In this role, Scott has spearheaded a series of strategic initiatives aimed at revitalizing OHBA’s position as the leading voice for the home construction industry in Canada. A cornerstone of this effort has been the development and execution of a comprehensive business plan focused on advancing a robust advocacy agenda, enhancing the delivery of training and events, and deepening collaboration with local home builder associations across Ontario to strengthen their capacity to offer exceptional member services.
With a career spanning the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors, Scott has cultivated deep expertise in government advocacy, policy analysis, and local government finance. His work on complex economic and social policy initiatives—ranging from health care reform and economic development to municipal governance and housing affordability—has earned him a reputation for delivering effective solutions in even the most challenging environments. Additionally, his experience as a political chief of staff and in executive roles within the Ontario Public Service has given him a nuanced understanding of the intersections between the public and private sectors, enabling him to forge impactful solutions where they converge.
Scott’s proven track record in leadership and team building is complemented by his ability to dismantle barriers and build partnerships that yield positive outcomes and business solutions.
Scott holds an undergraduate degree in Management and Business Administration from Laurentian University. He has also earned Executive Certificates from Harvard Law School (Negotiation), the MIT Sloan School of Management (Management & Leadership), and Queen’s University (Governance). Additionally, he completed the Certified Association

Ross Cadastre is the founder and CEO of Innovative Talent Solutions Inc. a leading talent company with two distinct brands ITS Global & Kontingence Recruitment, which address recruitment challenges for organizations throughout Canada. His passion is people, their elevation, their development, and ultimately helping people find their true purpose and power.  

He also founded Lyenn Dous — a near-shore Knowledge Process Outsourcing operation located in Saint Lucia, providing back-office services to North American technology start-ups and high growth companies. 

Ross is a known champion of the advancement of the work of under-represented people. His establishment of www.bipocjobs.ca, the leading job board for BIPOC talent across North America, has provided BIPOC professionals with the avenue necessary to break barriers in their various fields.  

A believer in building generational wealth within the black community, Ross serves as the Board Chair of the Black Business Professional Association (BBPA), an organization that addresses equity and builds programming to support black-owned businesses across Canada.  

Ross’s impact on the business community has earned him many awards and recognition from both a corporate and community work perspective. In 2017, Ross was recognized at the Black Business Awards and inducted into the Black Canadian. In 2020 he was recognised as one of Canada’s Top 100 Professionals and then accepted as a member of the prestigious Forbes Business Council in 2022, the foremost growth and networking organization for successful business owners and leaders worldwide. 

His hard work and dedication to social responsibility and the upliftment of black owned businesses and entrepreneurs has earned him a spot as a “Top Staffing Leader” to watch in 2023. His role as President of the Canada Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA) puts him in a unique position to directly influence and create opportunities for growth and development not only for business owners and entrepreneurs in his community but across Canada by extension.  

As a nominee for Canada’s Black Entrepreneur of the Year, Ross remains commitment to his mission of being the voice of underrepresented, black businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs across Canada looking for equal access to resources and opportunities. 

As he journeys on his quest to develop the next generation of black professionals, Ross continues to positively influence the world of recruitment by imparting knowledge at every opportunity.   

Samantha Gale is currently the CEO of BC’s newest trust company, Veracite Trust Company Ltd. and the Canadian Private Lenders Association. Samantha is a highly qualified regulatory expert with extensive knowledge in mortgage and real estate issues, lending practices, and finance law and regulation. With a Master of Laws from Osgoode Hall Law School, specializing in banking and financial law, and a law degree from the University of British Columbia, Samantha has a deep understanding of Financial Transactions, Trusts and Estates. As the former CEO of the Canadian Mortgage Brokers Association – BC and the Mortgage Brokers Institute of BC, she has a wealth of experience in the Canadian mortgage and finance industry. Samantha’s expertise shines through in every conversation, making her one of the most knowledgeable figures in the field. She also played a prominent role in the Cullen Commission, advocating for modernized legislation with balanced rules that serve their intended purpose. Much of Samantha’s expertise stems from her 15-year stint with the BC Financial Institutions Commission (FICOM, now BCFSA), a regulatory agency of the province’s Ministry of Finance, which gave her the opportunity to take a “deep dive” into various statutes and legal issues. 

