Board of Directors
The Board of Directors, on behalf of the membership and general community, governs the WOCRC through continually improved leadership with respect to values and vision. In addition, the Board of Directors establishes and records policies for the direction and good management of the WOCRC.
Board of Directors 2026-2027
- Chair: Parmod Chhabra
- Vice Chair: Claudia Etwyse
- Vice Chair (Finance): Melissa T. Parsons
- Vice Chair: Pat Snelling
- Past Chair: Chris Booth
- Executive Director: Leigh Couture
Directors
- Grant Bifolchi
- Chris Dendys
- Peter Hamer
- Dr. Nour Shehata
- Ashley Short
- Jan Skora
- Linda Sumbo
- Brandon Vale
- Émile Vallée
Parmod Chhabra, Chair
In 2019 Parmod retired from the provincial government, after working with the Ministry of Community and Social Services for 32 years. During his career, Parmod was involved with social services programs, policy development and implementation for underrepresented populations and youth. He holds Bachelor and Masters degrees in Finance and has extensive experience in working with the public, lawyers, media, all levels of government, First Nations agencies, community agencies, advocacy groups and financial organizations.
Over the past 30+ years, Parmod has worked with several Community Boards and organizations and managed government-funded projects in the fields of mental health, children and youth programs and services to our seniors. Parmod has received several Ontario Volunteer Service Awards for his years of leadership and community service.
Parmod is a committed leader in the community and recently started the Care & Share Ottawa group to help members of the Ottawa community connect and share information and services during the COVID-19 pandemic. He is a grandfather to three young children who keep him very busy in his spare time.
Claudia Etwyse, Vice Chair
Claudia Etwyse is a Director of Commercial Debt at Akili Group Ltd., an Ottawa-based commercial investment firm. Prior to her current position, Claudia was a Director of Real Estate Debt at Canada ICI, where she sourced and executed real estate debt and equity investments. Claudia is passionate about addressing the needs of individuals in her community and improving access to resources for marginalized individuals living in community housing. She is currently a member of the not-for-profit organization Women in Capital Markets and is well-known for her commitment to promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the industry.
Claudia holds a BA in Economics from the University of Ottawa and completed her certification in Real Estate Development from MIT.
Melissa Teri Parsons, Vice Chair (Finance)
Guided by a deep commitment to community care, Melissa Teri Parsons has dedicated over 25 years to volunteering and serving on three not-for-profit boards across Eastern Canada. As a former client of the WOCRC, she holds a profoundly personal connection to its mission, gratefully giving back since 2023 by applying her expertise in audit, governance, and risk across multiple WOCRC board committees. A graduate of the University of Ottawa's Telfer Executive M.B.A. program, Melissa currently manages the governance, risk, and compliance function for a multinational advertising company. She leads with her heart, fiercely advocating for sustainability and systemically underrecognized voices, and proudly champions equitable, inclusive spaces across corporate committees and advisory boards.
Patrick Lee Snelling, Vice Chair
Patrick Lee is a highly experienced Civil Litigator with extensive experience in Law Office Management. He was born and raised in Kanata and has been involved in the community since childhood. He completed his Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Philosophy at the University of Western Ontario and studied Law at the University of British Columbia.
Patrick has been actively involved in the Kanata community as a member of the board of the Kanata North BIA, the Director of Operations for Kanata Soccer and being a member of the Kanata North Recreation Center Steering Committee.
Chris Booth, Past Chair
Chris Booth is an experienced leader in Business Banking with a demonstrated history of over 38 years in the financial services industry, leading diverse teams in varied geographic markets. Experienced in technology banking, real estate financing, diversified industries financing and in the servicing and advising of not-for-profit and public sector organizations. Throughout his career he has been active in project management, strategic planning, risk management and business development.
Chris is committed to the communities he has worked in acting as a brand ambassador, community fundraiser and a board member for several local charities.
Chris is a graduate of the Carleton University Sprott School of Business with an Honours B.Commerce.
Leigh Couture, Executive Director
Leigh Couture brings knowledge and experience from several senior level social service roles in Ottawa, including as the Director of Community Health Services at Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre and as the Joint Associate Executive Director at Youturn Youth Support Services and Roberts/Smart Centre.
She is a fantastic fit, having a proven track record of advocating for health, mental health, children and youth, seniors and employment services. Leigh has a strong commitment to community and equity as exemplified in her past work, volunteerism, certifications, education and affiliations. To this position, Leigh brings direct knowledge of community development and reducing access barriers for marginalized residents in low income and social housing neighbourhoods. Her insight into the local issues and relationships with many key funders, partners and residents will be an asset for WOCRC.
Grant Bifolchi, Director
Grant Bifolchi is a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and former engineering project manager with a diverse background spanning infrastructure development, technology, venture capital, and property development. After graduating from Seneca College as a Civil Engineering Technologist (C.E.T.), he earned dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Administration and Economics (Finance) from York University, where he was also a four-year varsity football letterman.
