Board Of Directors

The people behind Project North

Michelle Valberg

President – Project North

Co-Founder of Project North, Michelle Valberg is a renowned explorer, adventurer and wildlife photographer who has been telling stories with her camera for more than 30 years. She is particularly celebrated for her passion for the Arctic.

A Canadian Nikon Ambassador, Michelle has exhibited her works internationally. In 2011, her work was the subject of a critically acclaimed, three-month solo exhibition at the Canadian Museum of Nature. Her images are also see on the tail wings of three First Air aircrafts, while her photo of a polar bear graces the cover the Canadian Geographic Atlas of Canada. And, in celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday, her iconic image of a Nunavut drum dancer will appear on a coin, as part of a special series from the Royal Canadian Mint.

Michelle has also self-published four books: Look Beyond…The Faces & Stories of People Living with HIV/AIDS, Dare to Dream… A Celebration of Canadian Women, Arctic Kaleidoscope…The People, Wildlife and Ever-Changing Landscape and her children’s book, Ben & Nuki Discover Polar Bears.

Jeff Turner

Vice President – Project North

Born and raised in Ottawa, married with three grown children and three grandchildren, Jeff Turner is a senior executive leader with over 30 years’ experience in business and the not-for-profit sector. He currently provides advice and support to organizations seeking to enhance revenue development, relationship building and brand awareness in areas of fundraising and business development.

A passionate volunteer, Jeff sits on a number of boards, including Project North, the Algonquin College Foundation, The Bronson Centre and Flora Canada 2017. He is also a certified Human Cell and Tissue courier. Jeff was recognized with a Community Builder award from United Way, and Algonquin College Alumni of the Year for his community work.

Cedar Swan

Adventure Canada

An adventurer and passionate outdoor enthusiast, Cedar believes in the importance of connections to nature in one’s daily life. The CEO of Adventure Canada—as well as an expedition planner, leader, and guide—Cedar’s work engages, entertains, and educates by connecting people to each other and the land through innovative travel experiences.

By focusing on travel to Arctic and sub-Arctic environments, Cedar is actively involved in exploring new northern routes, documenting new discoveries, and monitoring existing sites of historic and cultural importance. She believes that fostering connections to people and land is critical to the longevity of conservation work, and is dedicated to cultivating meaningful relationships that strengthen our ties to nature and each other.

She has grown up surrounded by the world’s foremost adventurers and explorers, and now proudly carries on the work her father started at the helm of Adventure Canada. She is a founding member of Canadian Women for Nature, a fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, a member of the Explorers Club, and on the board of directors for Project North.

Colin Zappia

Sutton Group Premier Realty

Colin was born into a hockey family and is a natural fit to help lead the efforts of Project North. His father, Tony, played and coached professionally and when Colin was in his early 20’s, followed in his dad’s footsteps. They even had a chance to coach together at the Jr. B level and won the EOJHL title in 2002. Colin continued his coaching career, winning another Jr. B championship before leaving the bench after spending two seasons with the Carleton Place Canadians Jr. A hockey club. His background in materials management is an asset that will help to coordinate and manage the inventory being sent up north.

Colin is a real estate sales representative in Ottawa and resides in Barrhaven. He also works with Rogers TV as the colour commentator for Ottawa 67’s broadcasts while also doing play-by-play and hosting various other sports events.