Mary-Anne is the CEO of Red Apple Coaching and Consulting, the #1Customized Business Coaching Company. Known as a trailblazer shecreated numerous coaching systems and programs and the firstHybrid Coaching Program in the Real Estate Industry, GameChanger.With over 30,000 Billable coaching hours she leads the industry inknowledge, skills, and experience and is often consulted for her abilityto predict market trends. She has been published in Forbes, Inman,REM and is an author of the “Resilient Real Estate Women” book.Known for her ability to bring businesses #1 in their fields and hasbeen behind the most #1 Teams in Real-estate. With over 900 businessowners experiencing average profits of $3 million and 50% annualgrowth rates she has shared the stages with Grant Cardone, RyanSerhant, Arlene Dickenson and many more. In her free time when she’snot studying Neurosciences, she surfs the world, spears fishes andrescues puppy mill dogs. In May 2021, she accomplished one of herbiggest goals and became a full Ironman after transforming her lifefrom 300lbs to Fit as Fu!K!Having come from being homeless after losing her family, Mary-Anneis the true definition of a “Bad A$$ Business Woman” by truly living themantra “Anything is Possible”!!

As a former managing broker and REALTOR®, Trevor Koot’s nearly two decades in organized real estate gives him hands-on expertise in understanding the profession’s needs.   

Before stepping in as CEO at the BC Real Estate Association, he served as CEO of Kamloops and District Real Estate Association for four years and Kootenay Association of REALTORS® for three before successfully merging the two into the Association of Interior REALTORS®.  

Trevor’s leadership in the real estate sector began long before his CEO career when he was Chair of the Saskatchewan Real Estate Commission for five years. He played a key role in redrafting provincial real estate regulations during his tenure. Trevor also served two years as Chair of the Governance Committee at the Association of Real Estate License Law Officials.   

He holds multiple degrees, from a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and a minor in Mathematics through the University of Saskatchewan to a Master of Business Administration degree through Royal Roads University. Trevor is adding to his extensive education through his current pursuit of completing a Master of Laws degree at York University.   

His daughter, Abby, attends the University of Victoria while he and his wife, Jill, live in Vancouver’s Chinatown. 

Tom Lebour has been an active REALTOR since 1976 in Mississauga. Recipient of the Royal LePage Diamond Award, ranking him in the Top Tier 10% Nationally in 2022. Giving back to the profession by having served as the President of the Mississauga Real Estate Board in 2002 and of the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board in 2010. Also served as a Director at the Ontario Real Estate Association from 2010-2016.

Currently committed to raising the “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion” Awareness in the Real Estate Profession by chaIring the DEI Committee of the Mississauga Real Estate Board. Took part in OREA’s Presidential Advisory Group in the DEI study resulting in Fighting for Fair Housing Report. Lastly, on the Peel Police Chief Resource Centre, to ensure a more equitable lifestyle in the diverse community of Peel.

Ann McAfee has a Doctorate in City Planning and Urban Land Economics from the University of British Columbia. She was Vancouver’s first Housing Planner and between 1988-2006 was Director of City Plans and Vancouver’s Co-Director of Planning.

On ‘retirement’ Ann established City Choices Consulting to mentor international clients on planning and delivering city services. Consulting contracts include projects funded by the World Bank, Canadian Government, and cities including Melbourne, Auckland, Shanghai, Gothenborg, and Stockholm.

In 2020, Ann was appointed to Canada’s first National Housing Council. As a member of the Council Ann continues to advise on improving Canada’s National Housing Strategy, Purpose-Built Rental Housing, and scaling up Community Housing.

Dr. McAfee has taught courses on housing and land economics. As an Adjunct Professor, she currently teaches Strategic Planning at UBC. Ann has written on housing markets, financing growth, and municipal governance.

A Fellow of the Canadian Institute of Planners, Ann has also been recognized by the International Honorary Land Economics Society LAI, Urban Development Institute, and the Canadian Housing Design Council for her contributions to cities. In 2007, she received the Kevin Lynch Award for Distinguished Planning Practice from MIT. In 2018, Ann was LAI International Member of the year for her contributions to Land Economics.

