Our Board of Directors

David DeLong

David DeLong is the Director, Human Resources, Base Metals at Teck Resources. Experienced in board governance, policy and strategic planning, he served on the Selkirk College Board of Governors for 6 years as Chair of the Advocacy Committee and Chair of the HR Committee. David has a Master of Science -Safety Management, BA, BPE, and diploma in Strategic Human Resources Management and a certificate in Workplace Mental Health La. With over 30 years of experience in managing employee assistance and health and wellness programs, David has a strong understanding of aboriginal affairs, addictions, corporate relationships, and mental health in the workplace David has been on the BC Division Board since September 1, 2015 and has been chair of the Board since Dec 1, 2018.

Ross Manning

Ross Manning is a Vice President & Partner with IBM Global Business Services located in Calgary and is responsible for leading the Natural Resources practice within Canada. Ross joined IBM in August 2011 and is a recognized as a Global thought Leader as a member of IBM Global Industry Academy.

Ross is an innovative and motivated executive who brings a broad range of experience in digital transformation and operational excellence to companies operating in the natural resources value chain to create competitive differentiation. Prior to IBM, Ross worked for Hewlett-Packard (HP) Enterprise Services where he led HP’s largest and most complex information technology, applications and business process outsourcing opportunities. In addition, Ross also held a position on the U.S. Energy leadership team. He was responsible for providing solutions and services in the U.S. market covering the Utilities, Oil and Gas, Energy Services, and Engineering industries. Before HP, Ross was the Vice President of Energy and Transportation at Electronic Data Systems (EDS), a role that focused on the Utilities, Energy, Engineering and Transportation marketplace.

In Ross’ 35-year career, he has proven his expertise in: value chain optimization, organizational transformation, digital reinvention, operational excellence, and employee development. He has strong interpersonal and communication skills as well as an ability to build strong teams that contribute to continued success in a key sector of the Canadian economy.

Earlier in his career Ross worked for Xerox Canada Ltd. for 17 years in various senior roles. He is a graduate of the University of Alberta and has a Bachelor of Arts with majors in Economics, Political Science and Psychology.

Currently, Ross is the Past President of the board for the Calgary Region of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) and a member of the Alberta Board of the CHMA. Ross previously volunteered for 10 years with the United Way of Calgary including his role as Co-Chair of the Leaders Committee. His other interests include golf and skiing. Ross is also an avid triathlete and is a four-time Ironman finisher. He and his wife Sharon have two children, Christian and Carly.

Sharon Pitawanakwat

Sharon Pitawanakwat brings 30 years of senior leadership experience obtained from a variety of not-for-profit organizations including serving as CEO for 6 years with CMHA-Thunder Bay. Sharon’s Indigenous heritage, extensive experience with Accreditation, leadership experience and executive coaching skills will bring a diverse, forward thinking, curious, and innovative mindset to the role of Director-at-Large. Sharon’s deeper passion is the creation of inspired, self-aware and fulfilled leaders and teams who are committed to creating happy, engaged and inspiring workforces. As a practitioner and teacher of Kundalini Yoga Sharon brings a peaceful and balanced presence to all her endeavors. Sharon is currently the Executive Director of Serenity House, a residential addictions treatment centre for men in Ottawa.

Amanda O’Sullivan

Amanda O’Sullivan, CPA, is a Senior Enterprise Transformation Consultant working with Mariner Innovations. She is based in New Brunswick and has been part of CMHA NB’s Board of Directors for the past 4 years. Her areas of expertise include: Finance & Accounting, Human Resources, Technology, Strategic Planning and Change Management. Amanda’s involvement with CMHA comes from wanting to make a difference to families and communities who are struggling with their mental health.

Keisha Campbell

Keisha Campbell has over 15 years’ experience in the Financial Services industry. She joined TD Bank in 2004 as a trader in the Direct Investing business and has held progressively senior roles in areas such as Product Management, Communications, Wealth Management, Training, Relationship Management, Sales Leadership, HR and Customer Experience. Keisha has supported businesses in Central and Atlantic Canada, with clients in the UK, Caribbean and Asia.

In her current capacity, Keisha develops customer, community and colleague strategies as a key part of TDBG’s Canadian Retail operations. Her strengths in leadership, relationship building, adaptability, innovation, problem solving and people development continue to serve her well in leading and advising our senior executives.

Keisha is also a TD Champions Award recipient.

