Board of Directors

Kevin Whyte
Chair
Job Title: Lead, Government and Stakeholder Relations, Alectra Energy Solutions
Biography: Kevin leads government and stakeholder relations for Alectra’s commercial wing; Alectra Energy Solutions. Previously, at Alectra, he led Federal Government Relations for Alectra Utilities. A life-long Hamilton resident, Kevin started his career working for Habitat for Humanity Halton-Mississauga in ReStore procurement and government relations roles. Kevin holds a B.A. (hons.) in business communications from Brock University, which included a one year exchange to the University of Tampere in Finland, a Master’s degree in international politics and security from the University of Dundee in Scotland, and has a MBA from McMaster University, in which he completed on the Dean’s Honour List.

Jennica Gahan
Vice-Chair
Job Title: Manager, Operational Performance, Losani Homes
Biography: Jennica is the Manager of Operational Performance at Losani Homes. In this role, she is responsible for the alignment of homebuilder operations including production, design, contracts, and accounting.  Jennica obtained her Master of Business Administration degree from McMaster University and her Bachelor of Management and Organizational Studies degree from Western University. She has also earned a post-graduate certificate in Construction Estimating from Conestoga College. Jennica’s love for construction and homebuilding grew after completing two Collegiate Challenges for Habitat for Humanity during her undergrad. She also served as a ReStore Volunteer in Burlington before relocating to Hamilton where she is an active member of her community and enjoys playing soccer and golf.

Mike Yamamoto
Treasurer
Job Title: Business Centre Manager, Business Development Bank of Canada
Biography: Mike Yamamoto is the Business Centre Manager for the Business Development Bank of Canada in Hamilton/ Brantford, a financial institution devoted to Canadian entrepreneurs. Prior to joining BDC, Mike spent over 20 years working in various roles with RBC and FirstOntario Credit Union, with the majority of this time spent in Hamilton. Mike holds a Honours Bachelor of Commerce Degree from McMaster University.  He has also served as Treasurer of The Rotary Club of Hamilton and The St. Leonard’s Society of Hamilton.

Sue Ramsay
Past Chair
Job Title: General Manager, Hamilton-Halton Construction Association
Biography: Sue Ramsay is the General Manager of the Hamilton Halton Construction Association (HHCA), a not-for-profit organization that serves the needs of non-residential construction employers in the Hamilton and Burlington area.  Prior to joining the HHCA, Sue spent more than eight years with the Council of Ontario Construction Associations serving as Manager of Operations & Communications. Sue holds a BA in Communications from Brock University and a Post Graduate Certificate in Public Relations from Humber College.

Chrissy Walker
Board Member
Job Title: Real Estate Agent, Re/Max Escarpment
Biography: Chrissy Walker is a local Hamilton Real Estate Agent with Re/Max Escarpment serving the Hamilton and Niagara Region. With 15 years of experience in the Real Estate Industry and a background as a Realtor and Mortgage Specialist, she also holds her Personal Financial Planner designation to provide robust advice to her clients. Chrissy understands the importance of housing & financial security, which is one of the many reasons why she volunteers with Habitat for Humanity Hamilton. She has had the fortunate opportunity to participate in multiple build days, and has also volunteered her time in support of Sagen’s “Meaning of Home” contest, raising thousands of dollars in support of Habitat for Humanity each year.

Stephen Gagne
Board Member
Job Title: Senior Engineer, Cycling and Pedestrian Projects, City of Toronto
Biography: Stephen is a Senior Engineer in the Transportation Services division at the City of Toronto. In this role he provides leadership to a team of Engineers and oversees the design and implementation of active transportation projects across Toronto. Stephen previously worked at the City of Hamilton for eight years where he started in the Engineering Services division then moved to the Transportation Operations & Maintenance division, where he spent three years as a Senior Project Manager in the Director’s Office. Over Stephen’s career he has advocated for and aided in embedding a culture of continuous improvement. He has a strong interest in active transportation and providing safe, comfortable complete streets – for all ages and abilities. Stephen grew up in Brampton, Ontario and lived there until moving to Hamilton to pursue his education. He holds two undergraduate degrees from McMaster University: an Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree and a Bachelor of Civil Engineering degree. He is a Professional Engineer (P. Eng.) with Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO). Stephen enjoys an active lifestyle and can be found walking or running along the trails in Hamilton in his spare time. His other hobbies include photography, travel, and ultimate frisbee. Stephen previously volunteered as a Big Brother.

