Our Speaker This Month

Neil Hetherington
Chief Executive Officer

After graduating from the University of Western Ontario - Huron College (London) and Seneca College (Toronto), Neil volunteered with Habitat for Humanity International, building homes in Hungary, Poland and Uganda. It was there that Neil first saw the dramatic difference that a simple, decent Habitat home could make in the life of a family and a community.

Neil began his career in project management at Tridel Construction, Canada's largest condominium developer. In September 2000, Neil made a radical career change by joining Habitat for Humanity Toronto. Neil is the youngest CEO of a Habitat affiliate in the world. Since 2000, Habitat for Humanity Toronto has accelerated its building program from an average of 1/2 a house per year to 55 under construction in 2007. The Habitat ReStore operations have also expanded with the addition of a second store. Revenues from the ReStore operations have grown from $250,000 in 2000 to over $1.3 million in 2005. Habitat for Humanity Toronto has the most profitable ReStore operation in the world.

Neil is the recipient of many awards and honours for his contribution to the community. He is the recipient of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 Award (2006), the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal, The Georgian Alumnus Award of Distinction from Royal Saint George’s College and The Distinguished Alumni Award from Seneca College.

February's Speaker

Diane Craig, Partner, Image International will speak on how people judge a book by it’s cover.

Diane Craig
Partner, Image International

Diane Craig has dedicated her career to the development and enhancement of the professional image of individuals and organizations. She is a graduate of the Protocol School of Washington, and holds a Certificate in Intercultural Studies from the University of British Columbia. Ms. Craig provides the most expert training and consultation available in national and international business protocol.

Ms. Craig is an alumna of L'Académie des Hauts Couturiers Canadiens, and was an instructor at the Richard Robinson School of Fashion Design in Ottawa. Her extensive training in fashion, combined with several years of experience working with professionals and politicians, has earned her a top spot as an image consultant.

Her views are often quoted in the daily press such as The Globe and Mail and The National Post. Ms. Craig has appeared on programs such as The National on CBC and Canada AM on CTV. In 2004 Ms. Craig received the Meritorious Service Medal from the Governor General of Canada, Her Excellency Adrienne Clarkson for her volunteer work.

January's Speaker

Rod Smith - CEO, Black's Photography

"The Driving Principles of a Grand Vision"
Balancing the Core Strength of "Non-Negotiables" with Flexibility

Past speakers

• Dan Fortin
  President, IBM Canada

• Gerry O'Mahoney
  COO, TD Waterhouse

• Brian Semkiw
  CEO, Rand

• Jeff McFarlane
  President, IT exchange

• Mark Bachman
  Vice President, Brainhunter

• Dave Toycen
  CEO, World Vision

• Rod Smith
  CEO, Blacks Photography