Meet Our Board

Clearview Christian Reformed Church

Chair

John Nyholt represents ClearView Christian Reformed Church on The Compass Board. In addition to his 35 year career with PwC, a global accounting firm,  John has  over 40 years of Board experience mostly in the non-profit sector. John has also completed the Institute of Corporate Directors’ director education program, and holds the ICD.D designation. John brings this valuable knowledge to his position as Board Chair, providing oversight and support to The Compass’ amazing staff. John can also be seen onsite at The Compass, volunteering for 1 or 2 shifts a week in the market. John truly believes in The Compass’ mission statement – “together, we provide help for today and hope for tomorrow”, as The Compass provides much needed help to those who struggle with the challenges of food insecurity by offering a fantastic market operation. From providing many prepared meals on a weekly basis to those in need, to providing opportunities for folks to socialize, develop friendships, and learn new skills, John is certain that the work The Compass does lives out the example of Christ to reach out and help those in need. When not at The Compass, John and his wife Ellie enjoy travelling, camping, hiking, kayaking and staying connected with their adult children.

St. Stephen’s on-the-Hill United Church

Vice Chair & Secretary

Don Macaulay represents St. Stephen’s on-the-Hill United Church on The Compass Board. Don’s mission on the Board is to contribute in any way possible to ensure The Compass can continue to serve the most vulnerable members of the community. As a Software Development Manager with a lifelong passion for volunteering, Don brings the knowledge he gained through being an Intake volunteer at The Compass, volunteering with the Scouts, Hockey, Habitat for Humanity, to mention a few, to the Programs committee. Don recognizes that there is a great need in South Mississauga and that The Compass  is very good at serving it. Don hopes to see The Compass expand social activities when it is safe to do so, and provide more to the tailored needs of the homeless community. When not volunteering, Don is cooking, woodworking, reading and expanding his knowledge on computers and applications. 

Member At Large

Vice Treasurer

Gwen Barrett is the Vice Treasurer of The Compass Board.  After a lengthy career in the employee benefits and pensions field, she retired and embarked on the next chapter in her life.  Driven by her desire to give back to society, Gwen has been with The Compass since the fall of 2018, volunteering in a variety of roles, including tax preparation and client services.  Over this time, she has seen the positive impact The Compass and its volunteers have on the clients and the community.  Gwen is excited to contribute to the continued success of The Compass as it embarks on its new strategic direction.  When the call of the Oregon coast beckons, she can be found driving an RV down its amazing coastline. 

“We make a living by what we get, but make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill

Member At Large

Employer

Ken Martin is a member at large of The Compass Board.  He is a retired Professional Engineer, who brings a broad range of management knowledge to The Compass through his 40 years of experience in industry.  Ken has lived in the community for over 20 years and believes that The Compass fills an important role in South Mississauga by delivering on its mission of “Together, We Provide Help Today, and Hope for Tomorrow.”  He looks forward to helping The Compass become even more impactful by assisting in the growth of the client programs and advocacy activities.

St. Christopher’s Catholic Church

Patrick Cullen represents St. Christopher’s Catholic Church on The Compass Board. With over 50 years of experience as a Logistician who has started two significant Canadian international companies,  and having served in numerous executive positions, Patrick shares his experiences through leadership roles on The Board. He is the Chair of the Property Task Force, Chair of the Finance and Risk Committee and is in the process of transitioning out of the role of Employer. Patricks desire to serve his community is a shared passion, and he believes The Compass can make a difference in the lives of residents in South Mississauga through local advocacy. Patrick hopes that The Compass is no longer needed as a Food Bank and can transition as facilitator of many  unique outreach programs as possible. When not organizing things for our Fall 2021 move, Patrick dedicates his time to golf, bridge, reading and theatre. 

West Edge Community Church

David Fuller represents West Edge Community Church on The Compass Board. David is appreciative of the opportunity to serve the church, the people of the congregation and the community. David has seen a need within his own church as many Compass clients are connected with the West Edge community, and live in the Port Credit area. David believes that the outreach and services offered by The Compass are of a much needed assistance to his community members. David brings his experience as an Electronics Technologist to the role, and is a member of the Programs Committee as well. David hopes that The Compass will continue to expand available programs and methods of delivering these, and current services. When not making a difference in his church, David is a talented musician! 