Grant began his career managing major transportation and healthcare infrastructure projects before founding WorkDynamics in Ottawa more than 30 years ago. Under his leadership, the company developed software that became integral to the Government of Canada’s business-process architecture. The company’s client base includes Canadian federal and provincial governments, U.S. federal and state agencies, and a range of global public and private-sector organizations. Grant sold ownership in 2023.
Beyond business, Grant has dedicated more than four decades to coaching youth sports and his commitment to mentorship reflects a longstanding passion for helping young people build confidence by promoting innovative thinking and character development. Grant divides his time between venture capital investment, property development, philanthropic initiatives, and family life. He is the proud father of two sons and grandfather to two grandchildren.
Chris Dendys, Director
Chris has extensive professional experience as an executive in the non-profit sector, a 35-plus-year-history working in support of social justice, and a strong mission-driven work ethic and commitment to impact.
Her most recent professional credentials include serving as executive director of a national non-profit grassroots advocacy organization committed to creating the political will to end extreme poverty globally. Prior to that, she worked as an executive in the international development sector, a consultant supporting the advocacy objectives of social-justice-focussed non-government organizations, and she held a variety of positions in government, in Parliament, and in political offices. Her parliamentary and political work specifically centred on poverty alleviation, homelessness and social policy. She has also served on a number of national and international Boards.
Chris lives in Ottawa, where she raised four children, and has a master's degree from Carleton University. Recently retired, Chris is grateful for the opportunity to spend more time with friends and family, enjoy her menagerie of pets, pursue a few hobbies, and find more ways to contribute to her community.
Peter Hamer, Director
Building on over 25 years of leadership experience in healthcare organizations, Peter Hamer is passionate about contributing to advancing health and promoting positive change within the community. As the former Executive Director of the Ottawa Valley Family Health Team, Peter has led expansions of primary care, enhancing healthcare and fostering collaboration.
Deeply committed to the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion, Peter actively seeks to ensure that organizations he works with reflect the full diversity of the community they serve.
Dr. Nour Shehata, Director
Committed to providing accessible health and social services to the diverse communities of West Ottawa, Dr. Nour Shehata is a dedicated healthcare professional with extensive experience in public health, preventive medicine, and community service. She brings a deep understanding of health equity, policy planning, and the social determinants of health.
With a unique personal background, she offers a valuable perspective to her role, demonstrating a strong commitment to advocating for marginalized communities and addressing systemic health inequities.
Ashley Short, Director
Passionate about volunteering, Ashley Short is an active community leader, connecting with her community to understand and respond to local needs by creating inclusive events for families and residents in Kanata. Ashley is a seasoned Operations Executive with extensive experience in strategic leadership and general management across high-volume restaurant and property management sectors.
Jan Skora, Director
Jan Skora has close to 50 years experience as an executive in the federal public service as well as a strategic advisor to Canadian and US wireless/satellite telecom companies.
He has been the president of his condominium Board of Directors and in cooperation with similarly minded volunteers has been very active in Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORC) involving residents of condo buildings in the area in which he lives. He was a member on the Board of Directors of Men’s Sheds Canada and is also very much involved in promoting and expanding the Men’s Sheds movement in Ottawa.
Jan is a supporter of and has been a volunteer with Meals on Wheels.
Linda Sumbo, Director
Linda has experience working with non-profit and community-based organizations in both Canada and internationally. She currently works with the Africa–Canada Policy Innovation Lab, supporting research, stakeholder engagement, and community-focused initiatives.
Before immigrating to Canada, Linda spent over six years with World Vision International in Ghana, where she supported community health, water, sanitation, hygiene, youth development, and livelihood initiatives in rural communities across northern Ghana. Her work included conducting needs assessments, collaborating with local partners, and supporting community-led approaches that improved well-being for women, children, and families.
Linda holds a Master of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership from Carleton University, as well as a Post-Graduate Certificate in Project Management from Fanshawe College. She is also a member of Nu Lambda Mu, the Honor Society of the Nonprofit Academic Centers Council, recognizing her academic achievement and commitment to non-profit leadership and service.
Brandon Vale, Director
Brandon Vale is currently a Juris Doctor (JD) Candidate at the University of Ottawa, where he is actively interested in corporate law, health law, and corporate governance.
A graduate of the Honours Bachelor of Business Administration program at Wilfrid Laurier University, Brandon is an active community member with experience serving on several not-for-profit boards, including the Wilfrid Laurier University Board of Governors.
Adding to his governance experience, Brandon has professional work experience in both the private and public sectors, including working for the Ontario Public Service, the federal government, and a large public accounting firm.
Émile Vallée, Director
Émile Vallée comes from a close-knit French-Canadian family and is interested in giving back to his community. Building on a 40-year career spent mostly in the trade union movement, Émile has recently moved from Gatineau to western Ottawa to be closer to family. Émile brings a great deal of experience working with community and charitable organizations, on the Board of SSQ Insurance/Beneva and on several government committees on both provincial and national levels.