esophageal cancers.  She is very proud to work at Lakeridge Health and wants to give back to the community as she was shown by her parents when growing up.  She enjoys teaching yoga and kayaking to help find balance in life.

Russel White is a Toronto Metropolitan University graduate in Urban and Regional Planning. Russel spent several years in the public sector at the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority before joining Fieldgate Developments in 2015. Russel is currently the Senior Vice President of Land Development covering the Durham Region where he is both professionally and personally invested in, so it is only fitting that he feels engendered to the community and the cancer campaign.