Sharon Pitawanakwat

Sharon Pitawanakwat brings 30 years of senior leadership experience obtained from a variety of not-for-profit organizations including serving as CEO for 6 years with CMHA-Thunder Bay. Sharon’s Indigenous heritage, extensive experience with Accreditation, leadership experience and executive coaching skills will bring a diverse, forward thinking, curious, and innovative mindset to the role of Director-at-Large. Sharon’s deeper passion is the creation of inspired, self-aware and fulfilled leaders and teams who are committed to creating happy, engaged and inspiring workforces. As a practitioner and teacher of Kundalini Yoga Sharon brings a peaceful and balanced presence to all her endeavors. Sharon is currently the Executive Director of Serenity House, a residential addictions treatment centre for men in Ottawa.

Ailie McGinty

Ailie McGinty is passionate about the importance of lived experience and has been involved in grass-roots lived experience organizations for over 20 years, both in Canada and in Scotland. It was through her own experiences of the mental health system that she became involved in this work, which in turn has led to her career choices. In her current “day job” she is the Crown Attorney for Dartmouth Wellness Court in Nova Scotia. In her spare time, she loves hiking and lots of crafts.

Ross Manning

Ross Manning is a Vice President & Partner with IBM Global Business Services located in Calgary and is responsible for leading the Natural Resources practice within Canada. Ross joined IBM in August 2011 and is a recognized as a Global thought Leader as a member of IBM Global Industry Academy.

Ross is an innovative and motivated executive who brings a broad range of experience in digital transformation and operational excellence to companies operating in the natural resources value chain to create competitive differentiation. Prior to IBM, Ross worked for Hewlett-Packard (HP) Enterprise Services where he led HP’s largest and most complex information technology, applications and business process outsourcing opportunities. In addition, Ross also held a position on the U.S. Energy leadership team. He was responsible for providing solutions and services in the U.S. market covering the Utilities, Oil and Gas, Energy Services, and Engineering industries. Before HP, Ross was the Vice President of Energy and Transportation at Electronic Data Systems (EDS), a role that focused on the Utilities, Energy, Engineering and Transportation marketplace.

In Ross’ 35-year career, he has proven his expertise in: value chain optimization, organizational transformation, digital reinvention, operational excellence, and employee development. He has strong interpersonal and communication skills as well as an ability to build strong teams that contribute to continued success in a key sector of the Canadian economy.

Earlier in his career Ross worked for Xerox Canada Ltd. for 17 years in various senior roles. He is a graduate of the University of Alberta and has a Bachelor of Arts with majors in Economics, Political Science and Psychology.

Currently, Ross is the Past President of the board for the Calgary Region of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) and a member of the Alberta Board of the CHMA. Ross previously volunteered for 10 years with the United Way of Calgary including his role as Co-Chair of the Leaders Committee. His other interests include golf and skiing. Ross is also an avid triathlete and is a four-time Ironman finisher. He and his wife Sharon have two children, Christian and Carly.

David DeLong

David DeLong is the Director, Human Resources, Base Metals at Teck Resources. Experienced in board governance, policy and strategic planning, he served on the Selkirk College Board of Governors for 6 years as Chair of the Advocacy Committee and Chair of the HR Committee. David has a Master of Science -Safety Management, BA, BPE, and diploma in Strategic Human Resources Management and a certificate in Workplace Mental Health La. With over 30 years of experience in managing employee assistance and health and wellness programs, David has a strong understanding of aboriginal affairs, addictions, corporate relationships, and mental health in the workplace David has been on the BC Division Board since September 1, 2015 and has been chair of the Board since Dec 1, 2018.

Monique Levesque-Pharoah

As a fundraiser with over 15 years experience, Monique Levesque-Pharoah is currently the Director of Partnerships & Events at the Health Sciences Centre Foundation in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She enjoys working with organizations and donors to help provide tomorrow’s healthcare today.

Monique holds a Certificate in Human Resources Management (Honours) and as owner of Unique Communications & Training, has professional experience in employee development, communication & leadership as well as conflict resolution. She received her Mediation Skills Certificate from Manitoba Mediation Services in 2021.

Monique served on the Toastmasters International Board of Directors from 2016-2018 helping to set the strategic direction for this world-wide organization.

Her support in the mental health field has spanned over a decade. From 2007 – 2009, Monique served on the board for SSCOPE, a non-profit, registered charity that provides employment to people with lived experience. While serving as District Governor for Toastmasters International, a Toastmasters club was built to support mental health consumers in communication in leadership. In 2015, her final presentation to attain her Distinguished Toastmasters designation was to facilitate a panel on mental health.

