Elected Board of Directors
2025-26 Term
Ross Cadastre, President
Ross Cadastre, a proud native of Saint Lucia, is a visionary entrepreneur with a passion for driving change. As the founder of Innovative Technology Strategies, a tech firm specializing in AI-driven recruitment solutions, Ross has built a career centred on empowering business growth through talent acquisition. He is also a Partner and Vice President of Client Engagement at MIR Digital Solutions, where he leads strategic client relationships and growth initiatives.
Ross' commitment to inclusivity inspired him to create BIPOCJobs.ca, a leading job board connecting Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) talent with opportunities across North America. The platform is instrumental in breaking down barriers and championing diversity in the workforce.
His contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including recognition at the Black Business Awards, induction into the Black Canadian National Wall of Role Models, and inclusion in Canada’s Top 100 Professionals.
In 2023, Ross was named a Top StaYing Leader at the World StaYing Summit and received the 2023 Best CEO honor from Comparably.
He is committed to fostering growth and collaboration within the vibrant business community. Serving on the Chamber allows him to champion initiatives that support local businesses, promote inclusivity, and drive economic development. He aims to continue contributing his experience to create opportunities for innovation and meaningful partnerships.
Joel Davies has been a dedicated professional in the digital marketing industry since 2004. In 2011, he launched his own marketing firm, and by 2015, he chose to make Whitby his home. His entrepreneurial journey reflects a deep passion for technology, creativity, and community connection.
Joel is the co-founder of Render Developments, a company that enhances pre-construction real estate projects through advanced 3D architectural visualization. From high-quality renderings to immersive virtual walkthrough tours, he stays at the forefront of technological innovation to provide clients with effective visualization tools that help sell their real estate projects.
A proud Whitby resident, Joel has worked with numerous companies across the Durham Region and remains committed to giving back to the community where he lives and works. His strong local ties and collaborative spirit have made him a familiar face at business events and an active supporter of shopping and sourcing local.
Now serving as President of the Whitby Chamber of Commerce, Joel brings years of experience as an engaged Chamber member to his leadership role. He is passionate about supporting honest, hardworking businesses and creating an inclusive environment where all members can thrive. Joel believes in the power of community, connection, and innovation to shape a successful future for the Chamber and the broader Whitby business landscape.
Guy Lacroix, Treasurer
Guy Lacroix, CPA, CA, CGA, LPA, is a Partner with MNP’s Assurance and Accounting Services group in Oshawa. A trusted advisor and key resource to owner-managers and a wide range of not-for-profit and charitable organizations, Guy delivers tailored solutions to help his clients achieve their business goals and thrive.
Drawing on extensive experience in accounting, assurance, tax and auditing, Guy works with his clients one-on-one to provide guidance in the areas of auditing, accounting and consulting, including internal control evaluation and compliance and reporting.
Guy earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree in accounting from Laurentian University. He is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), Chartered Accountant (CA), Licensed Public Accountant (LPA) and Certified General Accountant (CGA), qualifying in 2011.
Labour and Employment Lawyer, Mack Lawyers
Andrew Lee leads the labour and employment law practice at Mack Lawyers. Since obtaining his law degree from Queen’s University in 2011 and being called to the Ontario bar in 2012, he has spent his entire legal career advising and representing business owners, employers, management and HR professionals in all areas of workplace law.
Andrew also previously managed the entire business operations for a major franchise company, with franchises all throughout Ontario. This real-world business experience, combined with his primary calling as legal counsel to business clients, gives him a heightened motivation to serve the business community and advance the mission of the Chamber.
Andrew is a regular speaker at legal conferences and seminars, presenting on a wide range of various topics to other employment lawyers, to the business community, and to human resources professionals.
Always reaching for the skies, Andrew is also a licensed airplane pilot.
Ella Bates
Owner of Ella Bates Corporate Training
Ella Bates has dedicated more than two decades to mastering the art of soft skills training, standing at the forefront of workplace learning as a respected Business School Professor and the driving force behind Ella Bates Corporate Training. Fueled by a fervent desire to infuse workplaces with vibrancy and effectiveness, her core mission is to catalyze profound personal and professional transformations. Her learning experiences not only captivate and energize but also provoke thoughtful reflection and inspire immediate, tangible action with high impact results. Ella's commitment is to elevate the joy and success in every professional journey, by leaving a long lasting, positive imprint on the way people think, learn, and have impact in their careers.
Michael Cvitkovic
CEO, Abilities Centre
Michael Cvitkovic was named President and Chief Executive Officer of Abilities Centre on January 16, 2024. A recognized leader in Canada’s sport and recreation landscape, he has played a pivotal role in shaping some of the country’s most successful sport brands, including the Toronto Raptors Basketball Club, Tennis Canada, and the Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre. Most recently, he helped launch the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), contributing to its growth since its inception in 2019.
Cvitkovic’s commitment to inclusion and community-building is evident throughout his career. He served as General Manager of the 2017 North American Indigenous Games in Toronto, championing sport as a tool for engagement and Truth & Reconciliation. A longtime supporter of parasport, he was also the Press Chief for Team Canada at the 2010 Paralympic Games.
His career highlights include producing award-winning marketing campaigns, managing multi-million-dollar budgets, and leading collaborative initiatives that create inclusive, vibrant spaces for communities through sport and recreation. He was part of the senior leadership team that opened the Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre ahead of the 2015 Pan Am and Para Pan Am Games.
