PROJECT NORTH
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chair
Senior Manager Indigenous Partnerships and Special Projects, Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology, Ottawa.
Jeff is a senior executive with expertise in leadership, relationship building, business development and philanthropy. Algonquin’s 2011 Alumni of the year works directly with the Vice- President Truth, Reconciliation and Indigenization to develop and support meaningful and significant opportunities for engagement. Currently managing a multi – million dollar financial investment from Employment and Social Development Canada that provides on reserve education upgrades and trades training for Indigenous youth. Through eight delivery partners in four provinces, the program is having a profound impact on the participants, their families and communities.
Prior to Algonquin College Jeff was Vice-President, Chief Operating Officer Kind Canada, a national not-for-profit with a goal to educate and inspire Canadians to create a pervasive culture of kindness. Working in partnership with the late Rabbi Reuven Bulka and Senator( retired) Jim Munson, Canada became the first country in the world to establish a National Kindness Week. The bill received unanimous support in the House of Commons becoming law in February 2022.
Jeff spent over 12 years with United Way Ottawa and Canada in senior roles in a fundraising capacity and establishing relationships, working with others to raise millions changing lives across the country.
In a volunteer capacity he has been involved with Project North a not-for profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children in Canada’s Far North for 14 years, currently in the role of board chair. He occupies the same position at the Bronson Centre in Ottawa, is also a National Champion for Global Dignity and advisor to R.I.S.E Academy.
He is a recipient of a United Way Community Builder Award, City of Ottawa Mayor’s Medallion, St. Joe’s Women’s Centre Quality of Life and Ottawa Senators/Algonquin College Hero of the Game Award.
Vice-Chair
Driven. Dedicated. Experienced. Professional. Trustworthy. Fun.
These characteristics, and more, are what you’ll experience while working with me. My goal as your Realtor® is to build a strong and long-term relationship with you. I want you to be confident in referring me to friends and family so I will be sure to exceed your expectations every time we work together. There’s nothing more satisfying than happy clients.
I actively give back to our community. I lost my father, Tony, at the age of 60 to a heart attack and have been working closely with the University of Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation for several years now. For every home that I sell, I donate money to the cause. I was recently appointed to the Board of Directors for the Foundation and have also taken on the role of chair of the Wilbert Keon Memorial Golf Tournament, one of the Foundation’s biggest fundraising events. In 2022, we raised just over $190,000 and we hope to surpass this amount next year and in the years to come.
In addition to a successful career in real estate, I’ve been working with Rogers TV in Ottawa for almost 20 years now. Over the years, I’ve interviewed some of the biggest names in hockey: Scotty Bowman, Daniel Alfredsson, Brian Kilrea, Brian Burke, and several other OHL and NHLers. I am front and centre for the Ottawa 67’s broadcasts (OHL), provide colour analysis for the Belleville Senators (AHL), have called the action for the Canadian Little League and the Ontario Little League baseball championships, and host the Sens Skills Competition.
Founder & Treasurer
Michelle Valberg is a globally recognized and celebrated photographer. She has been a visual storyteller for 35 years and she was recently appointed to the prestigious Order of Canada. Valberg’s work has been showcased throughout North America and Europe. Over time, Valberg has chronicled significant moments that convey national and international impact – from portraits of people living with HIV/AIDS, pandemic heroes and women standard-bearers, to her conservation work documenting numerous wildlife species at risk.
Valberg holds the distinguished positions of Nikon Ambassador Canada and Canadian Geographic Photographer-in-Residence. Her images have appeared on numerous international magazine covers and in publications. Her work is featured on Canada Post Stamps and on a Royal Canadian Mint coin. The 2022 World Photographic Cup in Rome, Italy honoured Michelle with the gold medal in the wildlife category for her image of “Boss” the Spirit Bear. Michelle was also awarded the Julia Margaret Cameron Award for Women Photographers in 2021.
Known for her unique ability to create relatable images of unimaginable landscapes and wild creatures, Valberg finds art in all of nature’s most intimate moments. She is dedicated to nature literacy, conservation and highlighting the beauty and wonder of Canada – from coast to coast to coast.
Director
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.
Cedar is driven by the challenges of forging a new path forward for our planet. She is guided by the desire to learn and share, to experience the thrills of collective energy, and the power of collective action. Cedar believes that healthy relationships with the earth and each other are the critical first steps to building regenerative ecosystems and economies. She is excited by new perspectives and is eager to grow her compassion and empathy. Cedar is committed to the regions and communities to which Adventure Canada travels, and seeks to amplify the truths of these places.
At the helm of Adventure Canada’s operation, Cedar delights in sinking her teeth into the challenges and opportunities presented by running a fast-growing business.
Cedar has grown up surrounded by the world’s foremost adventurers and explorers, and now proudly carries on the work her father started while leading 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 the International Women’s Forum, and sits on the board of directors for both ArcticNet and Project North. In 2018, Cedar was named one of Canadian Traveller’s Top 40 Under 40 travel professionals. In 2020 Cedar was awarded the Citation Of Merit from The Explorers Club Canadian Chapter.