Speaker Bios

Harnessing the Potential of Generative AI: A Path Forward

Sumon Acharjee is the Chief Information Officer at the City of Markham. He has more than 15 years of experience as CIO in the broader public sector including health care and higher education. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his five-year old daughter and taking care of a Bichon Frise puppy named Kai.

Andrée Gates is a Data Project Specialist in the Data, Analytics and Visualization Services Branch at York Region. She has a passion for helping the organization harness the value of geodemographic data and for bringing people together to get projects done. When not working with data, Andrée spends her time on the tennis court, geocaching with her family or at the hockey rink cheering on her son.

Duncan Rowe leads the Advanced Analytics practice from the Data, Analytics & Visualization Services Branch. He is an experienced innovative pragmatist charged with leveraging data analytics to enhance public service. Outside of work, Duncan enjoys the outdoors, including hiking with his furry companion Fergus, travelling and spending time with his family.

Data Literacy: Is it the Key to Digital Transformation?

Scott MacNeil is the Practice Lead at Municipal Peak Performance, focused on empowering municipal and government agency staff to self-manage service modernization initiatives to achieve peak performance. With more than 25 years of experience, Scott has led digital transformations across federal, provincial and municipal levels, implementing innovative strategies for customer excellence and revolutionizing industry standards.

Sarah Allen is a Digital Education Program Specialist in the Data, Analytics and Visualization Services Branch at York Region. She’s a passionate data and analytics professional, with vast experience in data literacy, data analysis and education. When she isn’t increasing the data literacy of those around her, Sarah enjoys skiing, rock climbing and savouring quiet moments.

John Houweling is the Director of Data, Analytics, and Visualization Services at York Region. John is a catalyst for change in government, working to ignite a movement to transform data into action helping shape smarter, more inclusive, and vibrant communities. Beyond the confines of the office, John’s spirit of adventure takes him and his wife Vivian, exploring exotic locales. He cherishes precious moments with his family, including his delightful 10-month-old granddaughter, or simply strolling with his two grand-dogs. John finds joy in every moment, infusing his life with boundless energy and passion.

Building a Dream Team: Talent Acquisition Strategies for Data and Analytics Resources

Rob Jones, Director of Information Technology/CIO at the City of Richmond Hill, is a seasoned presenter known for his dynamic leadership in the IT sector. With a career spanning various leadership roles, Rob brings a continuous improvement mindset to all his endeavors. Beyond his professional life, Rob is passionate about backcountry camping and the outdoors. This love for nature not only rejuvenates him but also brings a fresh perspective to his work.

Joanne Taylor is the Head of Talent Management in the People, Equity and Culture Branch at York Region, where she leads the Talent Acquisition, Talent Management and Development teams. She joined York Region at the beginning of the pandemic after a thirty year career as a Senior HR Leader for iconic Canadian and international retailers, as well as a multi-national fintech.  She raised her three sons in Markham before she and her partner purchased a 150-acre farm where they have just completed building their forever log home.

Susan Chin Snelgrove, Manager of Data Management in the Data, Analytics and Visualization Services Branch at York Region, knows how to make the most of her free time. When she’s not conquering data challenges, she transforms into a sports enthusiast and a renovation junkie extraordinaire in addition to spending time with her family!

The Power of Data Sharing: Maximizing Opportunities through Collaboration and Awareness

Paul Lefaive is a GIS Analyst based in the IT Department at the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville. He is responsible for administering the Town’s corporate GIS systems as well as managing the Town’s data partnerships and external data requests. Outside of work Paul stays active by participating in local recreational sports leagues including flag football and slo-pitch baseball.

Christie-Lee Hazzard is a GIS Project Specialist within the Business Improvement, Information, and Asset Management Team of Property Services at York Region. She spearheads geospatial projects aimed at advancing the management of the Region’s Real Property assets. During her downtime, Christie-Lee enjoys time outdoors wandering and exploring with her family, her two Labradors and a cup of coffee.

Brendan Coles is the Corporate Data Product Specialist in the Data, Analytics and Visualization Services Branch at York Region. He is the Product Manager for the York Data Platform, helping departments from across the Region leverage YorkData to provide trusted data to trusted people to produce trusted results. Outside of work, Brendan enjoys playing music, and can play 6 different musical instruments.

Julie Millson is the Program Manager, Partnerships in the Data, Analytics and Visualization Services Branch at York Region. Her efforts leading the YorkInfo Partnership focus on collaborating to maximize service delivery and cost efficiencies for the residents of York Region.  Outside of work Julie enjoys planning the next family adventure and following weather phenomena and forces of nature stories.

Data Governance: Unlocking the Potential of Your Organization’s Data Assets

Stephen Graham is the Enterprise Data Architect at the City of Vaughan. He was born in a Scottish castle, and went to the same school as the Beatles.

Laura Thomas is the Enterprise Data Governance Specialist in the Data, Analytics and Visualization Services Branch at York Region. She lived in Bristol, and is very fond of her vegetable garden.

Bob Parry is the Data Access and Quality Specialist in the Data, Analytics and Visualization Services Branch at York Region. He previously worked with Richmond Hill.

Andrew Satterthwaite is the Manager, Special Projects in the Data, Analytics and Visualization Services Branch at York Region.  He grew up in England, and is happiest when out on the water in his kayak.

Data Storytelling: Unleashing the Power of Insights through Compelling Narratives

Shawn Prasad is the Manager of Surveillance, Education & CQI in the Public Health division of York Region. He’s a public health professional and trained program evaluation analyst with a passion for data and continuous quality improvement. When not managing his team, you can find him living life to the fullest on the dance floor, fishing, travelling, or enjoying his mom’s homemade spicy red pepper sauce.

Bojan Balmazovic is a GIS Analyst at the Town of Georgina’s IT department. He has been in a municipal GIS role for over 12 years, where he strives to create efficiencies, and improve data accuracy organization wide. Bojan has a passion for maps and cartography that traces back to childhood. Outside of work, he enjoys being active outdoors with activities such as biking, swimming, hiking, golfing and camping.

Claudia Letea is the Manager of Business Solutions in the Data, Analytics and Visualization Services Branch at York Region. She’s a passionate data and analytics solutions enthusiast who has enjoyed a rewarding 20-year career with the Region. Claudia’s heart beats for family, math, chess and the delicate beauty of flowers.