Board of Directors
STRATEGIC PLAN 2023-2025
The Directors of the Board bring a wealth of experience and dedication to support the CICR community, working closely with staff and practitioners on four key focus areas:
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Build skills, knowledge and capacity to resolve conflict
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Outreach to promote programs and services and to build strategic relationships and partnerships
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Create access to and deliver service excellence to vulnerable communities
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Develop internal capacity to deliver programming sustainability with a high level of user experience.
Meet the CICR Directors for the Fiscal Year 2023-2024:

James Sturgeon
Chair of the Board
James Sturgeon is a seasoned Human Resources professional with an extensive background in operations management, and has over 20 years experience working in various leadership roles requiring specific proficiency in conflict resolution. Today, he works in the healthcare sector, serving the community through his commitment to workplace fairness, and progressive management. James is a graduate of the TPN Program, and serves on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Institute for Conflict Resolution.

Taner Gunesli
Vice Chair
Taner Gunesli is a seasoned business development professional with more than 40 years of entrepreneurial and private sector experience. Taner has had exposure to a multitude of sectors from IT, consumer goods to automotive. He is currently a partner in a firm specializing in superstructure industry and has completed his TPN program.

Kendel Rust
Director - Past Chair
Kendel Rust is an international development professional, with over forty years experience in this field. In recent years, he has focused on conflict resolution capacity development, particularly in post-conflict countries.

Tina Viner
Treasurer
Tina Viner, a Director with a background in law and education, transitioned from the legal field to the not-for-profit sector 12 years ago. She has since taken on various roles at Canadian Blood Services, including project coordination, mediation, and workplace investigation, while pursuing multiple degrees and certifications in diverse disciplines.

Pamela Jones
Secretary
Pamela Jones, a bilingual senior policy professional, has over twenty-five years of experience influencing policies in both private and public sectors. With extensive education and qualifications in law, conflict resolution, and mediation, Pamela is actively involved in various charitable organizations and serves on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Institute for Conflict Resolution.

Norm Desjardins
CCRO Board Rep
Norm Desjardins is a highly experienced professional in Alternative Dispute Resolution, with a focus on community and workplace facilitation/mediation. Norm has contributed and volunteered in various organizations, including the Department of Justice, Community Mediation Ottawa and serving as co-chair for the Canadian Restorative Justice Consortium.

Don Nicholls
CreeCICR Board Rep
Donald Nicholls is a dedicated leader and Director of the Department of Justice and Correctional Services, partnering with CICR for 9 years to empower the Cree Nation with conflict resolution skills through a customized TPN program. He has actively supported indigenous rights, participating in UN Declarations and testifying before a provincial commission of inquiry to improve frontline services for Aboriginal Peoples.

Daunett Tucker
Director
Daunett Tucker has 26 years of experience in community/public health nursing, with a focus on First Nations and Inuit Health Communities. As a Regional Nurse Educator, she provides expert advice, supports decision-making, and ensures quality health services.

Yolaine Kirlew
Director
Yolaine Kirlew is a highly skilled professional with extensive experience in Alternative Dispute Resolution, including roles as a Qualified Mediator and Conflict Resolution Practitioner. Additionally, she has contributed to the healthcare sector as a Community Wellness Facilitator/Consultant and Director of Special Projects and Partnerships.

Salimah Mitha
Director
Salimah Mitha, an immigrant to Canada, is passionate about serving organizations that empower individuals to improve their quality of life. With an MBA in Community Economic Development and a Bachelor of Commerce degree, she brings expertise in business development, conflict resolution, and program management in both private and social sectors.

Joyce Abarbanel
Board Advisor
With 15 years of extensive experience in high-stress and politically sensitive conflict environments, Joyce Abarbanel is a seasoned expert in peace building, conflict management, and program management in various regions worldwide. She holds certifications in conflict resolution and deep-rooted conflict training, and has a strong background in facilitation, training, and capacity building for conflict prevention and management, making her a valuable resource in the field of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).