Board of Directors

Chair

Phil Lanzarotta

Phil Lanzarotta is a partner at Barocco Coffee Co. Ltd., providing turn-key coffee solutions to premium cafés, hotels, and restaurants across the GTA. With extensive executive experience in the food and logistics industry, he also actively serves on several community boards and committees.

Vice Chair

Elissa Freeman

Elissa Freeman is a veteran PR and media strategist known for shaping powerful narratives in both public relations and pop culture. With over 25 years of experience across government, healthcare, corporate and nonprofit sectors, she is also a regular media commentator and co-founder of The Leadership Express.

Treasurer

Louisa Poon

Louisa Poon is a financial consultant at Cardinal Health, contributing to a major US$2B divestiture project and supporting key operational transitions. With a strong background in finance and systems across multiple industries, she also actively serves the community through health center audit committees and volunteer tax programs.

Director

Edward Lau

Edward Lau has over 20 years of service supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities and has served on multiple Community Living boards across the GTA. As co-founder of the ME & Lau Family Foundation, he has been recognized with prestigious honours, including the King Charles III Coronation Medal and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Director

Paula Fernandes

Paula Fernandes is a senior human resources executive with over 15 years of experience advising CEOs and Boards in regulated and growth-oriented organizations. As Chief Human Resources Officer at Haventree Bank, she leads human capital strategy, culture, and governance, and is a trusted advisor on executive compensation, succession planning, and organizational effectiveness.

Director

Surjit Sachdev

Surjit Sachdev is the President of Anand Vihar – The Centre for Dignified Living, a charity focused on affordable housing for people with disabilities, caregivers, and seniors. A retired professional engineer with experience across Canada’s steel and mining industries.

Director

Raymond Ang

Raymond Ang has a strong background in designing and implementing technology solutions for health care and social services, beginning from his time as a student. His focus on both product development and improving team methodologies has led to award-winning results and increased organizational effectiveness.

Secretary

Carmela Campanella-Borraccia

Carmela Campanella-Borraccia has over 20 years of experience in developmental services with a specialization in Autism Spectrum Disorder, supporting individuals with complex needs in skill development and employment readiness. 

Director

Tahir Shafiq

Tahir Shafiq is a Senior Business Executive, Management Consultant, and professional engineer with over 25 years of global leadership experience, including roles at L3 Harris and Raytheon Technologies. He has served on multiple community boards—most notably York Region Children’s Aid Society.

Director

Kevin Greenfield

Kevin Greenfield has been involved with Community Living York South since 1997 through business ventures, volunteer work, and participation in the External Rights and Review Committee. A Richmond Hill resident who enjoys sports and community events, he is excited to join the Board of Directors and continue his long-standing connection to CLYS.

Director

Sameer Gupta

Sameer Sagar Gupta, CPA is a finance and reporting professional with over 11 years of experience in financial reporting, controllership, and accounting policy across Canada and India. He has held progressive roles with organizations including PricewaterhouseCoopers, Unicorn startups, Apex Group Ltd and Big Al’s Distribution. 

Director

Vince Gennaro

Vince Gennaro is President of Canex Contracting and an active member of the York Region business community, balancing leadership with family and community involvement since 2006. He contributes to several local initiatives, including the Richmond Hill Bocce and Seniors Club and the Mental Health in Motion cycling team.

Director

Alex Thong

Alex has a wide range of expertise within the HR field including; labour relations, recruitment and retention, risk mitigation, organizational development, talent management, and knowledge of relevant legislation (ESA, AODA, WSIB, etc.) both in a unionized and non-union environment. He hopes to utilize a thoughtful and collaborative people-centered approach to assist CLYS in strengthening governance, guide strategy, and support long‑term sustainability.