governance work

The Governance Committee plays a vital role in supporting FTP’s board to maintain its ongoing commitments to the community we serve. Their work is done thoughtfully, and includes tasks related to good governance such as: policy and procedural review, identifying opportunities for new policies or processes in response to changing community or regulatory expectations, planning for and conducting recruitment and orientation for new board members, or providing regular training to upgrade board member skills.

The committee sometimes jokes that governance is not always the most “glamorous” work, but it is vitally important to the smooth daily functioning of a board that is responsible for a multi-million dollar budget, and governance oversight of an agency with over 50 staff team members. The Governance Committee supports the work of the board, which enables the executive director to confidently lead the crucial work FTP does.

The goal of the committee remains to support the work of FTP to the best of its abilities, and in alignment with FTP’s Mission, Vision and Values. This year, the committee moved to a co-chair model at the Governance Committee level in recognition of the volume of work required from this committee, and supported efforts to ensure readiness ready for the next FOCUS Accreditation evaluation in 2024. Changes to the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (ONCA) necessitated the formation of a sub-committee to complete this important work impacting FTP’s bylaws and articles of incorporation. The committee participated in the strategic planning process and unreservedly supports, with confidence, a new strategic plan that will guide FTP over the coming years, during which continued change is anticipated. Plans are also underway, with another sub-committee established, to review recruitment and orientation efforts with a renewed lens on fostering equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging at the FTP board table.

With a new potential housing initiative and a continued commitment to adapt and change with the times to meet the needs and expectations of the community, the Governance Committee looks forward to continue serving FTP as effectively and efficiently as possible through another year. Sincerest thanks are extended to the leadership and staff at FTP and in particular, to Executive Director, Norah Kennedy.

Finally, the Governance Committee wishes to thank the following board members for their dedication, commitment and ongoing support of FTP as they now leave our board:

Kimberly Van Ryn

Thank you to Kim for her extensive knowledge of the sector, and her deep-rooted care and concern for the work FTP does. Thank you for also supporting various important and specific project initiatives while on the governance committee. Kim will continue to promote and support FTP during special community events and the committee is grateful for this ongoing support.

Carissa Burton our VISION

The Governance Committee is grateful to Carissa (Cari) Burton, who has served the committee and board with dedication, determination, and a deep-seated desire to see FTP and its staff team succeed by providing sound counsel, good governance, and strong strategic and financial acumen. The committee is in awe of Cari’s commitment to FTP, her keen attention to detail and for putting processes in place that will help continue to guide the FTP board for years to come. Cari’s loyalty and her willingness to stay on in a “Past President” capacity during the upcoming board year is yet another example of the value she places on the work that FTP does and her level of personal commitment. Cari leaves a legacy of strong leadership skills and the committee both welcomes and thanks her for her continued contributions.

This report was provided by Governance Committee Co-Chair, Sheralyn Roman.

FTP’s Governance Committee Members: Sharyn Ayliffe, Carissa Burton, Denyse Horner (Co-Chair), Priyanka Kumar (community member), Sheralyn Roman (Co-Chair) and Kimberly Van Ryn.