Program Advisory Council
Jonathan Bendiner
Senior Economic Advisor
Economic Forecasting, Ontario Ministry of Finance
Jonathan Bendiner serves as a Senior Economic Advisor for the Ontario Ministry of Finance. In this role Jonathan is responsible for conducting policy analysis and forecasts, performing research, and providing recommendations on a wide variety of economic issues. He previously held a role as an Economist within TD Economics, providing key forecasting for metro and provincial economies across Canada. Jonathan received an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Western University and a M.A. degree in Economics from Carleton University.
Brien Convery
Director, Talent Acquisition, Enterprise Campus Recruitment
Royal Bank of Canada
Brien Convery is the Director for Talent Acquisition and Enterprise Campus Recruitment within Royal Bank of Canada. In this role Brien leads and develops strategically focused recruiting teams and ensures they work effectively, collaboratively, and creatively throughout the specific company. Brien received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Hartford and has over 25 years of experience spanning a broad set of professional skills and in-depth practical knowledge in both the private and public sectors. He has been the recipient of multiple awards of distinction, including the IBM Global Business Services Eminence and Excellence Award in March of 2014.
John W. Johnston
Chief Strategist
Davis Rea Ltd., Investment Management
John W. Johnston serves as an Executive Vice President and Chief Strategist at Davis-Rea Ltd. In his role he provides research and advice exclusively tailored to the needs of clients. Previously, he served as the Chief Economist and Managing Director of Global Markets Research at RBC Capital Markets LLC, and also as a Chief Strategist for RBC Dominion Securities’ Harbour Group. Dr. Johnston received a Ph.D. from the University of Toronto and has devised university-level programs in Economics and Macroeconomics. He also received a B.A. from York University and an M.A. from University of Waterloo.
Cristian Mandachescu
Chief Risk Officer
Scotiabank US
Cristian Mandachescu is the Chief Risk Officer for Scotiabank US. Cristian is the corporate executive responsible with assessing and mitigating significant competitive, regulatory and technological threats to Scotiabank’s capital and earnings. He has fulfilled multiple VP roles in the past, including Global Transaction Banking and Global Risk Management. Mr. Mandachescu received a B. Comm from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly known as Ryerson University) and later went on to get his MBA from Western University.
Sharlene McDevitt
Vice President, Treasury & Securities
J.P. Morgan Chase Bank N.A.
Sharlene McDevitt serves as Vice President of Treasury & Security Services within J.P. Morgan Chase. In this role Sharlene is responsible for investing the JPMorgan’s clients’ money, and providing trade finance and logistics solutions as well as safeguards, values, clears and service securities and portfolios for investors and broker-dealers. She has also been actively involved with her father’s (Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly known as Ryerson University) alumni) aviation business since the 90’s. After graduating with a B.Comm from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly known as Ryerson University), Mrs. McDevitt received an MBA from Wilfred Laurier. She is also a CPA/CMA and holds seats on multiple advisory boards.
Don Mikolich
Executive Director, Corporate Solutions, Global Distribution, Capital Market Trading
CIBC
Don Mikolich serves as an Executive Director in CIBC World Markets. Don has over 18 years of experience in the position and previously performed as an Economist in CIBC and within Merrill Lynch as an Account Executive. He holds extensive knowledge about Capital Markets, Derivatives and Financial Analysis. Mr. Mikolich received an Honours Bachelor of Arts at Western University, and completed his M. A. in Economics at the University of Toronto. He holds multiple titles including a Junior Fellowship within Massey College, and a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).
John Parker
Chief Economist
Impact Infrastructure, LLC Toronto
John Parker serves as a Chief Economist and Product Officer at Impact Infrastructure within Toronto. John is a board member on both TABE and Impact Infrastructure boards, as well as a partner at Relevant Economics (re:). He holds advanced skills in Financial Modelling, Economics and Strategy. Mr. Parker received and Honours Bachelor of Arts in Economics at Western University. He went on to Oxford University to complete a M. Phil in Economics. While abroad he received the Overseas Research Award of distinction. He has contributed to multiple publications and achieved his Envision Sustainability Professional Certificate (ENVSP).
Robert Schauer
Chief Financial Officer
BMO Mutual Funds
Robert Schauer is CFO and Treasurer for all BMO’s mutual funds and ETFs in Canada. As Head of Investment Fund Operations, he oversees operations for more than $150 billion in assets under administration. He is regularly requested to speak at industry leading events, such as Investment Fund Institute of Canada (IFIC) Annual Conference and participates as a leader in industry on important task force committees, including Chair of the Investment Funds Standing Committee with CPA Canada. Mr. Schauer eceived his Bachelors for Business Management at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly known as Ryerson University). He later went on to become a Chartered Accountant, and also a fellow of the Chartered Professional Accountant (FCPA).
Surinder K. Suri
President
Global Economic Management and Associates
Surinder K. Suri serves as the President and Chief Economist at Global Economic Management & Associates. He has participated at the IMF, World Bank conferences for over 30 years, and has been to senior business conferences in over 90 countries. He was Director and Chief Economist of London Insurance Group and London Life, Economic Advisor at Moss Lawson and Company, and Banking Studies Officer with the Canadian Bankers Association amongst many other roles.
Jane Voll
Senior Regional Representative (Economics)
Bank of Canada
Jane Voll serves as a Senior Regional Representative (Economics) at the Bank of Canada. She directs research and analysis on economic developments in the region. Also playing a major role in the Office’s activities in communicating the Bank’s messages to a variety of external audiences and promoting an exchange of views on the economy and monetary policy. Ms. Voll received a graduate degree in Economics from the University of Toronto and was an alumni gold medallist in the Honours Co-op Program in Economics, Finance and Accounting at Wilfrid Laurier University. She is also a graduate of the Senior Executive Fellows program at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
David G. Watt
Chief Economist
HSBC Securities (Canada) Inc.
David G. Watt is the Chief Economist at HSBC Securities (Canada). He is responsible for HSBC’s Canadian economic forecasts and producing Canadian economic research for HSBC’s global clients. He held previous roles as Economist within the Bank of Canada, and as a Senior Fixed Income and Currency Strategist for RBC. Mr. Watt graduated from Western University, later receiving a Masters of Economics from Queen’s University, where he also undertook advanced graduate studies. He holds over 20 years of experience in capital markets, financial modelling, and investment banking.