Alan Spacek - Chair

A respected entrepreneur, Alan Spacek was the former Mayor of Kapuskasing from 2006-2018 and President of the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) for eight years. His life’s work has centered on the northern economy – helping businesses improve, pursuing economic development opportunities and a strong devotion to social services through his mentorship within the education, justice and health sectors. A life-long northerner, Alan understand the unique challenges of northern Ontario and the vast opportunities that exist for the region.

Robert J. (“RJ”) Falconi, B.Sc., JD, ICD.D - Vice Chair

RJ, born and raised in North Bay, is currently a resident of Bradford, and is the Managing Director of RayleeValleyGroup that provides legal, public policy, rail transportation safety, government relations, and corporate governance advice. A Commissioner on the ONTC since January 2020, he is Chair of the TSSA Board, member of Tarion Warranty Corporation’s Board, and CME’s Ontario Advisory Board. RJ was formerly EVP, Chief Legal & Government Affairs Officer, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary at Canadian Standards Association. Previously a VP, General Counsel & Assistant Corporate Secretary for Parsons Corporation, a transportation engineering firm, and Legal Counsel at Citibank Canada. He is noted for organizing the first ever rail safety Congressional education forum on Capitol Hill in Washington DC and leading a Rail Safety Task Force of experts to develop rail safety solutions arising from the Lac-Mégantic crude oil tank car train tragedy. RJ has a B.Sc. from the University of Toronto, an LL.B. (J.D.) from Osgoode Hall, is certified as an Institute‐Certified Director (ICD.D) and is a member of the Law Society of Ontario.

Randy Nickle

Randy Nickle, a resident of Kenora, has a strong business background as an A&W Franchise owner for more than 38 years. In addition he and his wife Lori jointly operated a motor coach agency in Dryden and Kenora making him very familiar with the transportation industry needs of northwestern Ontario. He has spent decades committed to tourism in the northwest, most notably chairing the Committee of Harbourfest, one of northwest Ontario’s largest Music and Family festivals. Randy has participated in various board and committees, ranging from economic development and tourism, to Copperfin credit union board member and many years in minor sports.

Roberta Sawchyn

As a Certified Hotel Administrator Roberta Sawchyn has worked in the hospitality industry for over 25 years. For the past 19 years she has held the position of General Manager for the Best Western Plus Nor'Wester Hotel & Convention Centre. She is Chair of the Thunder Bay Hotel Association, Board Director of the Thunder Bay CEDC, past board director of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce and has volunteered for many local organizations such as the United Way and Easter Seals. Roberta is a lifelong resident of Thunder Bay and she works passionately in bringing her visions and experience of excellence to the community and surrounding areas. Having a strong and healthy community for her family to live and grow in is paramount.

Lynne Innes

Lynne Innes is a proud member of Moose Cree First Nation and a life-long resident of Moosonee. She began her career as a Registered Nurse, then attained her master’s degree in Nursing and certification as a Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner. After completing her graduate studies, Ms. Innes returned home to provide care for her community and to raise her children in her traditional territory. Recently, she completed all the requirements and credentialing for the Certified Health Executive designation with the Canadian College of Health Leaders and continues her studies at the Rotman School of Business at the University of Toronto. In 2018, Lynne was appointed the Vice President of Clinical Services & Chief Nursing Executive for the Weeneebayko Area Health Authority and assumed the role of President & Chief Executive Officer in June of 2019. Most recently, Lynne also serves as a Director on the Ontario Hospital Association board, as a School Board Trustee, and as the Vice-Chair of the NAN Task Force Team.

Fred Gibbons

As the former President of Northern College, Fred Gibbons has spent more than 25 years working in the community college education system. In 2021 he received the lifetime achievement award for his contributions to education from the Ministry of Colleges and Universities. Serving on numerous local boards and committees, including past president of the Timmins Chamber of Commerce, Director on the Timmins & District Hospital Board, and Chair of the Timmins Economic Development Corporation, Fred has an acute knowledge of Northern Ontario. Known for his work in establishing lasting partnerships that benefit northern communities, Fred has chaired numerous provincial and national organizations such as Colleges Ontario and the Committee of Presidents.

Interested in Serving on the Board of Directors?

Our Board of Directors (“the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission”) plays a key role in providing strategic leadership to the agency and ensuring accountability to the public, helping Ontario Northland to achieve its mandate, goals and objectives. Ontario residents can express interest in our agency and apply through the Public Appointments Secretariat appointments process.
https://www.ontario.ca/page/public-appointments

To apply online, please visit the Public Appointments Secretariat website
https://www.pas.gov.on.ca/Account/Create-account

Board Policies

•    Diversity and Inclusion Policy

•    Document Execution Policy

•    Deputation Policy

 

Chad Evans - Chief Executive Officer

Chad is Ontario Northland’s Chief Executive Officer. Chad has spent the past 20 years leading change and continuous improvement in the private and public sector as a business leader, technology and management consultant, trainer and speaker. As one of the architects of Ontario Northland’s transformation program, Chad has led and enabled the 100+ year old transportation company to adopt modern technology, continuous improvement practices and integrate performance measurement into daily operations.

He is certified as an ITIL Expert, ISO20000 Practitioner, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and holds an MBA from the University of London, England.

Drew Duquette - Vice President of Transportation

Drew is the Vice-President of Transportation at Ontario Northland. He is a fifth generation railroader and has recently joined Ontario Northland’s senior leadership team. Drew brings 37 years of operational expertise from Canadian Pacific. His focus is to improve and expand rail transportation services in the north and further the organizations safety culture.

Drew grew up in Northern Ontario and after travelling throughout Canada building his railroading experience and knowledge, he returned to his roots. He enjoys the outdoors and is looking forward to contributing to a region that has always been important to him.

Tracy MacPhee - Vice President of Passenger Rail and Motor Coach

As Vice President of Passenger Rail and Motor Coach, Tracy MacPhee is an expert in fostering relationships with stakeholder groups across industries and government. Tracy’s authentic leadership style has enhanced operations due to her diligence in areas such as conflict resolution, accessibility standards, diversity, and building a culture of care and accountability. Known for taking action to make a tangible difference, Tracy creates meaningful transportation solutions for passengers, customers, and community partners.

Her unique perspective empowers the executive team in finding efficiencies, generating revenue, and strategically growing the organization’s operations, routes, and services.

Donna Jaques - General Counsel

Donna is Ontario Northland’s General Counsel. She joined Ontario Northland in 2017 and has more than 35 years of experience primarily in the areas of procurement, construction, governance and commercial law. Donna received her law degree from Western University and was called to the bar of the Law Society of Ontario in 1985. Her current focus as part of the Ontario Northland leadership team is to encourage and implement adaptations in processes to address changes in law and modernize the organization through training education and policy development.