SENIOR MANAGEMENT

FRED EISENBERGER

President and CEO

Fred Eisenberger was appointed President and CEO of the Canadian Urban Institute in December of 2010. His career includes serving as a Councillor for the City of Hamilton and the Region of Hamilton-Wentworth for nearly a decade in the 1990s.  In 2001, he was appointed by the Federal Government as the inaugural Chairman of the new Hamilton Port Authority providing strategic and operational leadership to one of Canada’s largest inland Ports and, in 2006, Eisenberger was elected Mayor of Hamilton and served until November of 2010.  As Mayor, he championed a wide array of successful initiatives promoting sustainability, urban revitalization and economic transformation in a diverse regional city of more than 500,000 people. His private sector experience as Government and Community Relations President for ECS Consulting (2000-2006) was focussed on providing public and private entities consulting services in strategic planning, business development, public relations and communications.

While serving on the Metrolinx Board of Directors 2006-2009 and thereafter, Fred Eisenberger made his mark as an advocate for public transit, transit-oriented land-use, and active transportation (cycling, walking).  He is particularly known for his vision of sustainable cities and equally for his willingness to advance and defend often-unpopular positions with a long-term vision of urban sustainability, environmental remediation, and economic revitalization. During his mayoral tenure he served on several federal, provincial and local area Boards. In 1991-2000 as Hamilton City and Regional Councillor, Fred Eisenberger held Committee Chairmanships of Environmental Services, Parks & Recreation, Licensing, Planning and Development and West Harbourfront Development Committee.

Fred was born in the Netherlands, raised and educated in Hamilton. He holds a license in residential and commercial real estate, diplomas in Municipal Planning and Development (Honours) as well as Communication Arts from Mohawk College of Applied Arts and Technology along with selected courses on Political Science at McMaster University. He has taken courses towards Environmental Sciences (BES) at the University of Waterloo. Fred’s voluntary interests have involved the chairmanship of Giant’s Rib Discovery Centre in Hamilton highlighting the natural benefits of the Niagara Escarpment as well as the memberships of Hamilton Civic Coalition, Jobs and Prosperity Collaborative, Hamilton Roundtable of Poverty Reduction and Hamilton Chamber of Commerce.

Contact Fred: feisenberger@canurb.org | phone: 416-365-0816 x233
 

JEFF EVENSON

Principal, Connector

Jeff Evenson is Principal of connector - the strategy and engagement practice of the Canadian Urban Institute. His clients are municipal governments, agencies, boards and commissions, educational institutions, and public and private sector corporations. Jeff has more than twenty-five years experience managing urban issues. He was chief of staff to two Toronto mayors and has worked as a community organizer at the neighborhood level and as a political advisor to senior politicians at the provincial and municipal levels of government. He specializes in public engagement and participatory design of public policy, strategic issues management, communications and project management. Jeff has a strong interest in the creative economy and sustainable urban development, the public realm, urban regions and affordable housing. Jeff was born and raised in Toronto and did his graduate and undergraduate studies in politics at Queen's University in Kingston, Canada.

Contact Jeff: jevenson@canurb.org | phone: 416-365-0816 x281

ANDREW FARNCOMBE, MCIP, RPP

Vice President, International Partnerships

Andrew Farncombe directs CUI's portfolio of international initiatives undertaken in partnership with cities and communities around the world. He is skilled in all aspects of design, planning, implementation and results-based management of large international cooperation projects related to local governance and urban management. He has worked on projects in Southeast Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, Eastern Europe and the Balkans funded by CIDA, AusAID, UN-HABITAT, World Bank and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. Earlier in his career, Andrew worked as a municipal planner, as a public affairs specialist in the financial services sector, and as a legislative assistant in the House of Commons. Andrew holds a Masters in Environmental Studies (Planning) from York University (Toronto) and a Bachelor of Arts (Geography) from the University of British Columbia (Vancouver). He is a professional planner, with membership in the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) and the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI).