In 2019, Monique was voted on the Canadian Mental Health, Manitoba & Winnipeg board and served as Vice-Chair in those 2 years. She currently serves as Board Chair.

Amanda O’Sullivan

Amanda O’Sullivan, CPA, is a Senior Enterprise Transformation Consultant working with Mariner Innovations. She is based in New Brunswick and has been part of CMHA NB’s Board of Directors for the past 4 years. Her areas of expertise include: Finance & Accounting, Human Resources, Technology, Strategic Planning and Change Management. Amanda’s involvement with CMHA comes from wanting to make a difference to families and communities who are struggling with their mental health.

Sean Kennedy

Sean Kennedy is the Director of Marketing at St. John’s based, ClearRisk Inc. He is a marketing strategy leader who helps high growth companies in technology develop strategy and growth models. Sean is the dad of two amazing kiddos, and an active community volunteer. He has served on Boards such as the East Coast Trail Association, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, and is a hockey coach in his spare time.

Frances Moriarty

Frances Moriarty: I have been on the Board of the Nova Scotia Division of the Canadian Mental Health Association for one year. At the request of the local Board I agreed to become the Nova Scotia Division’s representative to the National Board, as it has become apparent how important knowledge transfer between the two levels allows for a more cohesive and unified plan for client advocacy and programming.

I am the mother of five children, one of whom suffered from severe mental health issues. This, combined with over forty years as a family doctor, has made me acutely aware of the issues surrounding mental health and the lack of resources for both the family and the person dealing with the illness. Over the years in my professional role, I have sat on many committees looking at how to improve mental health service delivery within the formal healthcare system. There is often a disconnect between what is “medically” available and what organizations such as the Canadian Mental Health Association provide. My hope is that with proper advocacy both can be working partners in the road to recovery for those suffering from mental health issues over the spectrum of the illness.

Marcel Gagnon

Marcel Gagnon is from Thunder Bay where he works in the financial sector as an FCPA (Fellow Chartered Professional Accountant) as a partner in the national accounting and consulting firm, MNP. Marcel works primarily with not-for-profit clients in both the health care and Indigenous sectors. As a professional accountant and auditor, he has been advising clients in the not-for-profit sector and assisting them on governance matters for over 40 years.

Marcel’s interest in participating on the CMHA Ontario Division board stems from his initial involvement on the local branch of CMHA Thunder Bay as the Treasurer. He is also motivated as someone with lived experience in the mental health and addictions sector. He is especially interested in giving back to advance the awareness and accessibility of supports for people living with mental health and addition issues.

Marcel’s governance experience includes CMHA Thunder Bay as the treasurer for over 10 years as well, previous tenure with the board of St Joseph’s Care Group in Thunder Bay (a local health care organization offering a broad range of programs and services in addictions and mental health, rehabilitative care, and seniors’ health) as treasurer.

Cecil Villard

Cecil Villard, the President of the Board of Directors for the Canadian Mental Health Association PEI Division, has contributed a plethora of knowledge and expertise to the mental health service, stemming from a career of over 36 years in government. Throughout his career, Mr. Villard spent 15 years as the Executive Director of Mental Health Services in Prince Edward Island, 10 years as the Executive Director of the Provincial Psychiatric Hospital and the Provincial Acute Care Hospital and 10 years as the Executive Director of five different community hospitals. In addition to holding these positions, Villard has served in various leadership roles including the PEI Representative for the National Home Care Board and a National Board member for both the Special Olympics and the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Villard’s work with the Special Olympics has been both national and internationally recognized.

Geneviève Cyr

Geneviève Cyr is a doctoral candidate at the Université de Montréal School of Public Health (ESPUM) specializing in health systems, organizations and policies. Her research focuses on understanding the role of patients and loved ones in the development of innovation in healthcare living labs. Geneviève completed her undergraduate studies in Sciences (Honors in psychology-University of New-Brunswick), followed by a Master’s degree in Health Services Administration (ESPUM). Her academic journey has been marked by a passion for solving complex problems by leveraging interdisciplinary collaboration. In addition to her research, she is a member of the Order of Chartered Administrators of Quebec and Vice-President of CMHA Quebec Division. Genevieve has a desire to have a meaningful impact on public health issues and an unwavering dedication to advancing the field through research and community engagement. She hopes to push the boundaries of the health system to provide mental health services that are accessible to all.