Lorne Park Baptist Church  

Don Hallman represents Lorne Park Baptist Church on The Compass Board. His passion for reaching out to others, particularly to those who are disadvantaged & vulnerable inspired him to join the Board. Don is a senior policy advisor with the Ontario government, and has been active in outreach to Indigenous communities, worked with Out of the Cold ministry in Toronto, and also brings international experiences in Bolivia and Lebanon. His career experience and skills, paired with his passion for community development, are an asset to The Compass Board. The Compass is important to Don because it uniquely reaches and serves the most vulnerable in south Mississauga.  While The Compass provides food and other supplies, it also offers opportunities to assist people with their daily living, provides fellowship and spiritual care, as well as one-on-one assistance through Client Services. Don is proud to be a part of The Compass, a community of people who share together, work together and help each other. When Don and his wife Cindy are not helping with The Compass initiatives, they enjoy spending time with their family, bike riding, kayaking, photography, travelling, and being a friend to the lonely and disadvantaged.  

Trinity-St. Paul Anglican Church

Darwin Kealey represents Trinity-St. Paul Anglican Church on The Compass Board.  After a 30-year career in both the public and private sectors, Darwin brings a life-long commitment to compassionate public policy to the Board.  He has been a resident of our community for 46 years.  His long volunteer service in senior roles with The Cancer Advocacy Coalition of Canada, Business and Economic Roundtable on Mental Health and Addictions, Community Hospice Association of Ontario, and Hospice of Peel has led him to believe that with a little help, hope and faith lives can be transformed.  Darwin knows from his experience from serving as Assistant Secretary to Cabinet at both the Federal and Provincial levels of Government that public support is sometimes needed to fulfill the dream of a stable and contented life.  His time of service as Assistant Deputy Minister of Health, Community and Public Health taught him that holistic health is a necessary pillar to achieve this stability.  If we help each other through various struggles in this journey of life and provide a little hope – then perhaps we can take a moment and smile when we see a rainbow!

Leslie Leader is excited to represent Clarkson Community Church on the The Compass Board.  With 30 years experience in the not-for-profit and government sector Leslie brings a passion for educational programming and the promotion of arts and science.  Developing and delivering free  programs into underserved communities has allowed her to better connect and understand the needs of our most vulnerable neighbourhoods.  As these needs continue to grow  it is a privilege to volunteer for an organization that serves by providing “Help for today, Hope for tomorrow” in practical and meaningful ways.  As The Compass activates its new strategic plan she hopes to use her skills to support generating sustainable funding and increasing advocacy.  When not driving her boys to their sporting events Leslie enjoys baking, hiking, dog walking and playing soccer.

St. Bride’s Anglican Church  

Rick Penton represents St. Bride’s Anglican Church on The Compass Board. A retired Information Technology professional, consultant and small business owner, Rick brings an array of skills to the Board. Having been a Compass volunteer for many years,  when a Board vacancy opened up, it was a natural progression. Rick’s empathy for Compass clients is a driving force in his desire to give back, and his regular interaction with Compass clients helps bring a grassroots perspective to the Board. Rick is currently the Chair of the Programs Committee, and is responsible to oversee all programs.  These include non food-related activities and largely represent the “hope for tomorrow” aspect of The Compass mission. Rick believes The Compass plays a necessary role in the community by meeting a need in a very special way. As the demand grows, Rick hopes The Compass can further branch out and include housing insecurity as a core mandare in addition to food insecurity. When not planning wonderful programs for Compass clients, Rick is hoping to reignite the passion he has for photography. 

Clarkson Road Presbyterian Church

Warrick comes to us from Clarkson Road Presbyterian Church where he has been a member for over 30 years. His 45-year career as Vice President and Branch Manager of CIBC Wood Gundy in Oakville played a role in helping develop his intense passion for helping people in need. Warrick brings a wealth of knowledge from the investment community and has served on several Corporate Boards such as the Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital Charitable Foundation and Radius Child and Services (formerly Halton Trauma Society). He has various industry certifications from the Canadian Securities Industry as well as a Certificate in Investment Planning from Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Warrick has been a devoted fundraiser for The Compass for the past 5 years and looks forward to continuing to do so and much more as a member of the Board.