Executive Team

Lisa Tomlinson 

Interim Chief Executive Officer

Lisa has over 30 years of combined experience in social work with a specific focus on child welfare, education and mental health, working in both English and French. With more than 20 years working at Children's Aid Society of Toronto (CAST), Lisa has held a range of progressively senior roles beginning as a front line worker to Director of Service to her most recent leadership position as Chief Operating Officer. Lisa possesses a Masters of Social Work from the University of Toronto with a specialization in Human Services Management and Leadership, complemented by a Bachelor of Social Work from Ryerson University. She is both an Anti-Oppression Practice Facilitator and Equity Trainer and represents CAST on the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies’ French Language Service Committee.

Lisa is a collaborative leader and strategic thinker with a focus on improving child welfare practice and strengthening community partnerships. She has implemented sector-leading programs and initiatives focused on domestic violence, Anti-Black Racism and equity that have garnered national recognition and led to better outcomes for children, youth and families.

Keshwer Patel

Chief Financial Officer 

Keshwer is a Chartered Professional Accountant and experienced leader with over 35 years of progressive experience in financial services and operations. Prior to joining Children’s Aid Society of Toronto, she held leadership roles as the Commissioner of Finance at Halton Region and the Commissioner of Corporate Service and Chief Financial Officer at the City of Waterloo.

A strategic thinker, Keshwer is analytical by nature and a strong believer in collaborating with business partners in the organization to deliver on strategic outcomes and vision. She has a strong track record of bringing innovative process improvements to the organizations she works for, while accomplishing goals through teamwork and building on the strengths of others. Keshwer is also experienced working with elected officials and board members. 

Keshwer is a first-generation immigrant to Canada, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bombay University and is a Chartered Accountant certified through The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). 

Keshwer’s leadership philosophy is summarized by the quote “Great leaders do not create followers, they create more leaders.”

Nancy Ansong-Danquah

Interim Chief Operating Officer 

Nancy has more than 20 years of experience in the child welfare sector and holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Social Sciences Degree, with a major in Criminology, from the University of Ottawa. 

During her time at the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto (CAST), Nancy has done a variety of frontline work and managed teams providing ongoing service to families, children and youth, as well as supporting those children who are in foster care placements.

Nancy has held a number of progressively senior roles within the organization including at Ongoing Services, Resources for Children and Youth, the Child Welfare Institute, and as Director of the Toronto Branch, and most recently as Director of Service. 

Nancy’s leadership in child welfare has been seen across the Agency, community and province. She has represented CAST as an instrumental member of projects and partnerships including the Yonge Street Mission Cornerstone partnership, the Engaging Fathers project, the One Vision One Voice reference group and the Provincial New Worker Authorization program. As a skilled communicator, she also has more than ten years of experience facilitating learning in the areas of anti-oppression, anti-racism and equity. 
 

Colin Hill

Interim Chief Human Resources Officer

Colin brings over 30 years of extensive Human Resources, organizational and operations leadership experience to the organization, having worked within various sectors including healthcare, community and social services, hospitality, retail, and manufacturing.

Most recently, Colin was the Interim Director, Human Resources at Oak Valley Health, and Senior Director, Human Resources at the Central LHIN/Ontario Health. In addition, Colin has held previous roles as Chief Operating Officer and Head of Human Resources for Fairhaven Long Term Care, as well as Vice President, Human Resources roles at both Baybridge Senior Living and Community Lifecare Inc.

Colin holds a Master’s Degree in Organizational Planning, Development and Management from York University and is a Registered Organization Development Consultant through the International Society for Organization Development and Change, and a Certified Human Resources Professional and Leader (CHRP/CHRL) through the Human Resources Professional Association (HRPA).

Leading human resources within the public, not-for-profit and private sectors and experience ranging from small start-ups to large multinational corporations, Colin employs a service-focused approach with a record of success at aligning human resources strategy and initiatives with operational requirements to drive breakthrough results.

As a philanthropist, animal rescue volunteer, advocate for the preservation of nature and wildlife, a scuba diver, former Big Brother, and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion champion, Colin will wholeheartedly support the Agency's staff, clients and community members and vision for a city where children are safe, families are strong, and communities are supported.