HomeGuides the board of directors on corporate issues and strategies; approves projects and transactions; and reviews the NCC’s corporate plan, operating and capital budgets, financial statements and annual report.
Members
Russell Mills
Chair
Ottawa, Ontario
Russell Mills was appointed Chair of the National Capital Commission's board of directors on April 30, 2007. He has been very active in both the newspaper industry and the Ottawa community. He is currently Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Media and Design at Algonquin College. Beginning in the mid-1960s, Russell Mills worked for several years as a reporter for the London Free Press and the Oshawa Times. In 1971, he joined the Ottawa Citizen, as copy editor. Over the years, he was promoted to various editorial positions, later becoming editor of the paper, then general manager and finally publisher. In 1989, Russell Mills became president of Southam Newspaper Group, with responsibility for all of Southam's daily and weekly newspapers. In 2002, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Carleton University and, in 2002-2003, was a Nieman Fellow at Harvard University. He is currently chair of the board of Opera Lyra Ottawa, vice-chair of the Ottawa Health Research Institute and chief judge of the Michener Award for public service journalism. He also serves on the boards of the Ottawa Symphony, the Canadian Battlefields Foundation, ABC Canada and the International Press Institute.
Marie Lemay
Chief Executive Officer
Chelsea, Quebec
In January 2008, Marie Lemay became chief executive officer (CEO) of the National Capital Commission (NCC), the first to occupy this position since the role of chair and CEO was split into two positions. As CEO, Ms. Lemay is responsible for ensuring that the NCC fulfills its mandate. She also serves as the NCC’s principal spokesperson, and is poised to lead the organization into a new era of effective community partnership within Canada’s Capital. Ms. Lemay is a professional engineer: she graduated from the University of Ottawa (1983), is a member of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec (OIQ) and Professional Engineers Ontario, and a fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering. As an engineer, she served the City of Gatineau (1986 to 1995), first as a project manager involved in infrastructure and new city developments, and later as chief of the project development division. Ms. Lemay also worked for the Municipality of Chelsea (1995 to 2000), initially as director of technical services and subsequently as director general. She has gained a national perspective during her career by living, travelling and working in Canada, notably during her seven years as CEO of Engineers Canada, a national organization that represents some 160,000 engineers and 12 provincial and territorial regulatory bodies. In 2005, Gatineau’s Chamber of Commerce named Ms. Lemay Engineer of the Year and presented her with the Excelor 2005 award for her contribution to the social and economic development of the region. In 2006, the OIQ presented her with the Mérite du Conseil interprofessionnel du Québec to honour her outstanding service as an ambassador for her profession. Ms. Lemay has also contributed to the community in the Capital region as a volunteer, through engagement in her family’s extracurricular activities, and as president of the University of Ottawa’s Engineering Students’ Society and vice-president of the Association des ingénieurs municipaux du Québec.
Eric MacKenzie
Fredericton, New Brunswick
Eric MacKenzie is a community leader, former Progressive Conservative Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for New Brunswick (1999 to 2003), and former high school teacher. With more than 40 years' experience, he has demonstrated expertise in areas such as leadership, negotiation, partnership building, project development and management, and fundraising. His numerous achievements include spearheading the initiative to create the New Brunswick Provincial Capital Commission, fostering multi-level government cooperation for provincial infrastructure projects, and initiating and directing heritage and memorial projects. Mr. MacKenzie is currently a member of the United Services Institute and for the last two years has been a director of Partners for Youth, a non-profit organization providing at-risk youth with activity-based programming. He has a Master of Education, and is past director of the New Brunswick Teachers Federation and the New Brunswick Teachers Association, and was member of numerous associated teachers' and educational committees. Eric MacKenzie has also been recognized with a gold award from the United Way of Greater Fredericton, and in June 2002, he was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal.
Frieda Marlselos
Fort Smith, Northwest Territories
Ms. Martselos owns and operates two private companies, Martselos Services Ltd., in the food industry, and Grand de Tour Developments Ltd., involved in leasing and holding properties in the Fort Smith area. She has been advocating for the NWT and Fort Smith for more than 30 years and was a member of the former Aboriginal Economic Development National Board. Ms. Martselos has served as Vice Chairperson of the Fort Smith Health Board of Directors, a Director of the Board of Governors for Aurora College, a Director of Uncle Gabe’s Friendship Center, President of the Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce, a Director of the NWT Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the Business Credit Corporation of the NWT, and is currently Chairperson of the Save the Cathedral Committee.
Jason M. Sordi
Richmond Hill, Ontario
Jason Sordi is a strategic communicator with extensive experience in community leadership, public relations, fundraising and advocacy work. His expertise in targeted outreach has involved a diverse range of stakeholders, such as corporations, associations, community groups, government and media. A dynamic team leader and project manager, his expertise includes the development and implementation of numerous events and programs. Currently senior account manager in commercial financial services with RBC Financial Group, he also is an active member of the community, and has a strong interest in government, civil and business matters. He serves on several boards of directors, which include the Columbus Centre of Toronto, the National Congress of Italian Canadians (Toronto District), where he is currently the president of the board, the Vitanova Foundation and the Canadian Italian Business and Professional Association of Toronto.