The Jewish Camp Council of Toronto
Join our Board or become a volunteer to help build the future of Toronto’s, the GTA’s, and Canada’s Jewish community.
The Jewish Camp Council of Toronto is overseen by a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors:
President |
Greg Evans |
Immediate Past President |
Wayne Kirsh |
President Elect |
Stacey Cohen |
Secretary |
Michelle Goldstein |
Treasurer |
Hartley Cohen |
Director |
Rick Carson |
Director |
Rick Fine |
Director |
Neil Grunberg |
Director |
Ernie Gutstein |
Director |
Laura Hellen |
Director |
Ken Kirsh |
Director |
Amy Laski |
Director |
Shane Litvack |
Director |
Laurie Lusthaus |
Director |
Robyn Rabinowitz |
Get to Know our 2018/2019 Board of Directors
Greg Evans, President (Board member since 2009)
Greg is a partner in one of Toronto’s best-known boutique commercial real estate brokerages. He co-operates the business as the President and Broker of Record at The Behar Group Realty Inc. Greg provides only the highest level of professional care to all clients such as large developers, independent investors and landlords, small business owners, as well as office, industrial tenants and retail tenants. In addition, his expertise in marketing and strategic planning have played a critical role in the growth of The Behar Group’s team and the ongoing recruitment and mentorship of all the sales and administrative staff.
Prior to his career in commercial real estate, for 6 years Greg owned and operated a restaurant in downtown Toronto called the Liberty Street Café.
Greg went to Camp Northland as a camper and counsellor and then Section Head from 1985-95. He met his wife Rachel at Camp Northland- B’nai Brith, and their children Brandon and Noa are now campers at NBB. For Jewish Camp Council of Toronto, Greg has served as Secretary and President-Elect as well as an active leader and participant of numerous committees such as Fundraising, Alumni & Marketing, Catering, Legal, Community Relations and Nominations.
Greg dedicates his volunteer time to camp Northland B’nai Brith because he believes that inclusive community based Jewish Overnight Camping is integral in the development of future leaders and that at camp young people develop the independence and life skills necessary for success in all aspects of their developing personal and professional lives. He also believes that Camp Northland’s history must be preserved and that the shores of Moose Lake must always be a natural sanctuary for the families of our community, irrespective of financial means, for generations to come.
Stacey Cohen, President-Elect (Board member since 2016)
Stacey has been in the automotive business for over twenty years, and is General Manager / Partner at Erin Park Lexus Toyota in Mississauga. Stacey leads a team of more than 200 employees from all departments who focus on the same vision and goal. With a strong background in negotiations and operations, Stacey has been involved in several manufacturer and dealer committees. With growth and expansion, he has also managed building projects with a goal of creating environments that provide great experiences for everyone. Stacey continues to take a hands-on approach when dealing with team members and guests alike.
Stacey first attended Camp Northland in 1987 and 1988 as an LTP camper, and then CIT. After being certified by ORCKA, Stacey spent several years as paddle sports staff and eventually was Head of Paddle, Head of Tripping, and Head Specialist in 1997. Stacey met his wife Amy at camp, and they now send their daughter Hannah to camp to carry on the Northland tradition. The values that have been learned from Camp Northland carry on in the Cohen household, as Hannah recently decided to begin a fundraising project to support the “Send a Kid to Camp” campaign for her Bat Mitzvah. Stacey now volunteers as Director for the Jewish Camp Council Board, and is Co-Chair of the Personnel Committee, and is involved with other committees as well.
Wayne Kirsh, Immediate Past-President (Board member 2005-2013 & since 2016)
Wayne has more than 35 years of experience in the insurance industry with a strong track record in the Creditor Insurance field. He has extensive experience in Product Management / Development, Operations including the successful implementation of key strategic projects & Customer Experience. He is currently Senior Manager, Litigation & Strategic Initiatives at The Bank of Nova Scotia & is responsible for managing Creditor Insurance Litigation, representing the bank in the litigation process. Wayne is also the lead on Regulatory / Compliance, Internal Audit Management, and Strategic Initiatives including Outsource Management.
Wayne went to Camp Northland as a camper (Section I / cabin 1), staff (dining hall, counsellor, canoeing / tripping) through the 60’s & 70’s. Wayne’s last position at camp was Co-Head of Canoeing & Tripping at Senior Camp. Wayne has served as a Board member for approximately 8 years, where he was Head of the Fundraising Committee which raised well in excess of $100,000, to help send kids to camp, and assumed the role of President of the Board of Directors in June 2016.
