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 |
Stacey Cohen |
Immediate Past President |
Greg Evans |
President Elect |
Rick Carson |
Secretary |
Garry Wise |
Treasurer |
Hartley Cohen |
Director |
Elaine Lesniak |
Director |
Robyn Rabinowitz |
Director |
Neil Grunberg |
Director |
Ernie Gutstein |
Director |
Jordan Donsky |
Director |
Lynn Kirshin |
Director |
Amy Laski |
Director |
Sean Abenstein |
Director |
Ned Blinick |
Director |
Mathew Rosen |
Get to Know our 2021/2022 Board of Directors
Current Board of Directors
As at March 24, 2021
BIOGRAPHIES
1. Stacey Cohen, President (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 (who will be on staff in 2020) to carry on the Northland tradition. The values that have been learned from Camp Northland carry on in the Cohen household, as Hannah 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.
2. Greg Evans, Immediate Past-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 has 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.
3. Sean Abenstein, Director (Board member since 2020) -- Sean is a senior Sales, Operations and Valuation professional for one of North America’s most recognized sources for Recycling and Construction equipment. In his role as Commercial Sales Director and Equipment Specialist for Gensco Equipment Inc. and Gensco America, Sean is responsible for coordinating Sales and Strategic Marketing while supporting the company’s global vendor network. With close to 20 years of industry experience, Sean has garnered a reputation as a trusted source and consultant for small business and large corporations in a variety of industrial markets.
Prior to his career at Gensco, Sean provided Advisory Services in the areas of Corporate Restructuring, Asset Recovery and Asset Based Financing. Sean went to Camp Northland as a camper and went on to become a specialist on Water Ski, Canoe and Kayak, finishing off his camp experience as Head of Paddle Sports. He and his wife Nicky, who was also a camper and staff member at NBB, have three children, Noah, Madison and Tyler who are now campers at Northland. Sean is excited to join the Camp Council of Toronto and assist in the effort to promote camp, fundraise and carry out the goals of the Board. The friendships, life skills and personal development Sean engages on a daily basis can be credited to his experiences at Camp Northland. The camp has had a huge impact on shaping his life and goals.
In addition to balancing family, professional career and coaching minor sports, Sean sees the value of dedicating his spare time to helping Camp Northland B’nai Brith thrive. Although he brings a modern approach to overnight camping, he feels strongly about preserving its integrity of being a traditional and inclusive community based Jewish Camp that offers a diverse selection of programming and entertainment that children enjoy.
4. Ned Blinick, Director (Board member since 2020) -- Ned is a husband, grandfather, and father. In his personal life, Ned has fulfilled many roles as a Board Member of the Baycrest Foundation (4 years), past president of the Men’s Service Group (Baycrest), a loan officer at Free Loan Case (Federation). As a father Ned has coached his son’s baseball and hockey teams. Early in his career (1960s) Ned was a counsellor, Head of Land Sports (NBB Senior Camp), Section Head (NBB Junior Camp).
Ned Blinick is the Chief Product Officer and founding partner of Blinco Systems Inc., the developers of 3rdwave Global Sourcing, Logistics, Trade Compliance, and Distribution solutions.
Ned’s been a speaker at ICPA, CSCMP, the National Defense University, and published many blogs and articles about Trade Compliance, Transportation, and Global Supply Chain Management. His extensive 30+ years experience in global commerce, both as a practitioner and advisor ensures practical solutions to global commerce issues. He’s past President of one of the largest independently-owned food importer in Canada and was a Director of the Canadian Food Brokers’ Association. He has an exceptional grasp of the inherent complexities in the global supply chain and the ways to simplify processes and drive value.
5. Rick Carson, President-Elect (Board member since 2016) -- Rick 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.
6. Hartley Cohen CPA, CA, Treasurer (Board member since 2018) -- Hartley has been with KRP LLP 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 available expertise, 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, corporate and personal tax planning. He continues publish articles and present seminars on topics including financial reporting, business acquisitions, taxation and succession planning primarily to the banking industry.
Passionate about charitable work and community engagement, Hartley devotes much of his time to Toronto’s Jewish community. He is a past President of Beth David B’nai Israel Beth Am congregation, where he served on the board as an executive and treasurer for more than 20 years. He is also former treasurer of the Jewish Vocational Services of Greater Toronto.
Hartley is a board member and treasurer of Toronto Standard Condominium Corporation No.
1526 and is currently a board member and treasurer of the Jewish Camp Council. 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 an avid golfer who will take his friends and clients up on any opportunity to hit the links.
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.
7. 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.
