BOARD REPORT MATHIEU CHANTELOIS
CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF MANAGEMENT Time can pass very quickly when there is so much to do and you’re having fun doing it. After serving five years on The 519’s Board, including three years as the Chair, I am stepping off the Board this year to allow room for new talent. I believe that new people can bring new ideas to the table—and that is healthy for the Centre. When I first ran for the Board in 2004, it was with a very clear mandate. I wanted to help make the Centre a more welcoming space for everyone. Over my five year tenure, I worked on doing just that and more. Working closely with the Centre’s Honorary Patron, Salah Bachir, I worked hard to raise funds so that the Centre could have expanded meeting space to accommodate our growing communities. In March 2009, we celebrated a huge milestone, bringing the Capital Campaign to a close with an unforgettable Evening with the Legendary Diahann Carroll. I am honoured and must thank Mr. Bachir, for acting as a guiding light, he has inspired me to work harder and better—his dedication to the Centre is incredible.
Overall, my experience has been amazing and I am proud to have played a part in increasing the Centre’s profile in the community. Today our new logo and website match the newly transformed Centre where everyone can speak, listen and be heard. Our Resource Development and Communications positions are now in place to raise much needed funds for the Centre’s internationally renowned programs and services. Our Starry Night and Green Space on Church Pride events are some of the most sought after parties during Pride Weekend. I must thank my fellow colleagues on the Board for such an amazing experience. Especially, I would like to acknowledge Joan Anderson for being my confidant and moral support during my first year as Chair. I’m confident in our new team, great Board members, amazing new ED, and talented staff and volunteers. I will not totally leave The 519. I’m just stepping out of a position. I’ll still be around and helping out where I can for many years to come.
BOARD OF MANAGEMENT As a policy-based Board, The 519’s Board of Management provides vision, leadership and oversight to the organization. We are grateful for the leadership and support of the 2008-2009 Board of Management:
Mathieu Chantelois CHAIR Natasha Garda VICE-CHAIR Marv Lucey TREASURER Jake Schonfeld SECRETARY Joan Anderson Jessica Carfagnini
Lyle Kersey Enrico Mandarino Donald Middleton Derrick Navarro Kabir Ravindra Councillor Kyle Rae EX OFFICIO