Michelle Goldstein, Secretary (Board member since 2013)
Michelle has been in the banking sector for more than 20 years with a proven track record in innovative product management and development, launching numerous debit and credit card products in Canada and across the English and Spanish Caribbean regions. She is currently a Senior Manager for Scotiabank, specializing in strategic planning and development in their International Banking division, with a main focus on Central and South American retail markets.
Michelle’s camp experience dates back to 1974 when she first joined the NBB family as a camper in Parry Sound. In the 1980’s, Haliburton was her summer home for 7 years as Michelle progressed through numerous staff roles, from CIT through to counsellor in Units 1, 3 and LTP before joining the Head Staff team for 3 years. Since then, Michelle has never strayed very far from camp. She couldn’t as her life is inextricably linked. Her husband Lyle is an Alumnus (former counsellor specialist and Head of Swim), and their two children followed in their footsteps in their love of Northland both as campers and staff.
Before joining the Board in 2013, Michelle worked on several committees as a volunteer specialist including the NBB 100th Year Anniversary Reunion and various “Send A Kid to Camp” Movie Night Fundraisers. Michelle was voted in as Secretary of the Board of Directors in June 2016.
Hartley Cohen CPA, CA, Treasurer (Board member since 2018)
Hartley has been with Kestenberg, Rabinowicz Partners LLP “KRP” as an assurance partner for over 30 years, having first joined the firm in 1985. At KRP, Hartley is responsible for a large and diverse client base of owner-managers, entrepreneurs, and family-owned businesses and not-for- profit organizations. He has worked with clients in a wide range of industry sectors including several diverse franchisor and franchisee operations. His broad experience helps him direct clients to the best availableexpertise, whether it comes from his network of professionals or his fellow partners.
Hartley brings to the firm knowledge in multiple disciplines, including accounting, audit, financial
management, estate and corporate and personal tax planning. He has published several articles
and presented seminars on topics including financial reporting, business acquisitions, taxation
and succession planning to various industry groups and professional organizations.
Passionate about charitable work and community engagement, Hartley devotes much of his
time to Toronto’s Jewish community. He is past President of Beth David B’nai Israel Beth Am
congregation, where he served on the board, executive and treasurer for more than 20 years.
He is also former treasurer of Jewish Vocational Services of Greater Toronto. Hartley was
recently elected to the board of Toronto Standard Condominium Corporation No. 1526. Hartley
is an avid golfer who will take his friends and clients up on any opportunity to hit the links.
Hartley has pursued lifelong education, earning his U.S. CPA designation (Illinois) in 2004 and
his CFP designation in 1994. He earned his CA designation in 1984 and graduated with a
BComm from the University of Toronto.
Hartley is a former camper, and head staff working as a specialist in canoeing and tripping at
Camp Northland-B’nai Brith from 1974 to 1980.
Neil Grunberg, Director (Board member since 2016)
Neil is a serial tech entrepreneur with 17 years of experience taking part in and now leading successful software start-ups. Recently, the team that successfully grew and sold Vortex Connect re-united to launch AlayaCare, an enterprise software solution focused on providing home and community health care agencies with the tools to run their business. As VP Product, Neil is responsible for the solution that has been adopted by large and small agencies in 8 countries. Neil has a long history in charity and non-profit work. After serving as AEPi President at McGill University he went on to work for AEPI, the largest International Jewish Fraternity, for one year as a leadership consultant. Neil has also sat on his children's school council for many years, as well as chairing the End of Year Carnival to great success. Recently, Neil co-chaired a large scale Dance-A-Thon that raised $25k for Leukemia research.
Neil went to Camp Northland for just two years in the mid-80s. His passion for involvement with the Jewish Camp Council and Northland comes from his wife who attended for 13 years, and their children who now attend. Neil's desire to be involved was triggered by seeing his oldest daughter return from her first summer completely transformed in the most positive ways. Neil joined the Jewish Camp Council Board in 2016, co-chaired the Ad Hoc Alumni Weekend Committee in 2016 and is co-chairing the Fundraising, Alumni and Marketing Committee in 2016-2017.
Rick Fine, Director (Board member since 2011)
Rick is a real estate sales representative since 1988, and currently with Prime Capital Realty Ltd which he founded in 2005. Prime Capital Realty is a boutique organization specializing in land re-development in urban areas, mortgages, and corporate finance alternative lending for the midmarket. Other areas of focus are mergers / acquisitions, commercial realty and rental apartment buildings. Rick’s first career after graduating from University of Toronto was in the florist & greenhouse business in Ottawa at an enterprise-size company, where his last position was manager of the wholesale department tasked with selling to the major chain stores and food companies in Ontario, Quebec and United States.
