WPS Board Members
CHAIR:
Mayor, Drew Dilkens is a lifelong resident of the City of Windsor. He
holds business and law degrees from the University of Windsor (called to the
bar in 2012) and an M.B.A. from Wayne State University. He received his
Doctorate of Business Administration from the International School of
Management in Paris, France with a focus on municipal amalgamation in Ontario.
He obtained the Chartered Director (C.Dir.) designation from The Directors
College (2021), and also holds the professional designation of a Certified
Human Resources Leader, along with training certificates from the Canadian
Foreign Service Institute, Canadian Securities Institute and Federal Bureau of
Investigations in the United States.
He was elected
Mayor of the City of Windsor on October 27, 2014. He was re-elected on October
22, 2018, for his second term. He was re-elected on October 24, 2022, for his
third term. Mayor Dilkens is committed to a program of fiscal discipline and
economic diversification. Since being elected, he has continued to focus on
improving the city’s infrastructure – including roads and sewers, holding the
line on taxes, supporting economic development that creates jobs and attracts
investments, and positioning Windsor as a destination of choice for those
looking to build homes, careers and families.
VICE CHAIR:
Councillor Jo-Anne Gignac is a lifelong resident of the Riverside area.
Jo-Anne was first elected to City Council in 2003.
Jo-Anne has also
been involved with a number of Community organizations, including the
Children's Achievement Centre, Windsor Catholic Family Services, Habitat for
Humanity, May Court Club of Windsor and the Farrow Miracle Park.
Councillor
Gignac’s continuing priorities are to attract diversified investment in Windsor
to create jobs; continuing the City of Windsor’s fiscal focus on reducing costs
and taxes; promoting safe and clean neighbourhoods; and investing in improved
sewers and roads. She is committed to working tirelessly with residents and
business, making the tough decisions to achieve an attractive, vibrant
community at the forefront of social and economic innovation.
MEMBERS:
Sophia Chisholm is a lifelong resident of Windsor. Sophia is a certified professional accountant
(CPA, CA) with a Bachelor of Commerce Honours Business Administration degree
from the University of Windsor. Sophia brings financial expertise and community
direction to the Board as a leader in financial management, business strategy,
and employee development, with experience in both the private and public
sector.
Sophia is
currently the Senior Vice-President, Finance at Windsor Family Credit Union
(WFCU) where she oversees the credit union’s financial operations. Prior to her current position, she held
executive finance and administrative positions in various industry sectors
including manufacturing, retail automotive, and professional public accounting.
Sophia has
demonstrated community and governance leadership as a current board member of
the Windsor Port Authority, and as a former Member of the Windsor Police
Services Board (2016-2018), the Windsor Essex Children’s Aid Foundation (Board
Vice-President), Essex Golf and Country Club (Finance Committee), and Association
for Persons with Physical Disabilities (past-Treasurer). She was named a Heart
& Stroke Red Dress Honoree for her dedication to community involvement and
has launched several charitable initiatives involving children and food/toy
drives. She has volunteered for numerous
non-profit organizations and events throughout the community, in both a
personal and professional philanthropic capacity.
Sophia is
passionate about the safety and standing of Windsor, where she lives with her
husband and two daughters. As a staunch
supporter of Windsor-Essex, Sophia believes that volunteerism and direct
involvement are essential elements to the community’s culture.
Mr. Robert de Verteuil is a technology
entrepreneur, innovator, and thought leader. After studying Computer
Science at the University of Toronto, he started his career with the Canadian
Armed Forces, then founded a company which provided high end computer aided
design systems to the automotive industry. After stints with two major
global automakers and a large engineering consultancy, he founded a
second company which specializes in cybersecurity solutions and IT consulting
services. A seasoned executive, Robert has worked with many Fortune
500 companies in Canada, the USA, the UK, India, and around the world.
The son of immigrants from Trinidad and
Tobago, Mr. de Verteuil lives in downtown Windsor with his wife and three
children. He is dedicated to volunteering and community involvement,
and has served on numerous boards, committees, clubs, and teams over the years,
currently chairing two associations and serving as a board member on three
others. In his spare time, he enjoys cooking, listening to music and enjoying
outdoor activities with his family.
Mr. John Elliott is a lifelong resident of Windsor. He
embarked on his journey of public service when he was first elected to Windsor
City Council, serving diligently from 2014 to 2018. Holding a distinguished
not-for-profit management diploma from Saint Clair College, John’s commitment
to community welfare is unwavering.
John is presently the Executive Director of the
Sandwich Teen Action Group, exemplifying his steadfast dedication to nurturing
a positive and supportive environment for youth and their families. His
contributions have earned him many community awards, including the Windsor
& District Black Coalition Community Leadership award and the Safe City
Windsor/Neighbourhood Hero award.
He is a proud descendant of the John Freeman Walls
Underground Railroad. With a loving family including a spouse, seven children,
and fourteen grandchildren, he understands the importance of preserving and
celebrating Windsor’s heritage.