I Learn Who I am as I Take Each Step Forward - Come, Walk with Me
I consider myself a collaborator and builder. Working as a leader and member of high-performance teams, I have created tremendous capabilities at financial institutions across Canada and in the U.S. I have been a Chief Risk Officer and a Chief Executive Officer.
​
I also consider myself a creator. I have taken many beautiful photographs, co-authored a book on strategy and risk, and have embarked on a discovery of writing fiction. Every photo you find on this site will be one of mine and in my blog posts you will find links to my books.
All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by the frost.
J.R.R. Tolkien
Live a Life of Discovery
Career Experience
Explorer – Writer, Photographer and Random Philosopher
Ever and anon
I write about what I know, experience and wonder about. This includes notes to my grandchildren, a published nonfiction book, poor poetry and crime fiction.
​
My photographs are taken primarily when travelling although I do have a few still live projects.
​
I am a philosopher in the sense that think about how things work and what that means.
Chief Executive Officer, PACE Savings & Credit Union
2020 - 2022
I undertook the challenge of rescuing PACE from its legacy governance issues. I created employee and membership engagement plans, improved governance and control processes and capabilities, and a successful Capital Recovery Plan.
​
Alternal Savings & Credit Union has recognized the success of these efforts and has purchased most of PACE's assets and offered employment to all PACE employees. PACE, as a credit union, no longer exists.
Chief Risk Officer, Central 1 Credit Union
2014 - 2019
In this role, I built a strong risk function and with this exceptional team, built appropriate and well-regarded risk capabilities. Through these actions and the development of a strong relationship with the regulator, overcame the many difficulties faced by Central 1.
Previous Career Positions
1984 - 2014
Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer, Global Risk Institute in Financial Services
Head of Balance Sheet and Capital Management, American Express Company, New York, NY (2004 - 2006)
Senior Vice President, Integrated Risk, Bank of Montreal, Toronto (2001 - 2004)
Vice President and Head, Market and Capital at Risk Policy, Bank of Montreal, Toronto (1998 - 2001)
Director / Managing Director, Global Market Risk, Bank of Montreal, Toronto (1994 – 1998)
Senior Advisor, Risk Management, Business Systems Management (1991 – 1994); Director, Loan Syndications and Trading (1989 – 1991); and Management Development Pogram (1988 – 1989), Bank of Montreal, Toronto
Manager, Financial Consulting, Data Resources Inc. Canada, Toronto (1985 – 1987)
Commercial Banking Representative, Continental Bank of Canada (1984 – 1985)