8. Ernie Gutstein, Director (Board member since 2018) -- Ernie was born in Buenos Aires Argentina. He immigrated 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.
9. 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 2019, her older two daughters have attended camp the Northland. 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 own able marketing strategy.
10. Robyn Rabinowitz, Director (Board member since 2018) -- Robyn 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, and Simcoe Chapter in Toronto. Robyn also volunteers her time mentoring students in the University of Toronto’s Masters in Planning program. In 2019, her daughters Marlowe and Ryann and son Jake will be attending Camp Northland.
11. Mathew Rosen, Director (Board member since 2020) -- Matt is a seasoned financial executive with an extensive background in a range of industries including media (magazine publishing and online advertising), retail, wholesale and manufacturing. Offering expertise in strategic planning, budgeting, internal controls, accounting system implementation, financial management and reporting, treasury and financing. Specializing in start-up business financing and strategy, as well as corporate takeover planning and financing from conception to completion, for more well-established companies. Has worked through five major mergers and acquisitions in his career, and in recent years, has personally executed equity fundraising for company growth through his network of private and institutional investors and offering solid decision making, and financial and focused leadership.
At GTA Trees, Mathew does sales, marketing, financing and accounting. In his private CPA practice, Mathew offers accounting and advisory services, acting as a fractional CFO for a venture fund plus working with individuals who require private accounting and financial advice.
Along with his son Jason, they operate a tree maintenance company. They remove, prune and plant trees in the urban forest of the city. Specializing in residential and commercial properties, helping the owners enhance their property values by ensuring their trees are safe, healthy and properly fitting onto their property. Everything from pruning trees away from the roof, to removing dangerous and unwanted trees, their crews have the experience and equipment to properly perform the tree maintenance you require.
Mathew is Northland Alumni and his children both attended Camp Northland as well as Camp Tamarack in Michigan. Mathew is currently on the Jewish Camp Council Budget and finance committee. He has volunteered on the Banquet in the City sub committee (Alumni/Fundraising). Attended many alumni and friends’ weekends at camp in recent years. Has been a key fundraiser and has introduced a number of donors to the camp and the board.
12. Garry Wise, Director (Board Member since 2019) – Garry was born in Toronto, and graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School in 1984. He was called to the Ontario Bar in 1986. He founded Wise Law Office in 1986. He has completed advanced training in Family Law Mediation and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. Garry’s Toronto law practice focuses primarily in the areas of Employment Law, Family Law, Civil Litigation, Personal Injury litigation, Estate litigation and Small Business Consultation. Garry J. Wise currently serves as Chair of the Legal Committee of the Jewish Camp Council of Toronto. He is a prior Chairman, Legal Affairs and Advocacy Committee, Big Sisters Association of Ontario, where he also served as a member of the Executive Committee for two years.
He is primary contributor to the award-winning Wise Law Blog, and was named in 2017 to the Canadian Law Blog Awards Hall of Fame. Garry has contributed to Bar-eX News, SlawTips, Huffington Post, CCH Labour & Law Newsletter, Canadian Bar Association’s Solo and Small Firm Addendum, Divorce Magazine and CCH Canadian Family Law Guide. He has been a Continuing Legal Education presenter on social media, legal ethics, Web 2.0 and security issues, and has been featured in the National Post, Toronto Star, LawPro Magazine, Lawyer’s Weekly, Canadian Lawyer Magazine, CCH Student E-Monthly and Toronto’s Now Magazine.
Applying his interest in new technologies, Garry has developed Wise Law Pro, a law office practice management tool, as well as WiseLii, Canada’s Mobile Legal Research Tool, an iPhone app that was in service from 2012-2018. Garry was a camper from ages 9 through 15, worked on kitchen staff at Parry Sound under Franz and Norbert and then was a counsellor for three summers in the 70’s and early 80’s.
13. Elaine Lesniak, Director (Elected – March 24, 2021) -- Elaine was born in Montréal and got her BSW from McGill University and her MSW from Yeshiva University in New York. As a perpetual learner she has several diplomas in conflict resolution and negotiation and family mediation
As a camper she attended Camp Bnai Brith, Pine valley Camp and worked at Camp Robinson as counsellor.
Elaine has had a 30+ year history as a social worker working with children living in poverty and then with the geriatric population in rehab and with multi-ethnic groups. She taught gerontology at community colleges and has been a speaker at numerous conferences on the topic of ageing.
Following her passion for the arts she has held art shows and sales at her home and was on the museum committee at Baycrest hospital,
Elaine has been active in the community all her adult life, she was on the board of the Downtown JCC in the 1990s, she was on numerous committees there and on neighbourhood health committees and was active with the Narayaver Congregation.
