The ALS Society of Canada (ALS Canada) welcomes four new members to its Board of Directors this year: Mike Etuhoko from Alberta, Rob Reading from British Columbia, and Sharon Ranalli and Matthew Rotenberg from Ontario. ALS Canada’s Board of Directors is comprised of volunteers from diverse backgrounds who have come together to ensure that ALS Canada is well-governed and that donor dollars are maximized to serve our charitable purpose.
Mike Etuhoko
Mike is a professional engineer (P.Eng.) registered in Alberta, a certified project management professional (PMP), and holds a Competent Boards designation on climate and biodiversity (CCB.D). He earned a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, an M.Sc. in Petroleum Engineering from IFP School, France, an MBA from Warwick Business School, United Kingdom, and a Sloan M.Sc. in Leadership and Strategy from London Business School, United Kingdom. With more than 30 years of experience in the global energy sector, he is currently the CEO and founder of Protekz Inc. and is involved in healthcare and community development initiatives. Recently, he enhanced his board readiness through the executive board readiness program offered by the Board Diversity Network and Ted Rogers School of Management.
Mike is eager to bring his broad experiences to the Board and continue the momentum of the organization:
“I am deeply impressed by the opportunity to cultivate collaboration, drive innovation through research, and expand capacity towards transforming ALS from a terminal to a treatable disease. It is part of my goals of making the world a better place,” says Mike.
Sharon Ranalli
A graduate of Carleton University with a combined degree in Sociology and Law, Sharon also holds a Certificate in Strategic Communications Management from Ithaca College and Executive Certificates in Marketing and Strategic Leadership from Queen’s University. Sharon has also completed Finance for Senior Executives from Harvard University Business School and the University of Toronto-Rotman School of Management Not-for-Profit ICD Governance Essentials Certificate. Currently, Sharon holds the national role of Vice-President of Marketing and Communications with Chartwell Retirement Residences and had previously spent 15 years involved in all three levels of government as a political advisor and served on several Boards.
Sharon shared that she’s had many fulfilling not-profit volunteer Board roles and experiences, but that ALS Canada provides her with the opportunity to honour her aunt and godmother:
“I was looking for a way to contribute further to a health organization that had personal meaning to me,” says Sharon. “ALS Canada is meaningful not only in light of my family losing a loved one to this horrible disease but also in the incredible advocacy, research, and support they provide to people living with the disease and in the collective hope for a world free of ALS.”
Rob Reading
Rob has degrees in Management Information Systems, Finance, and Chartered Accounting from McGill University and Concordia University. An experienced finance professional and Chartered Accountant (CPA, CA), Rob currently serves as the Director of Accounting at Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc., mentors young professionals, and is involved in community boards and initiatives.
Rob’s desire to join ALS Canada’s Board of Directors is deeply personal and rooted in his close encounter with the disease:
“ALS has impacted my community, touching the lives of a family member, a beloved family friend, a fellow McGill football team alumnus, and the mother of a friend, all of whom have battled this devastating disease,” says Rob. “Having planned to dedicate more time to volunteering as my children reached school age, I am eager to leverage my professional skills to advance ALS Canada’s mission. It would be an honour to contribute to shaping strategies that enhance support for people affected by ALS and to drive initiatives that offer real, impactful change.”
Matthew Rotenberg
Beginning his career as a CPA and CA, Matthew has practiced as a public accountant and has held several private sector executive management roles in finance and leadership. Throughout the last 21 years, Matthew has been CEO of Fresenius Kabi Canada, the Canadian subsidiary of a global pharmaceutical and medical device company, and CEO of Calea, a provider of home infusion and medical supply services across Canada.
As an executive leader who has spent much of his career focused on patient care, Matthew is eager to apply his skills to support the ALS community:
“For two decades, I have led a service company [Calea] that provides clinical nutrition, IV medications, and medical supplies to patients in their homes across Canada. I value what effective community care can bring to the lives of patients and was drawn to ALS by the complex needs of its clients. Caring for life has been at the core of my career, and I want to help,” says Matthew. “As a business executive, I hope that the breadth of my experience can help ALS Canada continue to grow and achieve its strategic objectives.”
ALS Canada’s Board of Directors is grounded and informed by the challenges and complexities of living with ALS. Its approach to governance is rooted in working together to improve the lives of people affected by ALS through support, advocacy, and investment in research contributing towards a world free of ALS.
The ALS Society of Canada (ALS Canada) acknowledges with great admiration and gratitude the contributions of four members of the ALS Canada Board of Directors, whose terms are ending this year. Thank you, Laura Gay, Jude Groves, Patrick Nelson, and Dr. Michael Spivock, for your unwavering dedication, leadership, and guidance throughout your time with us.
