Management Team
The Board of Directors is responsible for hiring and overseeing the Executive Director, who in turn is charged with hiring and overseeing the management team. Combined, our staff team has put in the equivalent of over 50 years of service to the OCA, and accumulated over 100 years of experience in the co-operative sector!
Jennifer Ross
Executive Director
As Executive Director, Jennifer is responsible for the successful leadership and management of the Association, as well as promoting the development and sustainability of the co-operative model through activities that advance the collective interests of the co-operative sector. She has full responsibility for the provision of management and administrative services, including finance, human resources, facilities, government relations, membership, education, co-op development, events, and external relations that support the organization’s mission and vision and both short- and long-term objectives.
Contact Jennifer Ross at [email protected]
or at ext. 22
Bio
Audrey Aczel
Communications Manager
Audrey develops, manages and executes the organization’s communications plan, as well as supports the planning and execution of OCA's events. Through a separate contract with the Directors’ Forum Co-operative, Audrey manages their annual fall governance conference, AGM and virtual governance series.
Contact Audrey Aczel at [email protected]
or at ext. 24
Bio
Peter Cameron
Co-op Development Manager
Peter helps people interested in starting a co-operative, and provides technical expertise to new, emerging and established co-operatives. He links co-operatives with funding opportunities, nurtures the development of regional Co-op Networks, and raises awareness and understanding of the co-op business model within economic development organizations (e.g., SBECs, SBRCs, RICs, Chambers of Commerce, etc.), and within colleges and universities.
Contact Peter Cameron at [email protected]
or at ext. 23
Bio
Michelle Christmann
Education Manager
Michelle organizes and oversees all the co-operative education programs and initiatives for the association. Feel free to contact her to discuss training and education opportunities for your organization or school!
Contact Michelle Christmann at [email protected]
or at ext. 29
Bio
Carol Fleming
Director, Co-operative Young Leaders
Carol organizes and oversees the programing, logistics and recruitment (participant, facilitator and sponsorship) for the CYL program.
Contact Carol Fleming at [email protected]
or at ext. 25
Bio
Sujit Basak
Administrative Assistant & Bookkeeper
Contact Sujit Basak at [email protected]
or at ext. 27
Bio