Elaine has one son Ari who is currently working in Paris France at a banking start-up and enjoying skiing in the Swiss Alps.
14. Lynn Kirshin, - Director (Elected – March 24, 2021) -- Lynn Kirshin is a lawyer by training and is currently a Senior Policy Analyst in the Policy Department at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, the regulatory body for physicians in Ontario. She is responsible for developing and reviewing policies that set out legal obligations and professional expectations for physicians practicing in Ontario. Prior to joining the CPSO, she worked for 10 years at the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, in the areas of long-term care and health profession regulation.
Lynn spent 5 summers at Camp Northland as a camper in Parry Sound and Haliburton and has fond memories of camp life (especially tuck!). Lynn and her husband's family have many connections with Camp Northland with many family members spending their summers there. Her daughter went on a Weekender two years ago and is looking forward to continuing the Camp Northland tradition this summer.
15. Jordan Donsky, M.A., Director (Elected – March 24, 2021)--Jordan is Managing Partner of Donsky & Donsky Wealth Management Inc. After a successful career as a Psychotherapist, Management Consultant and founder of multiple businesses, Jordan has followed in his grandfather and fathers’ footsteps by joining his fathers’ successful life insurance practice. Similar to his father, he works closely with his clients always keeping their best interests in mind all the while determined to provide the best solutions to achieve clients’ financial needs, family security, legacy planning and charitable endeavours. Clients have described working with Jordan to be a stress free and incredibly valuable experience as he is very knowledgeable, forward thinking, creative, honest, hard working and a pleasure to deal with. His background affords him the uncanny ability to listen and empathize with clients on a deeper level in order to discern what they really want and need thereby following their motto... “Putting the needs of the client first”.
Dedicating his career to providing a full range of services and products with proven performance records, Jordan meets the needs of high-net-worth individuals, successful professionals, business owners and retirees. He focuses on tax-advantaged wealth accumulation and preservation strategies. They work closely with many other professionals (legal, accounting, tax) to ensure everybody is on the same page whether it relates to financial, estate or retirement planning goals, with a particular emphasis on achieving maximum tax benefits through insurance strategies and products.
Jordan lends his expertise and connections to a number of non for profit organizations as UJA,,to help with fundraising and is valuable member of the SickKids Professional Advisors Network. Having attended Northland as a camper in the 80’s (following his mother’s footsteps), and then again as a counsellor (swim staff and LTP counsellor), he knows all too well the incredible benefits and priceless experiences and friendships that Northland has given him and is committed to ensure others can reap the same benefits for generations to come.
As at March 24, 2021
BIOGRAPHIES
1. Stacey Cohen, President (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 (who will be on staff in 2020) to carry on the Northland tradition. The values that have been learned from Camp Northland carry on in the Cohen household, as Hannah 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.
2. Greg Evans, Immediate Past-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 has 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.
3. Sean Abenstein, Director (Board member since 2020) -- Sean is a senior Sales, Operations and Valuation professional for one of North America’s most recognized sources for Recycling and Construction equipment. In his role as Commercial Sales Director and Equipment Specialist for Gensco Equipment Inc. and Gensco America, Sean is responsible for coordinating Sales and Strategic Marketing while supporting the company’s global vendor network. With close to 20 years of industry experience, Sean has garnered a reputation as a trusted source and consultant for small business and large corporations in a variety of industrial markets.
Prior to his career at Gensco, Sean provided Advisory Services in the areas of Corporate Restructuring, Asset Recovery and Asset Based Financing. Sean went to Camp Northland as a camper and went on to become a specialist on Water Ski, Canoe and Kayak, finishing off his camp experience as Head of Paddle Sports. He and his wife Nicky, who was also a camper and staff member at NBB, have three children, Noah, Madison and Tyler who are now campers at Northland. Sean is excited to join the Camp Council of Toronto and assist in the effort to promote camp, fundraise and carry out the goals of the Board. The friendships, life skills and personal development Sean engages on a daily basis can be credited to his experiences at Camp Northland. The camp has had a huge impact on shaping his life and goals.
In addition to balancing family, professional career and coaching minor sports, Sean sees the value of dedicating his spare time to helping Camp Northland B’nai Brith thrive. Although he brings a modern approach to overnight camping, he feels strongly about preserving its integrity of being a traditional and inclusive community based Jewish Camp that offers a diverse selection of programming and entertainment that children enjoy.
