Celebrating Excellence and Commitment

CPBI is proud to announce the 2009 Regional Volunteer of the Year Award recipients

Since 1960, the Canadian Pension & Benefits Institute has provided a wealth of education and networking opportunities for pensions, benefits and institutional investment professionals. The CPBI’s impressive calendar of events and extensive library of resources is possible thanks to its many dedicated volunteers located throughout the CPBI’s eight Regions across Canada.

Every year, the CPBI honours the commitment of its volunteers by awarding Regional and National Volunteer Awards - Celebrating Excellence and Commitment. Both active and past council members are eligible for the award. The recipients are individuals who have assisted the organization to achieve its mission and have provided exceptional support to their Region.

The CPBI Board of Directors is proud to present the following CPBI members with 2009 Regional Volunteer Awards – Celebrating Excellence and Commitment:

Sherry Lee Gregory
CPBI Altantic Region
Director, Relationship Management
RBC Dexia Investor Services

Sherry's positive attitude and energy are only equalled by her time commitment and willingness to support CPBI.

An Atlantic Region council member since 1990, Sherry Lee Gregory is Director of Relationship Management at RBC Dexia’s Halifax offices.

A CPBI member for more than 15 years, Sherry is a dedicated supporter of CPBI conferences and events, co-chairing both the first Atlantic Regional Conference and 2005 National Conference in Newfoundland. She has also served as a National Board representative for the Atlantic Region, as Vice Chairperson in 2003-04 and ultimately as Chair of the Board of Directors in 2005-06. From moderating sessions and serving on event committees to attending National Board meetings, Sherry’s personal commitment has been essential to the CPBI’s notable growth and success in the Atlantic Region and is a glowing example of the Institute’s mission in action.

Sonia T. Mak
CPBI Ontario Region
Partner
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP

Sonia is tireless in her calm and thoughtful leadership as Chair of the CPBI Ontario Regional Council.

Sonia T. Mak is a lawyer by profession and a partner of Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, specializing in pension and benefits law.  She was admitted to the Law Society of Hong Kong as a solicitor in 1985 and to the Law Society of England as a solicitor in 1988 before being called to the Ontario Bar in 1992. 

As a member of the CPBI since 2002, Sonia has been a member of the Ontario Regional Council since then.  She was also a member of the Program and Fundamentals committees, Chair of the CPBI Benefit Ball Committee in 2006 and 2008, essential in organizing FORUM 2008 and the 2006 and 2009 Ontario Regional Conferences and the list goes on. This year, as Chair of the Ontario Regional Council, Sonia has shown endless determination and is described by her fellow CPBI members as responsive, accessible and committed.

Pat Clunie
CPBI Manitoba Region
Director, HR Business Partner
MTS Allstream

Pat is an energetic, knowledgeable and balanced voice in support of the CPBI’s mission.

Pat Clunie holds a B.Comm. (Honours) from the University of Manitoba, as well as CEBS and CPP designations. She is currently the Director, HR Business Partner at MTS Allstream Inc., and works with corporate groups to develop and meet their business objectives by delivering on HR strategies, solutions and services. Prior to assuming her current role, Pat worked in various compensation and benefits roles in the telecommunications, financial and grain industries as well as in the public sector.

A member of the CPBI since 2001, Pat has been a member of the Manitoba Regional Council since 2003, having served both as Treasury and the National Board Representative. Always quick to offer her time and talents, Pat is a balanced voice on the Council and a valued member of the CPBI.

Marg Romanow
Benefits Officer
Saskatchewan Union of Nurses

Marg is incredibly passionate about benefits issues; the contributions she has made are incalculable.

Marg Romanow is a Registered Nurse with CEBS certification, currently a Benefits Officer with the Saskatchewan Union of Nurses. In addition to having more than a decade of practical nursing experience, Marg has worked with the Saskatchewan Union of Nurses for over 20 years addressing pension and benefits issues.

A CPBI member since 1994, Marg has served faithfully on the Saskatchewan Regional Council for many years. She has fulfilled a number of roles during her tenure: Secretary, Vice-Chair and Chair of the Regional Council in 2001-02.  She was the National Representative for Saskatchewan from 2003 to 2005. Marg is tireless in her involvement with CPBI: seeking out speakers, taking on key positions and always providing a positive voice in support of the CPBI’s mandate.

Peggy Corner
Director, Benefit Information Services
Alberta Teachers' Retirement Fund

Peggy is incredibly experienced and helpful. Her interest in the success of the CPBI runs deep.

As Director of Benefit Information Services, Peggy Corner is responsible for the ongoing management of benefit delivery at the Alberta Teachers’ Retirement Fund. Peggy holds a B.Sc. degree, a Certified Employee Benefits Specialist designation, and a Management Certificate. She has also completed the Corporate Executive Program at the University of Alberta School of Business.

A CPBI member for over 15 years, Peggy has been an essential part of the Alberta Council for many years and in many capacities. Peggy’s involvement has ranged from Secretary, to Sponsorship to Vice Chair and eventually Chairperson of the Alberta Regional Council from 2001 to 2003. She also served on the Institute's Board of Directors from 2005 to 2007, and continues to provide essential support and guidance in the growth of the CPBI in Northern Alberta.

Joan Hollihan
Principal
Mercer (Canada) Limited

Joan is known for her exceptional way of pitching in to get things done quickly and generating very effective results.

Joan Hollihan has been employed for over twenty three years in the benefits and pension consulting industry, and has worked for two international consulting firms in Calgary.  She graduated from the University of Calgary with a B.Comm, Finance.

A CPBI member for more than 15 years, Joan has been heavily involved for several years in the Southern Alberta Region. She has chaired and co-chaired several committees and was the Chair of the Regional Council in 2004. Joan has served on the Western Regional Conference committees, and moderated many seminars and education days. Joan has led the way in the industry, constantly working on behalf of the CPBI. Most recently she is co-chair of the Program committee for the 2009 Forum. She encourages not only her colleagues to become members, but also her clients: promoting the CPBI whenever possible.

Scott Sweatman
Associate Counsel
Blake, Cassels & Graydon, LLP

During a period of growth and change, Scott had a vision for CPBI and was determined to see it to completion.

Scott Sweatman practises in the Pension & Employee Benefits and Tax Groups of Blake, Cassels & Graydon. Scott recently co-chaired the Joint Expert Panel on Pension Standards in Alberta and British Columbia.

Scott first became involved with CPBI as a young lawyer and has been a CPBI member for more than 15 years. Scott served on the Pacific Region Council for a number of years before becoming Chair of the Pacific Region, a member of the CPBI Board of Directors and ultimately Chair of the Board in 2003-05. Throughout the years, Scott frequently volunteered to speak at conferences, breakfast sessions, conference workshops and continuing education sessions. With tremendous vision and dedication, Scott is a perfect example of the CPBI mission in action.