Rick’s first volunteer role was at Mt. Sinai Hospital Leadership Foundation. He had the opportunity to run fundraising programs and attend programs led by high-profile Torontonians. Several of these individuals later became donors to Camp Northland. Rick attended Camp Northland as a camper for five years starting in 1967 and staff member for eight years. He was a CIT of ‘72, a counsellor for four years (2 weeks at Camp Reena 1975), and three years as Section Head. In 1977, his Section ran a specialized program with the Reena Foundation integrating Reena-sponsored children into the Northland cabins and programs. Critical business concepts and skills that he first learned/experienced at Camp Northland he applied very successfully to the business world.
Rick started volunteering on the Fundraising Committee at Camp Northland in 2008. He sought out and raised money from both alumni and businesses in the GTA. For the 100th Anniversary, he worked on fundraising and media involvement. He was appointed to the Board of Directors of JCC in 2011, and was Treasurer from 2014-2015. Rick was involved in numerous committees and programs, such as the Subsidy Committee, the Search Committee for 2 consecutive Camp Directors, the Management Committee, the Renovation Rejuvenation Program, the Insurance Program, and the Property Committee (working on the history of land ownership).
Laurie Lusthaus, Director (Board member since 2011)
Laurie is currently working in the construction industry as Designer and Project Manager. He is educated as an architect and has 25 years of experience in the industry, ranging from overseeing the building of the Interior Design component of the CN Tower expansion, to working on implementation of the historic restoration of the 1876 Occident Building in downtown Toronto. Throughout his career, his varied skills have allowed him to contribute in all aspects of the projects he is involved in.
He is an active volunteer in his community, coaching youth in many sports organizations. Laurie is an alumnus of Camp Northland, as well as a parent of a current camper. He went to camp as a camper and counsellor, Section Head, CIT Coordinator, and finally Head of Arts and Crafts. His work on the Board has included Chair of the Fundraising Committee and subsequently the Marketing Committee. Through his tenure, he has contributed graphic design work when there is a need to reinforce the visual fabric of the Camp.
Laura Hellen, Director (Board member since 2013)
Laura is Director of Operations at a group dental clinic with over 30 years’ experience in team leadership, education, marketing, and budget management. A graduate of UofT’s Faculty of Education, Laura chose to apply her passion for communications through human resource management, as well as writing, calligraphy, and graphic design. Laura’s satirical self-help book, “Abundantly Simple”, was published in 1999 and led to a 3-year comedy segment on KRDO radio. She continues to write and design as her busy schedule allows. Laura is a happily divorced mother of two beautiful adult daughters, Rachel and Mira, both of whom work in marketing.
A two-time Head of Arts & Crafts, Laura fell in love with Northland before she even arrived. Growing up in Toronto in the 60s and 70s, most of her friends were NBBers and she has always felt like part of the extended camp family. After becoming involved in Northland’s 100th Anniversary Celebration (she produced the tribute video!), Laura joined the Board of Directors in 2013. During her time on the Board, she is most proud to have chaired the Search Committee that interviewed Northland’s extraordinary director, Simon Wolle. Currently Co-Chair of the Personnel Committee, and active member of the Fundraising, Alumni & Marketing Committees, Laura is dedicated to ensuring that Northland-B’nai Brith will remain part of the lives of Jewish kids for another 100 years.
Rick Carson, Director (Board member since 2016)
Rick Carson has more than 25 years of experience as a marketing and strategy consultant with a major global consulting firm, and with three leading consumer marketing companies. He specializes in consumer loyalty, segmentation and research, and analytics and insight. Rick currently focuses his client time leading customer transformations, which typically involve aspects of marketing and sales processes, enabling technology across channels, organizational culture change, and governance across stakeholders.
Rick went to NBB for 12 years in the 70’s, starting as a camper in Section I, and having the role of Head of Sailing in his last year. He has three children that attended NBB (two of whom stayed until senior staff roles). His late wife Andrea Kirsh was the camp doctor for over 15 summers, whereby he spent two weeks at camp each summer from 1992 to 2007. He also cottages on Eagle Lake and has a deep understanding of the Haliburton region and its business networks.