4. Ned Blinick, Director (Board member since 2020) -- Ned is a husband, grandfather, and father. In his personal life, Ned has fulfilled many roles as a Board Member of the Baycrest Foundation (4 years), past president of the Men’s Service Group (Baycrest), a loan officer at Free Loan Case (Federation). As a father Ned has coached his son’s baseball and hockey teams. Early in his career (1960s) Ned was a counsellor, Head of Land Sports (NBB Senior Camp), Section Head (NBB Junior Camp).
Ned Blinick is the Chief Product Officer and founding partner of Blinco Systems Inc., the developers of 3rdwave Global Sourcing, Logistics, Trade Compliance, and Distribution solutions.
Ned’s been a speaker at ICPA, CSCMP, the National Defense University, and published many blogs and articles about Trade Compliance, Transportation, and Global Supply Chain Management. His extensive 30+ years experience in global commerce, both as a practitioner and advisor ensures practical solutions to global commerce issues. He’s past President of one of the largest independently-owned food importer in Canada and was a Director of the Canadian Food Brokers’ Association. He has an exceptional grasp of the inherent complexities in the global supply chain and the ways to simplify processes and drive value.
5. Rick Carson, President-Elect (Board member since 2016) -- Rick 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.
6. Hartley Cohen CPA, CA, Treasurer (Board member since 2018) -- Hartley has been with KRP LLP 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 available expertise, 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, corporate and personal tax planning. He continues publish articles and present seminars on topics including financial reporting, business acquisitions, taxation and succession planning primarily to the banking industry.
Passionate about charitable work and community engagement, Hartley devotes much of his time to Toronto’s Jewish community. He is a past President of Beth David B’nai Israel Beth Am congregation, where he served on the board as an executive and treasurer for more than 20 years. He is also former treasurer of the Jewish Vocational Services of Greater Toronto.
Hartley is a board member and treasurer of Toronto Standard Condominium Corporation No.
1526 and is currently a board member and treasurer of the Jewish Camp Council. 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 an avid golfer who will take his friends and clients up on any opportunity to hit the links.
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.
7. 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.
8. Ernie Gutstein, Director (Board member since 2018) -- Ernie was born in Buenos Aires Argentina. He immigrated 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.
9. 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 2019, her older two daughters have attended camp the Northland. 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 own able marketing strategy.
10. Robyn Rabinowitz, Director (Board member since 2018) -- Robyn 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, and Simcoe Chapter in Toronto. Robyn also volunteers her time mentoring students in the University of Toronto’s Masters in Planning program. In 2019, her daughters Marlowe and Ryann and son Jake will be attending Camp Northland.
11. Mathew Rosen, Director (Board member since 2020) -- Matt is a seasoned financial executive with an extensive background in a range of industries including media (magazine publishing and online advertising), retail, wholesale and manufacturing. Offering expertise in strategic planning, budgeting, internal controls, accounting system implementation, financial management and reporting, treasury and financing. Specializing in start-up business financing and strategy, as well as corporate takeover planning and financing from conception to completion, for more well-established companies. Has worked through five major mergers and acquisitions in his career, and in recent years, has personally executed equity fundraising for company growth through his network of private and institutional investors and offering solid decision making, and financial and focused leadership.
At GTA Trees, Mathew does sales, marketing, financing and accounting. In his private CPA practice, Mathew offers accounting and advisory services, acting as a fractional CFO for a venture fund plus working with individuals who require private accounting and financial advice.
Along with his son Jason, they operate a tree maintenance company. They remove, prune and plant trees in the urban forest of the city. Specializing in residential and commercial properties, helping the owners enhance their property values by ensuring their trees are safe, healthy and properly fitting onto their property. Everything from pruning trees away from the roof, to removing dangerous and unwanted trees, their crews have the experience and equipment to properly perform the tree maintenance you require.
Mathew is Northland Alumni and his children both attended Camp Northland as well as Camp Tamarack in Michigan. Mathew is currently on the Jewish Camp Council Budget and finance committee. He has volunteered on the Banquet in the City sub committee (Alumni/Fundraising). Attended many alumni and friends’ weekends at camp in recent years. Has been a key fundraiser and has introduced a number of donors to the camp and the board.
12. Garry Wise, Director (Board Member since 2019) – Garry was born in Toronto, and graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School in 1984. He was called to the Ontario Bar in 1986. He founded Wise Law Office in 1986. He has completed advanced training in Family Law Mediation and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. Garry’s Toronto law practice focuses primarily in the areas of Employment Law, Family Law, Civil Litigation, Personal Injury litigation, Estate litigation and Small Business Consultation. Garry J. Wise currently serves as Chair of the Legal Committee of the Jewish Camp Council of Toronto. He is a prior Chairman, Legal Affairs and Advocacy Committee, Big Sisters Association of Ontario, where he also served as a member of the Executive Committee for two years.
