Introducing Toronto Humane Society’s New Board of Directors: Guiding the Way Towards a Bright Future

| September 29, 2023

Toronto Humane Society is thrilled to announce the newest members of our esteemed Board of Directors, a group of dedicated individuals who are committed to shaping the future of animal welfare and advocacy in our community. 

The Board of Directors plays a pivotal role in the strategic direction and governance of Toronto Humane Society. Their diverse backgrounds, expertise, and passion for animals make them invaluable assets to our organization, and we’re excited to introduce you to this remarkable team. 

Meet Our New Board Members

Adrienne Macdonald: In her role as Vice President, Equity Capital Markets at National Bank Financial, and as a former professional fundraiser for a major Canadian political party, Adrienne aims to merge these skills and experiences with their lifelong passion for animal welfare, contributing to Toronto Humane Society’s ongoing success as an animal welfare advocate. Adrienne has been a strong supporter of Toronto Humane Society since adopting a senior cat, Relish, from us.   

Alexandre Rochtchine: In addition to his passion for animal welfare, Alex eagerly anticipates bringing his financial planning expertise and deep understanding of sustainable charitable funding models to support Toronto Humane Society. With over 10 years of financial planning experience at various major banks in Toronto, Alex specializes in serving high net-worth clients, addressing the intricacies and consequences of tax codes, corporate structures, and multi-generational estate distributions. In this capacity, he excels at structuring philanthropic donations and possesses extensive knowledge of various tools, including life insurance models and donor-advised funds. 

Julie Barac: Leveraging her past experiences, Julie plans to offer a unique perspective to help shape policies and practices that align with the organization’s objectives, while also taking an active role in fundraising initiatives by utilizing her network and passionately advocating for Toronto Humane Society’s cause. Her goal is to expand community outreach programs, enhance public awareness, and promote responsible pet ownership.  

Gary Milakovic: With experience in both the public and private sectors, Gary has dealt with organizations of varying sizes and has dedicated himself as an active volunteer, contributing to numerous causes over the past two decades. Gary’s involvement would bring a distinctive perspective to the Toronto Humane Society, fostering growth and success, ultimately supporting the organization’s vision of becoming a leading force in animal welfare and creating a society where all animals are treated with respect and value. 

These new members join our existing Board of Directors, forming a dynamic team poised to lead Toronto Humane Society into a bright and impactful future. With their collective expertise, dedication, and shared love for animals, they will guide Toronto Humane Society as we continue to push forward of mission to Improve the Lives of Animals.  

We extend our warmest welcome to our new Board members and express our deepest gratitude to our existing team for their ongoing commitment. Together, we will write the next chapter in our journey to transform lives and build a brighter future for pets and their families. 

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Departing Board Members

As we welcome our new Board of Directors, it’s also a bittersweet moment as we bid farewell to a few esteemed members who have completed their dedicated service to Toronto Humane Society – Martin Buckle, Bronwen Morgan, Angela Young, and Nicholas Kanhai. While their roles on the Board may be ending, their impact and passion for animal welfare will forever be a part of Toronto Humane Society’s legacy. We wish them all the best in their future endeavors and express our heartfelt thanks for their outstanding service.