Board of Directors
The Furniture Bank Board of Directors is composed of a diverse group of professionals with extensive experience in sustainability, ESG, business, finance, legal policy, and ecommerce. These experts bring a wealth of knowledge and skills in areas such as accounting, R&D tax incentives, business strategy, sustainability reporting, and community volunteerism. They are passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of others and are dedicated to scaling Furniture Bank’s impact across Canada. With this dynamic group at the helm, Furniture Bank is poised to continue its mission of providing furniture and home goods to those in need and creating a more equitable and sustainable future for all.
Bob Waterworth
Bob is a seasoned professional and a Partner in KPMG’s R&D Tax Incentives practice, leading a team of over 25 experts, including engineers, scientists, accountants, and tax professionals. He has been deeply involved in the nonprofit sector for many years, supporting organizations such as the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, the United Way Financial Literacy Pilot Program, the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Bob has been an integral part of Furniture Bank’s success for over a decade, playing an active role in volunteering, board participation and contributing to Furniture Bank’s progress and impact. He has seen firsthand the difference Furniture Bank makes in the lives of those in need, providing basic furnishings and a sense of dignity to families transitioning out of homelessness and into a stable home. With Bob’s expertise and passion, Furniture Bank is poised to continue providing meaningful support and improving the lives of countless individuals and families in need.
Tracy Lucato
Tracy is a CPA with a wealth of experience in providing professional services to clients. During her 30 years in Audit and Advisory services at Deloitte LLP, she helped public, private and not-for-profit organizations with a wide range of financial matters. Throughout her career, Tracy has worked with a diverse range of industries, including retail and consumer business, life sciences, transportation and logistics, and manufacturing.
At Furniture Bank, Tracy’s expertise in financial management has been invaluable in ensuring the organization’s resources are used effectively to bring comfort and hope to those in need. As the Treasurer of the Board of Directors, she has been instrumental in driving the financial sustainability of the organization, helping it to grow and expand its reach to more communities. Her commitment to making positive social, economic and environmental impacts has also been evident through previous volunteer work, including serving as the Vice-President and Treasurer of the Board of Directors of the Jean Tweed Centre. Tracy’s passion for giving back to her community and her dedication to Furniture Bank’s success make her a valuable asset to the organization.
Laurie Freudenberg
Laurie is a senior business leader and entrepreneur who brings a wealth of experience to the Furniture Bank Board. With executive roles at a global media services company, co-founding two digital start-ups, and now as the CEO of Mijem, a social networking and technology platform focused on college and university students, Laurie has a deep understanding of what it takes to drive impact and growth. But her passion for creating positive change extends beyond just her professional life – she’s been an active member of the nonprofit community for years. As former chair of White Ribbon and a passionate supporter of organizations like Global Sanctuary for Elephants, Laurie knows the importance of using one’s skills and resources to give back. Over the last few years, she has brought that same energy and drive to Furniture Bank, using her business acumen to help the organization make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need in Toronto. With Laurie on board, Furniture Bank is well-positioned to continue its mission of providing furniture and home goods to those who need it most.
Alison Joutsi
Meet Alison Joutsi, the triple threat of sustainability, business, and legal expertise! With her LL.B from the University of London, MBA, and postgraduate ESG diploma from the University of Toronto, Alison is a force to be reckoned with. This ESG and sustainability leader has a knack for tackling complex issues with a holistic approach, combining her legal background with business acumen and strategic communications skills. As a former contributor to Bay Street Bull, she championed Canadian women entrepreneurs, while her column in the Toronto Guardian shone a light on local businesses and their unique career journeys.
Now, Alison is putting her passion for sustainability and ESG to work as a member of the Furniture Bank Board of Directors. As a furniture waste warrior, she is committed to reducing furniture poverty, combating the environmental consequences of waste, and creating a more sustainable future for all. With her expertise, Furniture Bank will continue to make strides towards their goal of providing furniture and home goods to those in need, while turning houses into homes and promoting a circular economy.
Christine Innes
Christine is a dedicated professional with over 25 years of policy, legal and advisory experience, has been a valuable asset to Furniture Bank’s Board of Directors. With extensive experience in government portfolios, including Chief of Staff positions in multiple Ontario Ministries, Christine brings a wealth of knowledge and understanding of public service to Furniture Bank’s mission. In her time serving on Furniture Bank’s Board, Christine has been instrumental in the organization’s efforts to bring its national support model to communities in Toronto, working tirelessly to ensure Furniture Bank’s continued growth and impact. Through her passion for public service and her commitment to Furniture Bank’s mission, Christine has made a lasting impact on the lives of those in need in the Toronto area.
Interested in joining our board?
Being a Board Member of Furniture Bank is an incredibly rewarding experience, as you get to witness and create the strategy for eradicating furniture poverty, and having a direct impact on people’s lives every day. As a Board Member, you will focus on governance, strategic plans, and strategic opportunities as Furniture Bank scales and partners its way to solving furniture poverty across Canada.