He is primary contributor to the award-winning Wise Law Blog, and was named in 2017 to the Canadian Law Blog Awards Hall of Fame. Garry has contributed to Bar-eX News, SlawTips, Huffington Post, CCH Labour & Law Newsletter, Canadian Bar Association’s Solo and Small Firm Addendum, Divorce Magazine and CCH Canadian Family Law Guide. He has been a Continuing Legal Education presenter on social media, legal ethics, Web 2.0 and security issues, and has been featured in the National Post, Toronto Star, LawPro Magazine, Lawyer’s Weekly, Canadian Lawyer Magazine, CCH Student E-Monthly and Toronto’s Now Magazine.
Applying his interest in new technologies, Garry has developed Wise Law Pro, a law office practice management tool, as well as WiseLii, Canada’s Mobile Legal Research Tool, an iPhone app that was in service from 2012-2018. Garry was a camper from ages 9 through 15, worked on kitchen staff at Parry Sound under Franz and Norbert and then was a counsellor for three summers in the 70’s and early 80’s.
13. Elaine Lesniak, Director (Elected – March 24, 2021) -- Elaine was born in Montréal and got her BSW from McGill University and her MSW from Yeshiva University in New York. As a perpetual learner she has several diplomas in conflict resolution and negotiation and family mediation
As a camper she attended Camp Bnai Brith, Pine valley Camp and worked at Camp Robinson as counsellor.
Elaine has had a 30+ year history as a social worker working with children living in poverty and then with the geriatric population in rehab and with multi-ethnic groups. She taught gerontology at community colleges and has been a speaker at numerous conferences on the topic of ageing.
Following her passion for the arts she has held art shows and sales at her home and was on the museum committee at Baycrest hospital,
Elaine has been active in the community all her adult life, she was on the board of the Downtown JCC in the 1990s, she was on numerous committees there and on neighbourhood health committees and was active with the Narayaver Congregation.
Elaine has one son Ari who is currently working in Paris France at a banking start-up and enjoying skiing in the Swiss Alps.
14. Lynn Kirshin, - Director (Elected – March 24, 2021) -- Lynn Kirshin is a lawyer by training and is currently a Senior Policy Analyst in the Policy Department at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, the regulatory body for physicians in Ontario. She is responsible for developing and reviewing policies that set out legal obligations and professional expectations for physicians practicing in Ontario. Prior to joining the CPSO, she worked for 10 years at the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, in the areas of long-term care and health profession regulation.
Lynn spent 5 summers at Camp Northland as a camper in Parry Sound and Haliburton and has fond memories of camp life (especially tuck!). Lynn and her husband's family have many connections with Camp Northland with many family members spending their summers there. Her daughter went on a Weekender two years ago and is looking forward to continuing the Camp Northland tradition this summer.
15. Jordan Donsky, M.A., Director (Elected – March 24, 2021)--Jordan is Managing Partner of Donsky & Donsky Wealth Management Inc. After a successful career as a Psychotherapist, Management Consultant and founder of multiple businesses, Jordan has followed in his grandfather and fathers’ footsteps by joining his fathers’ successful life insurance practice. Similar to his father, he works closely with his clients always keeping their best interests in mind all the while determined to provide the best solutions to achieve clients’ financial needs, family security, legacy planning and charitable endeavours. Clients have described working with Jordan to be a stress free and incredibly valuable experience as he is very knowledgeable, forward thinking, creative, honest, hard working and a pleasure to deal with. His background affords him the uncanny ability to listen and empathize with clients on a deeper level in order to discern what they really want and need thereby following their motto... “Putting the needs of the client first”.
Dedicating his career to providing a full range of services and products with proven performance records, Jordan meets the needs of high-net-worth individuals, successful professionals, business owners and retirees. He focuses on tax-advantaged wealth accumulation and preservation strategies. They work closely with many other professionals (legal, accounting, tax) to ensure everybody is on the same page whether it relates to financial, estate or retirement planning goals, with a particular emphasis on achieving maximum tax benefits through insurance strategies and products.
Jordan lends his expertise and connections to a number of non for profit organizations as UJA,,to help with fundraising and is valuable member of the SickKids Professional Advisors Network. Having attended Northland as a camper in the 80’s (following his mother’s footsteps), and then again as a counsellor (swim staff and LTP counsellor), he knows all too well the incredible benefits and priceless experiences and friendships that Northland has given him and is committed to ensure others can reap the same benefits for generations to come.