Laura Gay
Bringing her expertise as a Chartered Professional Accountant and Partner at Stern Cohen Accountants, specializing in audit and tax guidance for non-profits and charitable organizations, Laura became an invaluable Board member since joining in 2017. In 2018, she was appointed Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee, and we are grateful that she will continue in an advisory role. Her contributions were crucial during the challenging economic times throughout COVID-19 and as the organization continues to navigate a post-pandemic landscape.
Jude Groves
As a leader in health and safety within the transportation industry and serving as the Vice-President of Safety, Compliance, Injury Prevention, and Training for the Kenan Advantage Group, Jude brought his experience in leadership when he joined the organization in 2022. Jude’s commitment to community extends beyond his professional life; joining the organization was a meaningful way to honour his father who faced an ALS diagnosis and have an impact in supporting people affected by the disease and their families.
Patrick Nelson
Inspired by his mother’s legacy of volunteerism, who sadly passed away from ALS in 2014, Patrick brought his passion for advocacy to our Board in 2017, eventually serving as Chair from 2021 to 2022. As a Partner and Principal at Santis Health, his expertise in government relations and strategic communications has been pivotal in amplifying our advocacy efforts for equitable access to drugs and crucial funding for individuals and families affected by ALS. Patrick’s deep connection with the ALS community has profoundly influenced his commitment to our cause, driving meaningful change and support for those in need.
“Community events and advocacy days stand out the most, and I was privileged to meet our ALS community,” says Patrick. “Their courage and determination was always a stark reminder of why ALS Canada exists and why the work that we do is so important. Whether it be through research to end this disease, advocating for faster access to drugs, or making life easier for people living with ALS, this work is tremendously important.”
Dr. Michael (Mike) Spivock
Despite a background in public health and “having more degrees than a thermometer,” his father often teased, it was the feeling of helplessness while watching his father’s journey and tragically passing away from ALS in 2016 that inspired Michael to get involved with ALS Canada. Initially, joining as a member of the ALS Community Services Advisory Council in 2017 and eventually the Board in 2018. With an 18-year career in public service with the Canadian Federal Government, he has successfully engaged his colleagues in building awareness and leveraging employee giving programs to raise funds for the organization. Additionally, he has been involved in rallying MPPs to garner support for the Provincial ALS Program in Ontario.
“The ALS Day of Action at Queen’s Park in February 2024 was a highlight for me,” says Michael. “Not only was it a monumental day to be involved in, but it represented how far the organization has matured in its advocacy efforts. Being a part of ALS Canada taking its rightful place at the table, arriving with a clear and realistic request, speaking to MPPs about it, and seeing their reactions – I had a sense that whether or not we received everything we were asking for, it was a watershed moment for the organization.”
These departing Board members have been influential in moving our organization forward while ensuring we continue to uphold our mission and keep the person living with ALS at the centre of our work.
Thank you, Laura, Jude, Patrick, and Michael, for contributing to a world free of ALS.
This National Volunteer Week (April 14 – 20), ALS Canada wishes to recognize, celebrate, and thank our incredible volunteers who support our mission, raise funds, and help work toward a world free of ALS.
This year’s theme is Every Moment Matters, something our community knows well. We’re grateful for every moment our volunteers spend positively impacting the lives of people living with ALS and their families. From everyone at ALS Canada, we thank you!
As part of our celebration, we are pleased to highlight a few volunteers contributing to our mission and community.
Steve Azmier, administrative support volunteer
“When I started my volunteer career, I was looking for causes to support and a group of passionate people to engage with. Thankfully, I have found both with ALS Canada,” says Steve. “A wonderful team to work with, and a cause with people who need our support. It has enabled me to find a ‘softer and more benevolent side’ of my personality. For that, I am grateful as I continue a more spiritual journey. I hope we can find a cure in our time.”
Alyssa Barry, member of ALS Canada’s Board of Directors
“I admire the quiet strength and resilience of people living with ALS, and they inspire me to contribute to a future without the disease,” says Alyssa. “The organization embodies empathy and community. The team at ALS Canada has an unwavering commitment and compassion to support people affected by ALS. Their tireless efforts to raise awareness about ALS is truly an inspiration.”
Erica Daly, member of ALS Canada’s Walk to End ALS Volunteer Committee
“I’ve always been a big believer in the power of community, and ALS Canada’s community is strong. My Dad was diagnosed with ALS almost four years ago during the height of the COVID-19 lockdown. Despite the forced isolation at the time, ALS Canada offered a network of support and resources to begin navigating life as a family living with ALS,” says Erica. “Since then, we have participated annually in the Walk to End ALS and Revolution Ride fundraisers, and I am now a volunteer member of the Walk to End ALS event committee. While I know there is little I can do to change my family’s current situation, I know that I can at least be a part of the community fighting for the change that will one day become a reality.”
Thank you to all of our volunteers who, in 2023, contributed a combined 4,817 hours to supporting ALS Canada and our community.
Find out more information about volunteering at ALS Canada here: https://als.ca/take-action/.