Our Board

WIS Governance

The business of Westman Immigrant Services is governed by a Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for the governance and management of the organization including its assets, all funds, intellectual property, and the management and control of its affairs and business.

Board Members

Deborah Berkan

Chair

Tamra Rapsky

Vice Chair

Michelle Bradley

Treasurer

Naseer Malik

Premmal Patel-David

Dr. Gustavo Moura

Ketan Patel

Courtney Matienzo

Robert MacKay

Joining Our Board

Nomination Process

Expressions of interest to join the Board will be accepted on an ongoing basis. Typically, new members are added to the Board at the June Annual General Meeting. However, vacancies shall be filled at any time during the year, as they occur. Expressions of interest will be reviewed by the Committee periodically to determine suitability, and if the applicants skills/experience matches the current need. The following competencies have been identified as those that will enhance the abilities of the Board:

  • Finance/accounting
  • Legal
  • Community relations
  • Business
  • Fundraising

A candidate meeting Board needs will be invited to an informal meeting with a member(s) of the Committee to discuss their goals & objectives in joining the board, time commitments, expectations, and answer any questions the candidate may have. The candidate’s nomination will be presented, along with a brief resume description, at the next Board meeting for Board approval. Upon approval, the candidate will be welcomed to the Board with a formal letter from the Board Chair and informed of the next meeting date.

Regular Board meetings usually occur on the 2nd Tuesday of September, November, January, March and May. The Annual General Meeting is in June. Committee and special meetings are in addition to those set out above. Directors must be available to attend at a minimum 60% of the meetings in a fiscal year. A Director will serve a 3 year term and may serve one additional 3 year term.

Time Commitment and Meeting Attendance Expectations

Regular Board meetings usually occur on the 2nd Tuesday of September, November, January, March and May. The Annual General Meeting is in June. Committee and special meetings are in addition to those set out above. Directors must be available to attend at a minimum 60% of the meetings in a fiscal year. A Director will serve a 3 year term and may serve one additional 3 year term.

Confidentiality

WIS will make every effort to keep board member information confidential, shared only with Nominating Committee of the Board, and staff who support the work of the Nominating Committee.