Alana Crugnale
Board Member
Job Title: Partner, Mackesy Smye LLP.
Biography: Alana is a partner at Mackesy Smye LLP. Her practice concentrates on personal injury litigation resulting from motor vehicle accidents, slip and falls and long term disability claims. Alana is a member of the Hamilton Law Association, the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association and the Canadian Bar Association. She received her Honours Bachelor of Arts degree from McMaster University in 2006 and her LLB from the University of Ottawa in 2009. She was called to the Ontario bar in 2010. She is an active participant in seminars and events sponsored by the Hamilton Law Association and cares deeply about access to affordable housing.

Irene Deketele
Board Member
Job Title: Manager, Health & Safety, ArcelorMittal Dofasco
Biography: Irene is the Manager of Health & Safety at ArcelorMittal Dofasco, a Hamilton steel manufacturer since 1912.  Dofasco has a people-first culture with a rich history of passionate volunteers and giving back to the community. Irene previously held positions in Engineering as well as Maintenance before moving to her present role. She has a Bachelor of Engineering from McMaster University and is a Professional Engineer in Ontario. Irene’s core values of honesty, caring and respect align with Habitat for Humanity principles in helping people to have safe and affordable housing. Irene is proud to live and work in the Hamilton area.  She is an avid cyclist, reader, traveler and enjoys an active lifestyle.

Rahima Nenshi
Board Member
Job Title: Associate Professor of Surgery, McMaster University
Biography: Dr. Nenshi is an Associate Professor of Surgery at McMaster University in the Division of General Surgery. She completed her medical and surgical training  at the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine at McMaster University and in the Department of Surgery in Toronto. She also completed a Master’s in Clinical Epidemiology. Dr. Nenshi’s clinical area of interest is in minimally invasive surgery and acute care surgery; She is the director of Acute Care Surgery at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton (SJHH). Dr. Nenshi is also currently the director of postgraduate education at SJHH, the academic lead for the division of perioperative medicine, co-chair of the city-wide Credentials committee, vice-president of the Medical Staff Association and a member of the national CANUCS executive. She is involved in local and national research in the fields of acute care surgery and peri-operative surgery, acting as co-PI on trials in acute care surgery, remote monitoring and virtual post operative patient care. She is a passionate advocate for equity and passionate about the social determinants of health which led her to join the Habitat team.

Katelyn Gillis
Board Member
Job Title: Senior Planner, T. Johns Consulting Group Ltd.
Biography: Katelyn is a Senior Planner at T. Johns Consulting Group, an urban planning, design, and project management firm. In this role, she is responsible for leading a multitude of residential, commercial, industrial and institutional development approvals from affordable housing infill projects to major employment subdivisions. Katelyn obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Dalhousie University with a double major in International Development Studies and Environmental & Social Sustainability. Following her time in Halifax, Katelyn returned home to Hamilton and completed her Urban and Regional Planning Technician Diploma at Mohawk College. Katelyn is an active member on the WestEnd Homebuilder Association’s Women in Industry Committee which focuses on broadening women’s voices at the table. Katelyn is deeply committed to addressing the social determinants of health through the urban landscape, including housing for all, making her well-aligned with Habitat Hamilton’s mission, vision, and values.

John Papakyriakou
Board Member
Job Title: Regional Manager Distribution Design, Hydro One
Biography: John Papakyriakou is an experienced leader in the energy sector, specializing in electrical distribution. Currently serving as the Regional Manager of Distribution Design at Hydro One, John leads a team of over 75 professionals. John earned an MBA with honors from McMaster University’s DeGroote School of Business and holds a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering from McGill University. John is a licensed Professional Engineer (P. Eng) and a certified Professional Project Manager (PMP). Beyond his professional role, he has served as a board member for other organizations. Having lived in Hamilton for over 25 years, John understands the local community and its needs. With a passion for innovation and a proven track record of leading change, John aspires to make a positive impact to Hamilton through affordable housing and providing innovative forward-thinking solutions.

Royston Goveas
Board Member
Job Title: Director, Real Estate & Leases – Samuel, Son & Co. Ltd
Biography: Royston is currently responsible for Real Estate & Leases with Samuel, Son & Co. Ltd (a large industrial products conglomerate) which has around 100 facilities across North America.  A seasoned supply chain manager, Royston has managed turnarounds and transitions across global manufacturing businesses. Recently, he was responsible for procurement at a global Tier 1 Automotive supplier. A native of Mumbai, India, Royston came to the United States as a foreign student. He has an undergraduate in Accounting & Finance from the University of Mumbai and an MBA from the University of Colorado, Denver. He first volunteered with Habitat in Kansas City, MO in 2000 and after a long break has resumed volunteering for Habitat in Hamilton.