Ernie Gutstein, Director (Board member since 2018)
Ernie was born in Buenos Aires Argentina. He emigrated to Canada in 1963 and shortly after found his first true Canadian “home” on the shores of Moose Lake at Camp Northland.
Now, married with 3 adult children Ernie continues to appreciate the outdoor lifestyle as an avid camper, canoeist and cyclist. Ernie’s passion to support new Canadian families and helping them to integrate into Toronto’s diverse and accepting Jewish Community is just one reason that he passionately supports Camp Northland. Most recently, Ernie co-chaired the camps scholarship committee with Rick Fine.
As a practicing and published lawyer (since 1979) at GOLDMAN SLOAN NASH & HABER LLP., Ernie brings exceptional negotiation skills and business savvy to his client’s files. His diverse legal expertise is brought to bear in connection with the difficult files which other solicitors are not prepared to take on. He is considered a “fixer” who is consulted by other lawyers, developers, real estate investors and business people when the going gets rough.
Ernie’s eclectic practice includes real estate acquisitions and sales, mortgage financing and enforcement, land development, professional errors and business matters, condominiums, estate matters and the resolution of all manners of business disputes, construction contracts, the structuring and management of joint ventures as well as commercial leasing, partnerships and land leases.
Ernie is preferred LawPRO counsel and in that capacity has resolved many complex errors and omission matters on behalf of other real estate solicitors. He also has an active mortgage enforcement practice acting for several financial institutions with a focus on maximizing realization on behalf of his clients. He takes a results-oriented business approach to all matters he handles on behalf of his clients.
Shane Litvack, Director (Board member since 2016)
Shane practised corporate law for 6 years at Stikeman Elliott LLP prior to starting in his current role in the trading products group of BMO Capital Markets as Vice President, Global Structured Products.
Shane attended Camp Northland as a camper from 1993 through 1997, as a staff member from 1998 through 2001, and as a Head Staff member in 2002 and 2005. Shane has served the Board as a member-at-large since 2016. Shane is also the chair of the Governance and Strategic Planning Committee, and also sits on the Legal Committee.
Amy Laski, Director (Board member since 2017)
Amy is founder and president of Felicity [Inspiring Communications], a virtual communications and content agency based in Toronto. Amy draws on 15+ years of experience with the world’s leading brands to drive breakthrough impact for clients.
Prior to starting Felicity, Amy worked at Coca-Cola Canada where she led the first-ever Canadian efforts to improve the Company’s reputation in the area of well being. Amy honed her skills as a PR practitioner at two of Canada’s leading Public Relations agencies: Environics Communications Inc. and Strategic Objectives Inc. She is a graduate of The Richard Ivey School of Business at The University of Western Ontario.
Amy went to Camp Northland as a camper and a C.I.T. She is the mother of three girls, and together with her mother (also a Northland Alumni) and husband, they all attended Family Weekend in 2016. In 2018, her older two daughters will be participating in the Northland Experience2 program. Amy has already combined her passions for Camp Northland and for communications in spearheading an initiative for the camp to learn valuable insights from its key audiences, in order to develop an effective and ownable marketing strategy.
Kenneth Kirsh, Director (Board member since 2018)
Ken is a health care, real estate and tech executive with over 25 years’ experience. He has a Bachelor of Commerce and Finance degree from the University of Toronto, his Masters of Business Administration degree from York University and his Bachelor of Law degree from the University of Western Ontario. Ken is a member in good standing of the Law Society of Upper Canada (Ontario). Ken currently serves as the Chair of the Board of Directors for Closing the Gap Healthcare Group. Historically, he was the Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Gamma- Dynacare Medical Laboratories. On the real estate side of his career he is the Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of Sterling Silver Development Corporation. He is also on the Board of Directors of numerous other private corporations.
Ken served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Ontario Association of Medical Laboratories between 1995 and 2010 and was the Chairman for four years. Ken has served on the Board and Executive Committee of the Federation of Rental Providers of Ontario for the last eight years and is presently the Vice-Chairman. On the philanthropic front, Ken is on the Board of Directors of the UJA Golf Tournament that raises funds for special education. As well, Ken is a member of the Finance Committee of OCAD University.
Robyn Rabinowitz, Director (Board member since 2018)
Robyn Rabinowitz joined the PLAZACORP team in 2015, bringing with her an impressive background in residential land development including 13 years with Minto Communities in residential land development, plus 2 years with a top Bay Street law firm specializing in the areas of land use and municipal planning. For PLAZACORP, Robyn leads land development planning initiatives including matters relating to land acquisition, official plan and zoning approvals, soliciting building permits, condominium registration and more.