Now a proud resident of Whitby, Cvitkovic is eager to apply his decades of experience with provincial, national, and international organizations to support local businesses and economic development. As a member of the Whitby Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, he is committed to fostering prosperity, collaboration, transparency, and progress: always with a spirit of fun and forward thinking for the benefit of all members.
Megan O’Shaughnessy
Group Benefits Consultant, HMA The Benefits People
Megan has been in the insurance and finance industry for over 5 years. She joined HMA The Benefits People in 2022 after being introduced to the company through a fellow Whitby Chamber of Commerce member. She works with local small and medium sized businesses across the region to develop a benefits solution that meets their specific needs in her capacity as a Group Benefits Consultant and as the Group Chamber Insurance Plan representative for the Whitby Chamber of Commerce. Megan’s philosophy is to always do what is best for the client and to provide exemplary customer service.
Megan takes tremendous satisfaction in her involvement with the Whitby Chamber of Commerce. For the past 2022-2023 year she has held the position of non-voting member on the Board of Directors as the representative for the younger members of the Whitby Chamber of Commerce. She has also volunteered on the ConnXGEN committee since 2020 and hopes to encourage the younger generation to use their local chamber as a resource for growth, no matter what path they wish to take in their career. Megan has been attending Whitby Chamber of Commerce events for over 3 years can attribute much of her growth to the connections she has made through the Chamber.
In her spare time, Megan enjoys being with her family and friends through hosting game and food nights. In the warmer months she is an avid camper that loves to hike and kayak at different Ontario Provincial Parks. She also plays on several sports teams including an ultimate frisbee team and a softball team located in Whitby/Brooklin.
Ana Rejab
Commercial Account Manager, Business Development Bank of Canada
Ana Rejab started her career in banking in 2000 with HSBC and has experience internationally and in the Durham region supporting small business. In addition to her finance experience, Ana also spent several years involved in an education start-up. Her passion to help entrepreneurs grew as she understood the sweat and tears to grow a business. It is that passion and understanding that brought her to her current role with BDC, the only bank in Canada dedicated exclusively to helping entrepreneurs. At BDC, Ana partners with business owners to help them thrive and achieve their long term ambitions.
Ana is also a mother of two energetic kids who inspire her to do her best every day. She is a die-hard foodie, from eating to cooking. Every summer she enjoys farm hopping to buy local produce. She also loves spending time in local cafes and bookstores, kayaking, hiking, and traveling. Giving back to the community is core to who Ana is. There has never been a year since college that she has not volunteered for a cause or project. Currently, Ana volunteers with the Community Development Council Durham to help newcomers with English Conversation skills and is active in Rotary community services. Moving forward she hopes to be more involved with projects revolving around Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and youth engagement.
Judith Tait
Owner & Founder Judith Tait Business Coaching & Consulting
Judith Tait is a seasoned entrepreneur, experienced business coach, and passionate real estate investor. With a strong foundation in Business Administration, she has successfully built and led a six-figure company while simultaneously maintaining a full-time career—demonstrating exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and multitasking abilities. Her ability to build a dedicated team and scale her business reflects her deep business acumen and commitment to excellence.
After a distinguished 25-year career as a Police Officer, Judith now devotes herself full-time to her entrepreneurial pursuits. Her commitment to ongoing personal and professional development continues to drive her success across multiple industries.
Judith is also deeply invested in community engagement. She is the host and community producer of At the Heart of Business on Rogers TV Durham, a show that highlights the stories of women in business. Through this platform, she empowers and inspires women to thrive in entrepreneurship and achieve financial and personal independence.
A proud Whitby resident for over 25 years and a business owner in the community for eight, Judith is committed to local growth and prosperity. Her desire to serve on the Whitby Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors stems from a passion for building strong community connections and advocating for the business sector. She brings with her a wealth of business knowledge, insight into industry trends, and strategic decision-making capabilities. Judith aims to contribute meaningfully to the Chamber’s goals, helping to shape a vibrant, inclusive, and prosperous future for Whitby’s business community.
Michael Richards
General Manager at Landmark Cinemas Canada
Michael Richards is a dynamic leader and the driving force behind the success of Landmark Cinemas Whitby. With a career steeped in the world of cinema, Mike's journey began at the Whitby location under AMC Theatres ownership in 2002. Over the years, he has cultivated a wealth of experience managing theaters in Oakville, Mississauga, Indianapolis, Chicago, and Las Vegas. As the General Manager of Landmark Cinemas Whitby, Michael oversees nearly a million guests annually, making it the busiest theater in the company and one of the most bustling in the country. His strategic vision and operational prowess have played a pivotal role in maintaining this esteemed status.
Beyond the realm of cinema, Michael is deeply committed to community service. Currently serving as a member of the Town of Whitby Accessibility Advisory Committee, he actively contributes to enhancing accessibility and inclusivity in the local community. In his role as General Manager, Michael has gone above and beyond by organizing quarterly volunteering days for his staff at St. Vincent's kitchen (before Covid). Michael uses his leadership position to ensure that community charities receive the support they need. His passion for philanthropy is evident in his proactive efforts to contribute positively to the community whenever possible.
Alex Snyder
BAFM, Project Manager - Snyder Construction
Born into the construction industry, Alex Snyder started on job sites as a general labourer at a young age before later developing his carpentry skills.
Alex went on to receive a Bachelor in Accounting and Financial Management (Honours) and a Post Baccalaureate in Accounting from University of Waterloo.
He then did brief stints at well known consultancies before returning to the family business, Snyder Construction. In between all this, Alex also co-founded Site2Site - an app/web platform that automates many of the core functions of construction. Today, Alex continues to manage projects in the ICI sector with Snyder Construction.