Alex Lowy is a seasoned strategy advisor, writer and educator. For the last 12 years, he has taught courses in critical thinking and problem solving at a number of business schools in Toronto, Hamilton and the Maritimes. He has written and/or co-authored four business books that tackle questions of best practices in complex circumstances. Two of these examine the implications of evolving digital technologies for organizational strategy and effectiveness. He has worked extensively in both the public and private sectors, and for 10 years helped to create and lead a digital economy think tank called the Alliance for Converging Technologies. Alex has served on several boards, including his local Jewish community, The Danforth Jewish Circle, and, The Canadian Psychiatric Research Foundation. He is delighted to be able to contribute to the important and timely work of Neshama as Secretary of the Board of Directors.

Lisa Draper has been involved with Community Philanthropy in a leadership capacity for many years. She is passionate about philanthropy and is committed to the Jewish community’s strength and success. Lisa has held numerous leadership roles at UJA Federation of Greater Toronto and in the general community, including Chair of the Jewish Foundation Of Greater Toronto, Chair of UJA Federation Annual Campaign and has served as a member of the board of UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, Sinai Health Foundation, Save a Child’s Heart and Israel Bonds, Women’s Division, CIJA Toronto and Baycrest Foundation. Lisa is married to Philip Draper, and has 3 grown children and is a proud grandmother of 5.

Sally Szuster is a communications executive with more than 25 years experience of supporting not-for-profit organizations. Through traditional and digital storytelling, she inspires deeper stakeholder engagement and strengthens brand reputation. She is currently Director of Communications at Victoria University in the University of Toronto. She previously served as Vice-President, Communications for the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and held roles at Mount Sinai Hospital, part of Sinai Health System, UJA Federation of Greater Toronto and The National Ballet of Canada.

A seasoned not-for-profit executive, Dena has worked for a number of Jewish organizations, including 10 years at UJA Federation, and is currently the Chief Strategy Officer of the Azrieli Foundation. She has served on various community boards, including Beth Tzedec Congregation, where she was Chair of the Board. Dena has an MSW and a Certificate in Jewish Communal Service from Yeshiva University.

Richard Cummings retired in 2016 as executive director of Jewish Family and Child Service of Greater Toronto after a 40-year career working with children and families. Prior to his ten years at Jewish Family & Child, Richard spent 18 years at Integra Foundation, a children’s mental health centre in Toronto. Twelve of those years were spent as executive director. Richard has extensive governance and volunteer experience. He was a member and then president of the Board of Directors of Jewish Family and Child Service, prior to his tenure as executive director. His current and recent activities include support to Mt. Sinai Hospital, Holy Blossom Temple Foundation, Psychology Foundation of Canada, University of Toronto’s Factor Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, Reitman Centre for Alzheimer’s Support and Training and Native Child and Family Services of Toronto (NCFST), where he serves on the Executive Committee. Richard received his Ph.D. in Education from the University of Toronto in 1985. Richard is grateful for the opportunity to support the important, compassionate work of Neshama Hospice.