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Our Leadership.

Meet the Variety Ontario team. Community leaders and experts who guide our way forward.

Charlie Johnstone

President and Chief Executive Officer
Variety – the Children’s Charity of Ontario

As President and CEO, Charlie leads our mission to give all children living with disabilities in Ontario a chance to achieve their personal bests. He believes in the power of sport to inspire children to dream beyond what they once thought was possible. Once they know what they can achieve, nothing is beyond reach.

A highly experienced and respected leader in sports marketing, Charlie most recently served as President and CEO of two of Canada’s most unique events: The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair and the Honda Indy Toronto. In these roles, he successfully developed strategic and financial initiatives that stabilized the organizations and facilitated their continued long-term growth.

Charlie’s skill set includes securing over $50 million in corporate sponsorship support, more than $25 million in government funding, and generating nearly $10 million for various children’s charities across the Greater Toronto Area.

A graduate of the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University, Charlie focused his studies on the intersection of sports marketing, business, health, and recreation.

For more information about Charlie, you can read the full announcement on our website: Welcome Charlie Johnstone.

Senior Leadership

Anita Billing

CPA, CGA

Chief Financial Officer
Archie Allison

Director

Access and Awareness
Allan Grant

Director

Philanthropy and Partnerships
Katie Watkins

Director

Programs

Our Board of Directors

As a local, community-driven registered charity our 100% volunteer-based board guides major Variety – the Children’s Charity of Ontario decisions, approves programing and spending, and provides continuous guidance and support.

Jordan Assaraf

Board Chair, Governance and Human Resources Committee, and Strategic Planning Committee

Barrister & Solicitor, Gluckstein Personal Injury Lawyers
John Willson

Audit, Finance, Facilities and Capital Committee

Former President and CEO (Retired), Variety Village
Jeff Armstrong

Vice Chair, Development & Special Events Chair, Fundraising & Events Committee, and Strategic Planning Committee

Retired
David Safer

Audit, Finance, Facilities and Capital Committee, Fundraising & Events Committee and Strategic Planning Committee

Senior Director, Strategy Execution Analytics, Technology & Operations, RBC
Alex Bowles

Fundraising & Events Committee

Retail Equity / Option Trader, BMO Nesbitt Burns
Mary Jo Vradis

Fundraising & Events Committee and Strategic Planning Committee

Broker, RARE Real Estate Inc. and Meta Realty Group
Mark Palmer

Fundraising & Events Committee

Chief Commercial Officer, Golf Canada
Michelle Way

Audit, Finance, Facilities and Capital Committee

Managing Director, Element
Neil Claydon

Governance and Human Resources Committee and Strategic Planning Committee

Senior Director, Business Operations at Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment
Graeme Switzer

Marketing Committee

VP, Marketing and Operations, Brand Driven Media Inc.
Elayne Miles

Governance and Human Resources Committee and Strategic Planning Committee

Senior Vice-President of Business Operations, Rakuten Kobo Inc.
Kate Dobrucki

Marketing Committee

Chief Communications Officer, Tag
Al D’Addese

Audit, Finance, Facilities and Capital Committee and Strategic Planning Committee

VP of Sales Canada, Weber-Stephen Products
Karin Ots

Governance and Human Resources Committee

SVP of Regulatory and Government Relations at Aviva Canada
Alexandra Hyland

Governance and Human Resources Committee

Global Head of Capabilities & Culture, Kraft Heinz
Dr. Gerard T. Arbour

Fundraising & Events Committee and Strategic Planning Committee

Doctor and Owner, Bluffs Chiropractic
David Brown

Owner, Fearless Meat