General Manager, Canada

• Nov 2016 - Present

General Manager, Canada

• Oct 2015 - Present

WorldStrides is North America's largest and most respected accredited travel organization, helping 300,000 students travel each year to destinations in more than 90 countries. Our programs are marked by exceptional service, a superior safety record, and a personalized approach to educational travel that is unmatched in the field. We believe in the power of experiential travel to enrich students’ lives. For nearly 50 years, WorldStrides has been partnering with teachers and students to create unforgettable learning adventures. Six million students, from elementary school to graduate school, have traveled beyond classroom walls with WorldStrides to develop a stronger understanding of the world around them, deepen their cultural appreciation, and widen their awareness of other perspectives. Show less

General Manager

• Oct 2011 - Sep 2014

Appointed to role of General Manager in October 2011. Reported to the CEO of EF Educational Tours, located in Boston. Responsible for all facets of the Canadian operations of EF Educational Tours. Presented operational results and recommended strategic plans to the EF Chairman and Board, located in Lucerne, Switzerland. Focused on long-term sales growth and profitability.Built a strong culture of people that was recognized nationally in 2014 with EF Educational Tours named by Canada's Top 100 Employers one of Canada's Top Employers for Young People. Show less

Vice President Finance

• Oct 2009 - Oct 2013

Member of executive team that presented results and recommended strategic actions for Canada to the EF Chairman and Board, located in Lucerne, Switzerland. Responsible for Finance, HR and IT departments. Identified process improvements and investment opportunities that increased profitability. Led multi-department project team over 24 months to implement a new revenue & analytics tool to be used by multiple business lines.Developed a key business partnership with Free the Children (www.metowe.com).Appointed to the Board of Directors of EF Institute for Cultural Exchange Ltd. in 2009.Implemented new legal structure to align with operational structure and mitigate tax risk.Demonstrated effective financial leadership during period of rapid sales and organizational growth.Received Excellence in Control Award at EF worldwide finance conference in March 2011. Show less

Controller

• May 2005 - Oct 2009

Member of executive team that presented results and recommended strategic actions for Canada to the EF Chairman and Board, located in Lucerne, Switzerland. Responsible for Finance, HR, IT and Customer Service departments. Established all finance and payroll functions in the Canadian office, previously in Boston.Demonstrated effective cost management during period of rapid sales growth.Member of executive team that established new sales offices in Montreal and New Delhi, India.Volunteered for EF internal audit team; performed audits in Beijing and Shanghai, China.Successfully implemented key performance indicators across all departments. Show less

Audit Manager, Executive Offices

• Mar 2003 - May 2005

• Seconded to Sarbanes-Oxley 404 project group for 12 months. • Involved in scoping the entire bank for regulatory compliance. • Executed the planning, documentation and training of all key personnel involved in the project. • Presented audit results and recommended actions to senior bank management. • Seconded to Sarbanes-Oxley 404 project group for 12 months. • Involved in scoping the entire bank for regulatory compliance. • Executed the planning, documentation and training of all key personnel involved in the project. • Presented audit results and recommended actions to senior bank management.

Audit Senior, Consumer Products

• Dec 2001 - Mar 2003

• Managed financial statement audit and review programs for large multi-national audit clients.• Specialized in small to medium sized Canadian owner-managed consumer product clients• Efficiently led audit teams of up to 6 members.• Evaluated control systems and prepared recommendation reports for audit committee meetings.• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with audit partners & client management.

Staff Accountant, Consumer Products

• Sep 1999 - Dec 2001

• Performed financial statement account reconciliation and analysis.• Reviewed client controls, provided recommendations for internal review.