Ann is an active volunteer having served as President of the UBC Alumni Association, Chair of the Vancouver General Hospital Board of Trustees, Vancouver Golf Club Board of Directors, Coquitlam Economic Development/Strategic Investment Committee, and YPK Regional Airport Board.

Ann has previously served as a CMA Judge and is currently on the Canadian Institute of Planners Awards Jury and is a CMHC Housing Solutions and NHS Research and Planning Fund Reviewer.

Before recent knee replacement operations Ann was a regular attendee at BC Mortgage Investment Association lunches.

Chad Mooney is the SR VP of Mortgage Operations at MCF Mortgage Investment Corp. Mr. Mooney’s career in the mortgage industry began in 2006 when he co-founded a successful mortgage brokerage firm.  It grew rapidly and became one of the preeminent brokerages in the industry.  After working closely with MCF as one of their primary lenders, Mr. Mooney made the transition to the lending side of the business in 2012, joining MCF as their Business Development Manager. His considerable experience and passion for private mortgages has helped MCF to become a household name in the industry today. Mr. Mooney currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Mortgage Brokers Association (CMBA) and is an active volunteer in his community.  

Lisa Patel is a visionary leader, award-winning real estate professional, entrepreneur, and speaker who has left an indelible mark on the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. With over 16 years of experience in real estate and a lifetime immersed in entrepreneurial ventures, Lisa is driven by a passion for building communities, empowering individuals, and fostering meaningful connections.

A Legacy of Leadership and Innovation Lisa Patel’s journey is deeply rooted in entrepreneurship. Growing up in a family of business owners who operated motels, hotels, retail stores, and restaurants across Ontario, Lisa’s entrepreneurial spirit was evident from a young age. Her first ventures included selling gift-wrap and bubble gum to classmates and running a candy shop, foreshadowing her future success as a business leader.

Today, Lisa leads the Property Princess Group, a dynamic group of real estate professionals specializing in residential, commercial, leasing, land, and investment properties across the GTA. Under Lisa’s leadership, the team is known for its integrity, innovation, and client-first approach. The Property Princess brand, synonymous with excellence in real estate, has been featured in McGraw-Hill educational materials and celebrated for its brand strength and consistency by author Andris Pone.

A Respected Voice in Real Estate and Beyond Lisa’s influence extends beyond real estate. As the former President of the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) — the largest real estate board in Canada and the world — Lisa has been a trailblazer in organized real estate, advocating for positive change and industry advancement. Her decade-long commitment to volunteer leadership with TRREB, the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA), and the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) underscores her dedication to supporting realtors and enhancing the profession.

Her expertise in branding, leadership, and human connections has made her a sought-after speaker. Lisa has delivered talks at prominent organizations and events, including the University of Toronto’s Women in Business group, Speakers Slam, Royal LePage Signature, The Buzz Conference, WXN Women’s Executive Network, CIBC, Home Depot Canada, and more. She shares her insights on topics such as entrepreneurship, diversity and inclusion, transformation, and leadership.

A Champion for Community and Entrepreneurship Lisa’s commitment to giving back is at the core of her personal and professional life. Her mission is to create opportunities and shape our world for generations to come. She is also a huge advocate for community and community initiatives, both inside and outside the real estate space.

She has been a dedicated mentor with Futurpreneur Canada for nearly 15 years, guiding aspiring entrepreneurs to achieve their business goals. Her mentorship extends to the University of Information and Technology, where she supports young leaders in navigating their career paths. Lisa has also served as a Past Director of the Board of Trade and continues to volunteer with numerous community organizations.

Lisa’s community involvement goes beyond mentorship. She has been a passionate advocate for green initiatives, hosting the television show “A Greener Durham” on Rogers TV, which showcased environmentally conscious practices and resources available in the Durham region. Her dedication to sustainability and social responsibility remains a driving force in her work.

An Advocate for Lifelong Learning and Personal Growth Lisa is a firm believer in continuous learning and personal development. Her educational background spans Public Administration and Government, Public Relations, Project Management, Finance, Marketing and Communications, Leadership, Life Coaching, Metaphysical Teachings, and Adult Education. She leverages this diverse knowledge to provide exceptional service to her clients, inspire her community, and support her mentees.