Outside of work, Robyn continues her passion for developing healthy urban environments by remaining active in industry organizations and government lobby groups, and is a member of Lambda Alpha International, Land Economics Society, Simcoe Chapter in Toronto. Robyn also volunteers her time mentoring students in the University of Toronto’s Masters in Planning program. In 2018, her daughters Marlowe and Ryann and son Jake will be attending Camp Northland.
Greg is a partner in one of Toronto’s best-known boutique commercial real estate brokerages. He co-operates the business as the President and Broker of Record at The Behar Group Realty Inc. Greg provides only the highest level of professional care to all clients such as large developers, independent investors and landlords, small business owners, as well as office, industrial tenants and retail tenants. In addition, his expertise in marketing and strategic planning have played a critical role in the growth of The Behar Group’s team and the ongoing recruitment and mentorship of all the sales and administrative staff.
Prior to his career in commercial real estate, for 6 years Greg owned and operated a restaurant in downtown Toronto called the Liberty Street Café.
Greg went to Camp Northland as a camper and counsellor and then Section Head from 1985-95. He met his wife Rachel at Camp Northland- B’nai Brith, and their children Brandon and Noa are now campers at NBB. For Jewish Camp Council of Toronto, Greg has served as Secretary and President-Elect as well as an active leader and participant of numerous committees such as Fundraising, Alumni & Marketing, Catering, Legal, Community Relations and Nominations.
Greg dedicates his volunteer time to camp Northland B’nai Brith because he believes that inclusive community based Jewish Overnight Camping is integral in the development of future leaders and that at camp young people develop the independence and life skills necessary for success in all aspects of their developing personal and professional lives. He also believes that Camp Northland’s history must be preserved and that the shores of Moose Lake must always be a natural sanctuary for the families of our community, irrespective of financial means, for generations to come.
Stacey Cohen, President-Elect (Board member since 2016)
Stacey has been in the automotive business for over twenty years, and is General Manager / Partner at Erin Park Lexus Toyota in Mississauga. Stacey leads a team of more than 200 employees from all departments who focus on the same vision and goal. With a strong background in negotiations and operations, Stacey has been involved in several manufacturer and dealer committees. With growth and expansion, he has also managed building projects with a goal of creating environments that provide great experiences for everyone. Stacey continues to take a hands-on approach when dealing with team members and guests alike.
Stacey first attended Camp Northland in 1987 and 1988 as an LTP camper, and then CIT. After being certified by ORCKA, Stacey spent several years as paddle sports staff and eventually was Head of Paddle, Head of Tripping, and Head Specialist in 1997. Stacey met his wife Amy at camp, and they now send their daughter Hannah to camp to carry on the Northland tradition. The values that have been learned from Camp Northland carry on in the Cohen household, as Hannah recently decided to begin a fundraising project to support the “Send a Kid to Camp” campaign for her Bat Mitzvah. Stacey now volunteers as Director for the Jewish Camp Council Board, and is Co-Chair of the Personnel Committee, and is involved with other committees as well.
Wayne Kirsh, Immediate Past-President (Board member 2005-2013 & since 2016)
Wayne has more than 35 years of experience in the insurance industry with a strong track record in the Creditor Insurance field. He has extensive experience in Product Management / Development, Operations including the successful implementation of key strategic projects & Customer Experience. He is currently Senior Manager, Litigation & Strategic Initiatives at The Bank of Nova Scotia & is responsible for managing Creditor Insurance Litigation, representing the bank in the litigation process. Wayne is also the lead on Regulatory / Compliance, Internal Audit Management, and Strategic Initiatives including Outsource Management.
Wayne went to Camp Northland as a camper (Section I / cabin 1), staff (dining hall, counsellor, canoeing / tripping) through the 60’s & 70’s. Wayne’s last position at camp was Co-Head of Canoeing & Tripping at Senior Camp. Wayne has served as a Board member for approximately 8 years, where he was Head of the Fundraising Committee which raised well in excess of $100,000, to help send kids to camp, and assumed the role of President of the Board of Directors in June 2016.
Michelle Goldstein, Secretary (Board member since 2013)
Michelle has been in the banking sector for more than 20 years with a proven track record in innovative product management and development, launching numerous debit and credit card products in Canada and across the English and Spanish Caribbean regions. She is currently a Senior Manager for Scotiabank, specializing in strategic planning and development in their International Banking division, with a main focus on Central and South American retail markets.
