Alison Archambault, Vice President
Alison joined National Service Dogs’ Board of Directors in 2010 bringing with her a wealth of experience in corporate governance, communications and the non-profit sector. Alison is the Director of Communications & Stakeholder Relations for First Calgary Financial where her professional portfolio includes internal and external communications, public and media relations.
Alison is passionate about animal welfare and helping individuals with special needs realize their full potential. She currently serves on the boards of National Service Dogs (Vice Chair), Cochrane & Area Humane Society (Vice Chair) and the Southern Alberta Rottweiler Rescue (Vice Chair), she is also the Head Screener for the Pet Access League Society in Calgary.
Erinn Piller, Director
Erinn joined National Service Dogs’ Board of Directors in 2012. She brings with her extensive knowledge of marketing, brand management, and communications in the non-profit sector. Erinn’s experience extends beyond Canada’s borders to various countries around the globe. Currently, she holds the role of Marketing Manager with Shaw Media.
Erinn is passionate about animal protection and welfare, and ensuring equal access to health care and support for all Canadians. She is the proud owner of a rescue lab named Ollie and she is thrilled to be a National Service Dogs Board Member.
Gina McDonnell, President
Gina joined National Service Dogs’ Board of Directors in 2006, and has since served in the capacity of both Vice President and President. Her strategic vision for the organization was instrumental in moving National Service Dogs’ Board of Directors to a governance operating model in 2011.
Gina is a respected Canadian Kennel Club dog breeder and Herding judge with over 25 years experience. She is the co-founder of the Working Australian Kelpie Club of Canada and Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Canada Rescue, supporting numerous dog breed clubs regionally, nationally and abroad. Gina’s governance experience also includes service to the Charles H. Ivey Foundation Granting Committee (since 1981), where she has held the Vice President role since 2010. Gina and her partner, Bob, raise sheep on their farm near Goderich, Ontario, and enjoy spending time with their five children and seven grandchildren.
Graham Hunt, Treasurer
Joining National Service Dogs’ Board of Directors in 2012, Graham brings significant experience in the areas of business and finance from his tenure as a professional accountant. His current role as Manager, Financial Services at Holt Renfrew involves the oversight of the day to day operations of the Accounts Payable and Merchandise Accounting areas, in addition to being involved with numerous cross functional business teams which cover all aspects of the organization.
Graham’s previous Board experience includes being Treasurer of the Clarington Minor Hockey Association, Past President and Executive Member of the Royal St. George’s College Alumni Association and past Board member of the Acadia Alumni Association. As well, he has held various volunteer coaching positions within his community’s minor league hockey and lacrosse associations.
Julie Warren, Secretary
Julie joined National Service Dogs’ Board of Directors in June of 2009, and since 2011 has served as the board Secretary. Julie’s vision for the organization was much the same as the other members. With her experience in sales and business, she has worked along side her fellow directors to assist in becoming a fully operational governance board. Julie has also volunteered with NSD as a puppy and relief sitter since 2009.
Julie has a big heart for animals and a passion for helping those with special needs, especially children. Julie has 3 Australian Kelpies which she is crazy about and also sits on the Board of Directors for the Working Australian Kelpie Club of Canada. Currently, Julie is part of the Fastenal Company Team and is the General Manager of one of their local stores. With her first child on the way, Julie is looking forward to having more time to spend with the incredible NSD team and feels privileged to be a part of such a great organization.
Keith Lewis, Director
Keith as been an NSD Board member since 2006 and is currently retired after a work life in Sales and Marketing. Keith brings a mature perspective to most Board and committee agendas, with communication and experience being his most noticeable assets. Past experience includes being a founding director of the Puslinch Lake Conservation Association. An understanding and admiration for NSD and its clients are the chief motivating factors in Keith’s involvement with NSD.
Walter Wisotzki, Director
Walter joined National Service Dogs’ Board of Directors in June 2012 bringing his experiences in corporate finance, audit, human resources and non-profit groups. Walter was with 3M Canada Company for 32 years with tenures in the Finance, Treasury and Audit departments. Walter is currently the CFO with Quadro Telecommunications Inc. and has worked contract terms providing Finance, HR and Payroll consultation for other fine companies including Bucher Hydraulics Canada, Hartmann Canada and Rona. He is devoted to the communities greatest needs serving as Board Director for Children Respite Homes for Disadvantaged (London & Cambridge), as a service club member Dorchester & Area for over 25 years, and since late 2010 with NSD as a Puppy Raiser.
Warren Barlow, Director
I am Warren Barlow, I live in Cambridge with my wife Joyce and son Timothy. I am employed by Grand River Transit (Region of Waterloo) as a Transit Scheduler since 2001, and have extensive background in the transit industry since graduating from university. I have been actively involved with National Service Dogs since 2006, when my wife, Joyce Barlow and I took on “Crockett” as a puppy-in-training, and have since worked with numerous dogs-in-training for weekend sitting, and evening walks, etc.
This past year I took an eight month leave of absence from work to raise our young son Timothy, and spent some of that time traveling extensively throughout Australia. In my spare time, I have trained and competed in several half-marathons, as a member of the Cambridge Harriers running group; and have participated in several long-distance MS Bike Rides. I am looking forward to being involved with the Board of Directors of National Service Dogs.