Looking Ahead As Lisa Patel steps into 2025, her mission remains clear: to continue building a legacy of empowerment, connection, and innovation. She is dedicated to fostering growth and enhancing opportunities in the real estate sector, supporting entrepreneurs, and creating lasting positive impacts within the communities she serves.

Lisa’s vision for the future further solidifying her role as a trusted voice in business and leadership. Her relentless drive to uplift others ensures that her influence will continue to grow, making a meaningful difference in the lives of those she touches.

With a unique blend of business acumen, community focus, and a deep understanding of human connection, Lisa Patel remains a trailblazer in her field — a leader who is shaping the future, one relationship at a time.

Andrew Perrie is the CEO of The Fine Estates Team which finished #2 on the Niagara Association of Realtors Board for Total Sales Volume & Units Sold, all while running 3 offices for Revel Realty INC., Brokerage in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Muskoka and the new addition of Burlington in 2024. Andrew is the host of a successful Business Podcast “THAT FINE LIFE”, an international speaker and TV Personality on A&E network. 

Over the past 25 years, Gary has played a leadership role in the high-tech industry founding, investing and managing a number of companies in the FinTech and DataTech sectors. He is presently Managing Partner of Exit North Ventures. 
 
He is a six-time recipient of the Deloitte Fast 50 Award and was recognized as the 2013 “Mobile Commerce Evangelist of the Year” and 2014 “US Retail Innovator of the Year.” He is the recipient of the Macromedia People Choice Award, Retail Touchpoints Customer Engagement Award, as well as the Dodge Foundation Award for Innovation.  
 
Gary is a Simon & Schuster NYC award-winning author with titles that include “The Impulse Economy” and “Fast Shopper, Slow Store.” 
 
Gary founded Impact Mobile (www.impactmobile.com) which was acquired by Cisco (Webex) in 2018. He plays an active role as board member and executive advisor in a number of portfolio companies and is presently President of the Canadian Lenders Association. 
 
Gary founded and chaired the Mobile Committee for the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) in New York City helping to establish a joint task force between the IAB, Mobile Marketing Association (MMA) and the Media Rating Council (MRC) to develop global, auditable mobile measurement standards for which he received an IAB award for industry excellence in 2009.  
 
Gary was elected for three terms as the Chairman of MEF North America. During this period he developed a mobile commerce practice to better service payment vendors, retailers and content owners for which he received a MEF award for industry excellence in 2010. 
 
Gary is alumnus of Columbia University in New York and the Stanford University Center in Yokohama, where he was the recipient of the Asia and Japan Foundation Fellowships. 

Joseph J. White is the founder and President of the Real Estate and Mortgage Institute of Canada (REMIC), and co-founder and President of Conversational Artificial Intelligence Technologies (CaiT). 

Mr. White has been a staunch supporter of the mortgage industry since 1988. He began his career as a mortgage agent, and in the mortgage lending sector of the industry he has held positions as National Sales Manager and VP of Sales with two national mortgage lenders. 

In the industry’s mortgage brokering sector he is a licensed mortgage broker and has been a partner at a successful mortgage brokerage, manager at two national brokerages, principal broker at a commercial brokerage, founder of a mortgage investment corporation, and is owner and principal broker of his own boutique brokerage. 

As an educator, Mr. White has personally instructed over fifteen thousand students since 1996, many of whom are now leaders in the industry.  During his 14 years at Seneca College he was a professor, program coordinator, subject matter expert and winner of the Excellence Award for exceptional leadership.  In addition to having developed several courses for Seneca College, including the first mortgage broker education program in Ontario’s history, he designed the mortgage agent course currently used by REMIC and Ontario’s colleges.  Mr. White has written two textbooks used in the mortgage industry and by over 20 Ontario colleges, with over thirty thousand copies in print, as well as several business focused books and e-books. 

Mr. White has made significant contributions to the growth of the mortgage industry.  When he began his career in teaching, 120 students per year were taking the mortgage agent course.  Because of his passion and dedication to helping those who want to make mortgage brokering their career, REMIC has become the largest mortgage educator in Canada, teaching over 6,000 students per year.   

As a thought leader, Mr. White is leading the development of AI, through hiCait.com, for use in assisting mortgage brokers to capture market share and expand mortgage brokerage’s influence in the mortgage market.