Michelle’s camp experience dates back to 1974 when she first joined the NBB family as a camper in Parry Sound. In the 1980’s, Haliburton was her summer home for 7 years as Michelle progressed through numerous staff roles, from CIT through to counsellor in Units 1, 3 and LTP before joining the Head Staff team for 3 years. Since then, Michelle has never strayed very far from camp. She couldn’t as her life is inextricably linked. Her husband Lyle is an Alumnus (former counsellor specialist and Head of Swim), and their two children followed in their footsteps in their love of Northland both as campers and staff.
Before joining the Board in 2013, Michelle worked on several committees as a volunteer specialist including the NBB 100th Year Anniversary Reunion and various “Send A Kid to Camp” Movie Night Fundraisers. Michelle was voted in as Secretary of the Board of Directors in June 2016.
Hartley Cohen CPA, CA, Treasurer (Board member since 2018)
Hartley has been with Kestenberg, Rabinowicz Partners LLP “KRP” as an assurance partner for over 30 years, having first joined the firm in 1985. At KRP, Hartley is responsible for a large and diverse client base of owner-managers, entrepreneurs, and family-owned businesses and not-for- profit organizations. He has worked with clients in a wide range of industry sectors including several diverse franchisor and franchisee operations. His broad experience helps him direct clients to the best availableexpertise, whether it comes from his network of professionals or his fellow partners.
Hartley brings to the firm knowledge in multiple disciplines, including accounting, audit, financial
management, estate and corporate and personal tax planning. He has published several articles
and presented seminars on topics including financial reporting, business acquisitions, taxation
and succession planning to various industry groups and professional organizations.
Passionate about charitable work and community engagement, Hartley devotes much of his
time to Toronto’s Jewish community. He is past President of Beth David B’nai Israel Beth Am
congregation, where he served on the board, executive and treasurer for more than 20 years.
He is also former treasurer of Jewish Vocational Services of Greater Toronto. Hartley was
recently elected to the board of Toronto Standard Condominium Corporation No. 1526. Hartley
is an avid golfer who will take his friends and clients up on any opportunity to hit the links.
Hartley has pursued lifelong education, earning his U.S. CPA designation (Illinois) in 2004 and
his CFP designation in 1994. He earned his CA designation in 1984 and graduated with a
BComm from the University of Toronto.
Hartley is a former camper, and head staff working as a specialist in canoeing and tripping at
Camp Northland-B’nai Brith from 1974 to 1980.
Neil Grunberg, Director (Board member since 2016)
Neil is a serial tech entrepreneur with 17 years of experience taking part in and now leading successful software start-ups. Recently, the team that successfully grew and sold Vortex Connect re-united to launch AlayaCare, an enterprise software solution focused on providing home and community health care agencies with the tools to run their business. As VP Product, Neil is responsible for the solution that has been adopted by large and small agencies in 8 countries. Neil has a long history in charity and non-profit work. After serving as AEPi President at McGill University he went on to work for AEPI, the largest International Jewish Fraternity, for one year as a leadership consultant. Neil has also sat on his children's school council for many years, as well as chairing the End of Year Carnival to great success. Recently, Neil co-chaired a large scale Dance-A-Thon that raised $25k for Leukemia research.
Neil went to Camp Northland for just two years in the mid-80s. His passion for involvement with the Jewish Camp Council and Northland comes from his wife who attended for 13 years, and their children who now attend. Neil's desire to be involved was triggered by seeing his oldest daughter return from her first summer completely transformed in the most positive ways. Neil joined the Jewish Camp Council Board in 2016, co-chaired the Ad Hoc Alumni Weekend Committee in 2016 and is co-chairing the Fundraising, Alumni and Marketing Committee in 2016-2017.
Rick Fine, Director (Board member since 2011)
Rick is a real estate sales representative since 1988, and currently with Prime Capital Realty Ltd which he founded in 2005. Prime Capital Realty is a boutique organization specializing in land re-development in urban areas, mortgages, and corporate finance alternative lending for the midmarket. Other areas of focus are mergers / acquisitions, commercial realty and rental apartment buildings. Rick’s first career after graduating from University of Toronto was in the florist & greenhouse business in Ottawa at an enterprise-size company, where his last position was manager of the wholesale department tasked with selling to the major chain stores and food companies in Ontario, Quebec and United States.
