About the
Niagara Parks Foundation

Deborah Whitehouse

Debbie’s educational background includes a BA in Biology and Teacher’s Certification from University of Michigan, an MS in Forest Eco-physiology from University of Missouri and she completed the first half of an MBA at McMaster University.

She worked in various roles including Research Assistant and Supply Teacher, prior to coming to Canada in 1980. In 1980 she began work as an Instructor at The Niagara Parks Commission School of Horticulture. Following this, she worked in a number of progressively responsible positions in Horticulture/Parks and Human Resources. Then, as Assistant General Manager, retired in 2013.

David Adames

David Adames became the Chief Executive Officer of The Niagara Parks Commission in 2019, after serving as both the Senior Director of Business Development and Chief Operating Officer. David’s background includes time spent as the President and CEO of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, and as the Executive Director at Tourism Hamilton. He currently serves as the Chair of the Niagara Falls Illumination Board. David is a proud alumnus of both McMaster University and Queen’s University.

Anne Charette

With a diverse background gained in a variety of government, education, business, and not for profit sector settings, Anne Charette has focused her consulting practice in the areas of Human Resources Consulting, Executive Search and Outplacement/ Career Consulting Counselling. Recent HR assignments include third party investigations, design and development of a Performance Management Model, major restructuring in the healthcare industry.

Sylvie Chartrand-Rafi

Prior to joining the Niagara Parks Foundation, Sylvie Chartrand-Rafi served on the Niagara Parks Commission as a Commissioner from 2018-2021.

Ms. Chartrand-Rafi worked for Statistics Canada from 1987-2017 until her retirement. Her skills and experience are in the areas of strategic planning, customer service, marketing and public relations. She holds a Bachelor of Arts(Honour) degree in Human Geography from Ottawa University.

Ms. Chartrand-Rafi's community work has included serving in Protocol at the Invictus Games.

Lois Giles

Lois Giles is a former Director for Information Services and Clerk at City of Guelph. Her community involvement includes formerly serving as Member for Municipal Elections Act Project Team at AMCTO, and as Committee Member for Association of Municipalities of Ontario.

Blair McArthur

Blair McArthur graduated from University of Waterloo in 1985, obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering, followed by a Diploma in Business in 1986 from Wilfrid Laurier University, before earning his MBA from the same school in 1987.

From 2007 to 2015 Mr. McArthur assumed the role of Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Miller Group.

Miller Paving was a significant player in the road construction industry across Canada. It played a significant role in the 3P market in Canada with operations in the Maritimes, Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia. In addition, Miller Paving was a significant consolidator of the road construction industry in Ontario.

Robert Orsini

Robert Orisini is Managing Partner, Sales and Business Development for DoubleTree Fallsview Resort & Spa by Hilton. Orsini Bros. Inns Inc., the family hospitality company established in 1964 – owns and operates the four diamond CAA/AAA hotel complex in Niagara Falls.

Robert is a member of a number of professional organizations such as the American Bus Association, Canadian Inbound Tourism Association (Asia Pacific), Ontario Motor Coach Association, Niagara Falls Chamber of Commerce, Niagara Falls Tourism, and the Tourism Industry Association of Canada.

Kim Viney

Kim Viney is an Honours graduate of the Ontario College of Art and Design University. After working many years in both the design industry and in private business, Kim joined the Niagara Parks executive team in 2019 as the Senior Director, Business Development. Kim leads the development and implementation of the strategic plan for growth in business initiatives and oversees all of the revenue-generating operations for Niagara Parks. This includes all of the attractions, events and programming, golf courses, full-serve and quick-serve culinary offerings and retail outlets.

April Jeffs

April Jeffs is a Senior Government Relations Advisor at Brock University and a Photographer/Owner/Operator for April Jeffs Lakeside Studio.

April was Chair of The Niagara Parks Commission from January 2022 to April 2024, having previously served as Vice-Chair since 2019. She served as Mayor of Wainfleet from 2010-2018 and ran as a candidate in previous provincial and federal elections.

April’s community involvement includes serving on several boards as well as formerly serving as Coach for Wainfleet Minor Softball Association.

Bob Gale

Bob Gale is a lifelong resident of the Niagara region who is proud to call Niagara home. A Niagara Regional Councillor in his third term, Gale was recently appointed as the Chair of the Niagara Parks Commission. He has also served on the Niagara Regional Police Services Board from 2014- 2022 and was their Chair from 2014 through 2018.

Beginning his career as a Niagara Regional Police Officer in the 1970s, Gale then took over his family’s oil company from 1980 until 2014. He has served on numerous boards including as an Honourary member of the Boys and Girls Club Board, a YMCA board member, a Niagara Falls Sunrise Rotary past member, Niagara Falls High School Advisory Board, GNG Hospital Foundation Board, and more. Gale also previously served on the Niagara Parks Commission from 2006 through 2009 and was credited with saving the province over $300 million through enhancements to procurement procedures.

A recognized philanthropist, Gale has spearheaded his family’s involvement in many endeavours to benefit the local community, including the renovation of the Greater Niagara General Hospital emergency room; the construction of the “Gale Centre”; and the first and largest private donation to the new Niagara Falls Museum.

Sue-Ann Ramsden

Sue-Ann Ramsden is an experienced consultant whose services have been engaged by some of the country’s major public and private institutions. She brings to her consulting assignments a methodical rigour characterized by a high level of analysis and organization as well as a clear commitment to providing cost-effective services to clients. Her early training with Maclean Hunter, including four years as Fulfillment Manager for the Financial Post, gave her a solid background in marketing and business experiences with ample hands-on experiences.

The major focus of her consulting has been in areas of marketing, retail merchandising, fiscal and project management, promotion, fundraising, and publishing. She has been particularly successful in assisting clients to develop coherent, measurable strategies and business plans to create and enhance their commercial success.

Michele-Elise Burnett

Michele-Elise Burnett, a proud Métis with Nipissing Algonquin roots, is President of Kakekalanicks, an Indigenous arts consultancy, and Landscape of Nations 360°, an Indigenous education and tourism initiative. She also serves as the Indigenous Producer at Artpark in Lewiston, NY, curating events like the Annual Strawberry Moon Festival, and is the founder and Artistic Director of Celebration of Nations.

Michele-Elise has been involved in significant public installations such as the Landscape of Nations Memorial, the Native American Peace Garden at Artpark, and the Indigenous Unity Garden in Thorold. She is passionate about creating immersive Indigenous audio experiences like "Her Moccasins Talk " and "Rekindling All Our Relations - An Indigenous Journey of the Niagara Glen" and curating impactful exhibits and performances such as The Red Dress Exhibit, Mino Bimaadiziwin, Trail of Treaties, and The Red Dress Sisters in Spirit Theatrical Performance.

Driven by her heritage, Michele-Elise advocates for Indigenous unity, striving to build a future of pride and honor for seven generations.