Leadership Team
Dan Kershaw:
MBA, is a nationally recognized expert in charity-powered innovation and use of technology in the charity sector. He is a leader in successful social enterprise, impact measurement, and unconventional approaches to fundraising. With a passion for digital innovation, and a focus on data-driven processes and decisions, Dan is a successful Executive Director and entrepreneur and has led Toronto-based Furniture Bank since 2014.
Dan has a rare combination of education in business, technology and the environment. He completed his B.A. in Environmental Studies, and went on to complete his M.A.E.S in Environmental Economics and a M.B.A. in Marketing Technology from the Richard Ivey School of Business. Prior to his work in the charity sector, Dan led the management and growth of a variety of industries, business challenges, and product innovations from Internet Gaming, Telecommunications, Payment Processing, Web Hosting, Mobile Dating, Mobile Advertising, Mobile Content Solutions, and a variety of eCommerce projects. It was these intensive years that motivated him to build things, analyze everything, and push the limits of conventional thinking, skills he has brought to the charity sector.
In 2014, Dan led a financial turnaround at Furniture Bank, and his leadership and innovations has brought many distinctions including: a national Ingenious Award for Innovation in Technology in 2016, leadership awards from United Way in 2017, national social enterprise award in 2017 from TRICO’s Social EnterPrize, and environment awards in 2018 and 2022 for the Clean50.
Annalee Sawiak – Chief Sustainability Officer
Championing Sustainable Business Models and Strategic Relationships
With over three decades of experience in various industries, Annalee Sawiak, CPA, CA, has been pivotal in driving Furniture Bank’s mission since 2023. Her expertise in financial sustainability and strategic partnerships has enhanced the organization’s impact on poverty reduction and environmental conservation. Sawiak’s leadership in compliance, governance, and stakeholder relations bolsters Furniture Bank’s commitment to the circular economy. She has notably expanded the reach of Furniture Bank by integrating her venture, Furniture Link Inc., into its operations, fostering significant social and environmental benefits. Sawiak holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto and is a designated Chartered Accountant.
Sean Peddle:
Sean has over 12 years of experience in leadership and operations. Before joining the team at Furniture Bank, Sean worked primarily in commercial and residential consultation and contracting. His previous experience also includes roles in project management, supply chain logistics, real estate sales and accounting.
During his tenure, Sean has implemented a complete redesign of Furniture Bank’s day-to-day operations. Since completion, Furniture Bank has doubled its annual capacity to serve families and receive donations.
Sean has also initiated successful pilots of Furniture Bank’s Workshop and Studio social enterprises. These projects are still going strong and have become an essential to Furniture Bank’s mission. The Workshop and Studio have upcycled thousands of pieces to support hundreds of families.
Sean is an enthusiastic, efficiency focused and grounded leader whose management style has earned an Employer of the Year award for Furniture Bank.
Tammy Peddle:
is Furniture Bank’s Director of Development, and oversees the sales and fundraising team, and is accountable for the entire customer experience. She began working at Furniture Bank in 2008, and as a leader, encourages her team to learn, change and adapt, automate and simplify Furniture Bank’s processes.
In 2017, Tammy was asked to be a keynote speaker at Dreamforce alongside Executive Director, Dan Kershaw on Furniture Bank’s innovative use of technology.
Before joining Furniture Bank, Tammy was working in Sales & Procurement, along with fulfilling her passion in the travel industry selling and planning destination weddings.
Board Of Directors
Bob Waterworth – Chairman
Guiding R&D and Nonprofit Sector Expertise
Bob Waterworth is a Partner at KPMG within the R&D Tax Incentives practice, where he leads a diverse team of over 25 professionals including engineers, scientists, accountants, and tax specialists. Bob’s deep involvement in the nonprofit sector includes contributions to organizations such as the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, the United Way Financial Literacy Pilot Program, the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, demonstrating his commitment to social impact and community service.
Tracy Lucato – Treasurer
Financial Expertise with a Commitment to Nonprofit Excellence
Tracy Lucato, CPA, brings over 30 years of experience from Deloitte LLP, where she provided audit and advisory services across various industries including retail, life sciences, transportation, and manufacturing. In the nonprofit realm, she has served as Vice-President and Treasurer of the Board of Directors at the Jean Tweed Centre and has been actively involved with the United Way. Tracy’s extensive financial expertise supports her role in guiding fiscal management and strategy.
Christine Innes
Policy and Legal Advisor with Extensive Government Experience
Christine Innes offers over 25 years of policy, legal, and advisory experience, having held significant roles such as Chief of Staff in various Ontario ministries including International Trade, Citizenship, Immigration and International Trade, Tourism, Culture and Sport, and Aboriginal Affairs. Her profound understanding of government operations enriches Furniture Bank’s mission to expand its support model nationally. Christine’s active participation in community volunteering highlights her strong belief in the value of public service.
Laurie Freudenberg
Senior Business Leader and Digital Entrepreneur
Laurie Freudenberg is a seasoned business leader and entrepreneur with extensive experience in executive roles across global media services and as a co-founder of digital startups. Currently an independent consultant offering fractional COO services focused on e-commerce and digital technology, Laurie has also been actively involved in the nonprofit sector, including a chairmanship at White Ribbon from 2013 to 2016. She supports various environmental and animal rights organizations, such as Global Sanctuary for Elephants.
Alison Joutsi
Sustainability and ESG Strategist with Diverse Expertise
Alison Joutsi is a recognized leader in sustainability and ESG, holding an LL.B from the University of London and an MBA, with ongoing studies in an ESG postgraduate diploma at the University of Toronto. Her career encompasses roles that blend legal, business, and strategic communication perspectives, enhancing her capacity to advise on sustainability strategies and reporting. Alison’s contributions to publications like Bay Street Bull and Toronto Guardian, along with her involvement in profiling Canadian women entrepreneurs and local business figures, underscore her influence and commitment to sustainable practices.
Calvin Lakhan, Ph.D.
Leading Researcher in Waste Management and Policy
Calvin Lakhan, Ph.D., is a co-investigator of the “Waste Wiki” project at York University, focused on waste management research and policy in Canada. His academic credentials include a Ph.D from a joint program between the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University, along with degrees in economics and environmental economics from York University. Calvin has authored numerous academic articles and reports, making significant contributions to national discussions on recycling and waste management, regularly featured in media outlets like CBC, Politico, and Huffington Post.