Rick’s first volunteer role was at Mt. Sinai Hospital Leadership Foundation. He had the opportunity to run fundraising programs and attend programs led by high-profile Torontonians. Several of these individuals later became donors to Camp Northland. Rick attended Camp Northland as a camper for five years starting in 1967 and staff member for eight years. He was a CIT of ‘72, a counsellor for four years (2 weeks at Camp Reena 1975), and three years as Section Head. In 1977, his Section ran a specialized program with the Reena Foundation integrating Reena-sponsored children into the Northland cabins and programs. Critical business concepts and skills that he first learned/experienced at Camp Northland he applied very successfully to the business world.
Rick started volunteering on the Fundraising Committee at Camp Northland in 2008. He sought out and raised money from both alumni and businesses in the GTA. For the 100th Anniversary, he worked on fundraising and media involvement. He was appointed to the Board of Directors of JCC in 2011, and was Treasurer from 2014-2015. Rick was involved in numerous committees and programs, such as the Subsidy Committee, the Search Committee for 2 consecutive Camp Directors, the Management Committee, the Renovation Rejuvenation Program, the Insurance Program, and the Property Committee (working on the history of land ownership).
Laurie Lusthaus, Director (Board member since 2011)
Laurie is currently working in the construction industry as Designer and Project Manager. He is educated as an architect and has 25 years of experience in the industry, ranging from overseeing the building of the Interior Design component of the CN Tower expansion, to working on implementation of the historic restoration of the 1876 Occident Building in downtown Toronto. Throughout his career, his varied skills have allowed him to contribute in all aspects of the projects he is involved in.
He is an active volunteer in his community, coaching youth in many sports organizations. Laurie is an alumnus of Camp Northland, as well as a parent of a current camper. He went to camp as a camper and counsellor, Section Head, CIT Coordinator, and finally Head of Arts and Crafts. His work on the Board has included Chair of the Fundraising Committee and subsequently the Marketing Committee. Through his tenure, he has contributed graphic design work when there is a need to reinforce the visual fabric of the Camp.
Laura Hellen, Director (Board member since 2013)
Laura is Director of Operations at a group dental clinic with over 30 years’ experience in team leadership, education, marketing, and budget management. A graduate of UofT’s Faculty of Education, Laura chose to apply her passion for communications through human resource management, as well as writing, calligraphy, and graphic design. Laura’s satirical self-help book, “Abundantly Simple”, was published in 1999 and led to a 3-year comedy segment on KRDO radio. She continues to write and design as her busy schedule allows. Laura is a happily divorced mother of two beautiful adult daughters, Rachel and Mira, both of whom work in marketing.
A two-time Head of Arts & Crafts, Laura fell in love with Northland before she even arrived. Growing up in Toronto in the 60s and 70s, most of her friends were NBBers and she has always felt like part of the extended camp family. After becoming involved in Northland’s 100th Anniversary Celebration (she produced the tribute video!), Laura joined the Board of Directors in 2013. During her time on the Board, she is most proud to have chaired the Search Committee that interviewed Northland’s extraordinary director, Simon Wolle. Currently Co-Chair of the Personnel Committee, and active member of the Fundraising, Alumni & Marketing Committees, Laura is dedicated to ensuring that Northland-B’nai Brith will remain part of the lives of Jewish kids for another 100 years.
Rick Carson, Director (Board member since 2016)
Rick Carson has more than 25 years of experience as a marketing and strategy consultant with a major global consulting firm, and with three leading consumer marketing companies. He specializes in consumer loyalty, segmentation and research, and analytics and insight. Rick currently focuses his client time leading customer transformations, which typically involve aspects of marketing and sales processes, enabling technology across channels, organizational culture change, and governance across stakeholders.
Rick went to NBB for 12 years in the 70’s, starting as a camper in Section I, and having the role of Head of Sailing in his last year. He has three children that attended NBB (two of whom stayed until senior staff roles). His late wife Andrea Kirsh was the camp doctor for over 15 summers, whereby he spent two weeks at camp each summer from 1992 to 2007. He also cottages on Eagle Lake and has a deep understanding of the Haliburton region and its business networks.
Ernie Gutstein, Director (Board member since 2018)
Ernie was born in Buenos Aires Argentina. He emigrated to Canada in 1963 and shortly after found his first true Canadian “home” on the shores of Moose Lake at Camp Northland.
Now, married with 3 adult children Ernie continues to appreciate the outdoor lifestyle as an avid camper, canoeist and cyclist. Ernie’s passion to support new Canadian families and helping them to integrate into Toronto’s diverse and accepting Jewish Community is just one reason that he passionately supports Camp Northland. Most recently, Ernie co-chaired the camps scholarship committee with Rick Fine.