Jamie Blunden

Jamie Blunden began his policing career with the Winnipeg Police Service on April 23, 1990 where he policed for 30 years, seven of those years at the rank of Senior Officer along with temporary assignments to the Executive Management Team.  He has a Bachelor of Arts Degree, major in Criminology with a minor in Psychology from the University of Manitoba.

He was assigned to a diverse number of positions within the Winnipeg Police Service from being a member and supervisor of the Tactical Support Team to that of a School Resource Officer. He was assigned to the Divisional Crime Unit as an investigator, worked in the Human Resources Division and was assigned as an Incident Commander to the Critical Incident Commander Unit.  In his last command position, Jamie was assigned to the Specialized Investigations Unit responsible for the following units: Child Abuse, Sex Crimes, Internet Child Exploitation, Counter Exploitation, Missing Persons, Domestic Violence, Vulnerable Persons, ViCLAS and the Manitoba Integrated High Risk Sex Offender Unit. He has extensive operational experience in both uniform and tactical areas of the Service including command positions in highly public events and high-risk incidents.

Jamie retired in March of 2020 from the Winnipeg Police Service and joined the Weyburn Police Service on May 4th, 2020 as Chief of Police.  

Chief Blunden presently sits on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Mental Health Association Weyburn as the board chair, and is a member of the Provincial CMHA Board of Directors. He has held positions on the Weyburn Group Home Society as the Secretary as well as the past President of the Weyburn Redwings hockey club of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League.  

Dylan Bell

Dylan Bell, originally from Nova Scotia and now residing in the Whitehorse Yukon, is a dedicated advocate for mental health and the elimination of stigma surrounding mental illness. With a blend of front-line and leadership experience in both non-governmental organizations and the Yukon Government, Dylan has amassed valuable experience in supporting vulnerable populations. He is currently a member of the Behavioral Care Resource Team within the Yukon Government. This team provides assistance to interdisciplinary healthcare teams within long-term care and community care, aiming to support individuals living with complexity. Driven by a personal and professional commitment to mental health, Dylan joined the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) to actively participate in shaping the decision-making process concerning the delivery of mental health services. When Dylan is not working you can find him outside hiking, running, cycling, basically anything outdoors! He feels very fortunate to be able to live, explore and adventure on the Traditional Lands of the Yukon First Nations.

Margaret Eaton

Margaret joined the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) as National CEO in January of 2020. Along with a deep compassion for those facing mental health and addiction issues, she brings with her over 20 years of leadership experience in the non-profit sector.  

A natural problem-solver and connector, Margaret is excited by the opportunity for CMHA to work collaboratively with key partners across Canada to reimagine the mental health system in Canada.  A key priority in this effort is to reduce mental health inequities experienced by Indigenous peoples in this country. She models openness about her own anxiety and depression with a firm personal belief in the power of sharing and healthy dialogue.  

Prior to joining CMHA, Margaret served for seven years as Executive Director of the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC), a multi-stakeholder council that brings leaders together to create and champion solutions to better integrate immigrants in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) labour market. At TRIEC, she was instrumental in increasing the impact and scale of the organization’s work, spearheading key partnerships with LEAP the Centre for Social Impact and supporting other cities to replicate the successful TRIEC model of immigrant integration with partners in Helsinki, Finland and Stirling, Australia.  

Previously, she served as President of ABC Life Literacy, a national organization that inspires adult Canadians to increase their literacy and essential skills. She was also active in publishing in leadership roles with the Association of Canadian Publishers and Magazines Canada.  She has also held marketing and fundraising roles in leading Canadian arts organizations including the Stratford Festival, Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra and the Royal Conservatory of Music.    

She has volunteered as a mentor for TRIEC and for the Canadian Marketing Hall of Legends where she supported immigrant professionals to find career success.  Margaret has also volunteered on numerous boards and committees, including the Toronto Newcomer Leadership Table, Ontario Office of the Fairness Commissioner Advisory Committee, Advisory Committee for the Ontario government’s first Culture Strategy, Panelist for the federal government’s Report on the Employment Challenges of New Canadians, CERIS, WorkInCulture, Bad Dog Theatre, BookNet Canada and the Canadian Copyright Institute.   

In 2012, she was awarded a Diamond Jubilee medal for contributions to literacy and culture. 

Margaret has an MBA from the Schulich School of Business at York University.