As a practicing and published lawyer (since 1979) at GOLDMAN SLOAN NASH & HABER LLP., Ernie brings exceptional negotiation skills and business savvy to his client’s files. His diverse legal expertise is brought to bear in connection with the difficult files which other solicitors are not prepared to take on. He is considered a “fixer” who is consulted by other lawyers, developers, real estate investors and business people when the going gets rough.
Ernie’s eclectic practice includes real estate acquisitions and sales, mortgage financing and enforcement, land development, professional errors and business matters, condominiums, estate matters and the resolution of all manners of business disputes, construction contracts, the structuring and management of joint ventures as well as commercial leasing, partnerships and land leases.
Ernie is preferred LawPRO counsel and in that capacity has resolved many complex errors and omission matters on behalf of other real estate solicitors. He also has an active mortgage enforcement practice acting for several financial institutions with a focus on maximizing realization on behalf of his clients. He takes a results-oriented business approach to all matters he handles on behalf of his clients.
Shane Litvack, Director (Board member since 2016)
Shane practised corporate law for 6 years at Stikeman Elliott LLP prior to starting in his current role in the trading products group of BMO Capital Markets as Vice President, Global Structured Products.
Shane attended Camp Northland as a camper from 1993 through 1997, as a staff member from 1998 through 2001, and as a Head Staff member in 2002 and 2005. Shane has served the Board as a member-at-large since 2016. Shane is also the chair of the Governance and Strategic Planning Committee, and also sits on the Legal Committee.
Amy Laski, Director (Board member since 2017)
Amy is founder and president of Felicity [Inspiring Communications], a virtual communications and content agency based in Toronto. Amy draws on 15+ years of experience with the world’s leading brands to drive breakthrough impact for clients.
Prior to starting Felicity, Amy worked at Coca-Cola Canada where she led the first-ever Canadian efforts to improve the Company’s reputation in the area of well being. Amy honed her skills as a PR practitioner at two of Canada’s leading Public Relations agencies: Environics Communications Inc. and Strategic Objectives Inc. She is a graduate of The Richard Ivey School of Business at The University of Western Ontario.
Amy went to Camp Northland as a camper and a C.I.T. She is the mother of three girls, and together with her mother (also a Northland Alumni) and husband, they all attended Family Weekend in 2016. In 2018, her older two daughters will be participating in the Northland Experience2 program. Amy has already combined her passions for Camp Northland and for communications in spearheading an initiative for the camp to learn valuable insights from its key audiences, in order to develop an effective and ownable marketing strategy.
Kenneth Kirsh, Director (Board member since 2018)
Ken is a health care, real estate and tech executive with over 25 years’ experience. He has a Bachelor of Commerce and Finance degree from the University of Toronto, his Masters of Business Administration degree from York University and his Bachelor of Law degree from the University of Western Ontario. Ken is a member in good standing of the Law Society of Upper Canada (Ontario). Ken currently serves as the Chair of the Board of Directors for Closing the Gap Healthcare Group. Historically, he was the Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Gamma- Dynacare Medical Laboratories. On the real estate side of his career he is the Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of Sterling Silver Development Corporation. He is also on the Board of Directors of numerous other private corporations.
Ken served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Ontario Association of Medical Laboratories between 1995 and 2010 and was the Chairman for four years. Ken has served on the Board and Executive Committee of the Federation of Rental Providers of Ontario for the last eight years and is presently the Vice-Chairman. On the philanthropic front, Ken is on the Board of Directors of the UJA Golf Tournament that raises funds for special education. As well, Ken is a member of the Finance Committee of OCAD University.
Robyn Rabinowitz, Director (Board member since 2018)
Robyn Rabinowitz joined the PLAZACORP team in 2015, bringing with her an impressive background in residential land development including 13 years with Minto Communities in residential land development, plus 2 years with a top Bay Street law firm specializing in the areas of land use and municipal planning. For PLAZACORP, Robyn leads land development planning initiatives including matters relating to land acquisition, official plan and zoning approvals, soliciting building permits, condominium registration and more.
Outside of work, Robyn continues her passion for developing healthy urban environments by remaining active in industry organizations and government lobby groups, and is a member of Lambda Alpha International, Land Economics Society, Simcoe Chapter in Toronto. Robyn also volunteers her time mentoring students in the University of Toronto’s Masters in Planning program. In 2018, her daughters Marlowe and Ryann and son Jake will be attending Camp Northland.