Contact Andrew: afarncombe@canurb.org | phone: 416-365-0816 x224

GLENN R. MILLER, FCIP, RPP

Vice President, Education and Research

 Glenn R. Miller, FCIP, RPP, is Vice President, Education and Research, with the Canadian Urban Institute, a Toronto-based not for profit organization with a national and international reach.  Glenn is responsible for the Institute’s Canadian programming.  A Fellow of the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP), Glenn is a graduate of Concordia University (BA (Hon.) Urban Studies) and McGill University’s School of Urban Planning (MUP).  The CUI’s work has received awards for excellence from CIP, the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI) and the Ontario Federal Council.  Glenn also teaches in the graduate planning program at Ryerson University’s School of Urban and Regional Planning, and recently concluded his tenure as editor of the Ontario Planning Journal, the professional practice magazine of OPPI that he founded in 1986.

Contact Glenn: gmiller@canurb.org | phone: 416-365-0816 x284

Download Glenn's CV: PDF

CANADIAN STAFF

GERGANA BOGDANOVA, CMA

Senior Accountant

Gergana Bogdanova has over ten years of accounting experience. Gergana is primarily responsible for analyzing financial information and preparing accurate financial reports by applying accounting principles and procedures. Prior to join CUI, Gergana has been working as the Accountant for Curriculum Services Canada where she was in charge of all general accounting functions. Gergana has a Certified Management Accountant designation (CMA) and holds a Master’s degree in Accounting.

Contact Gergana: gbogdanova@canurb.org | phone: 416-365-0816 x236

JOSÉ CASTRO

Financial Administrator

José Castro provides financial accounting and bookkeeping support for the Local Governance Support Program for Local Economic Development (LGSP-LED) as well as the International Urban Partnership Program (IUPP). He has about 30 years accounting experience at various levels. Before joining the CUI, José worked as Finance Manager with Partners International. Jose obtained a Diploma in Public Accounting from the National Autonomous University of Nicaragua, which is comparable to a four-year Bachelor’s degree, with specialization in Public Accounting, from a reputable Canadian university offering a similar program.

Contact Gergana: jcastro@canurb.org | phone: 416-365-0816 x260

LISA CAVICCHIA

Program Manager, International Partnerships

Lisa Cavicchia manages CUI's International Urban Partnerships (I-UP) program, the Local Governance Support Program for Local Economic Development (Philippines), and the Institute's international youth internship program. She has over 15 years of experience as a senior manager of large international cooperation projects funded by CIDA, the World Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Lisa has worked in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, Slovakia, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Cuba, Jamaica, Paraguay, the Philippines, Indonesia and Ethiopia. She is an accomplished team leader who has managed multi-disciplinary teams to implement a range of successful projects in the municipal and urban sectors. She is skilled at project planning, financial management, results-based implementation, as well as the design of skills building, civic engagement and policy development initiatives. Prior to joining CUI, Lisa worked as consultant with a Toronto-based planning consultancy. She is trained as an urban and regional planner and holds a Bachelor of Applied Arts (Urban and Regional Planning) from Toronto's Ryerson University. Lisa speaks French and has a basic knowledge of Spanish.

Contact Lisa: lcavicchia@canurb.org | phone: 416-365-0816 x223

ELENA DINU

Project Manager, International Partnerships

Elena Dinu is a Project Manager with CUI's International Partnerships centre. She currently is the Canadian-based manager of the Regional Governance and Development (RGD) Project in Ukraine, funded by the Europe, Middle East & Maghreb Directorate of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). Before joining CUI in 2008, Elena served as the Canadian-based Project Director of the CIDA Vietnam Program Support Unit, and has managed a wide range of programs and projects for 28 countries in Central and South America, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, and Middle East, funded by CIDA, IBRD, USAID and other donors, since 1993. The programs focused on democratic governance and legal reform, environment, economic competitiveness in financial services, tourism, agriculture. A certified Project Management Professional, Elena is fluent in French, English and Romanian. Ms. Dinu holds a Masters degree in education, and an LLB equivalent degree from the University of Bucharest.

Contact Elena: edinu@canurb.org | phone: 416-365-0816 x251

EMESE DOMBOVARI

Project Assistant, International Partnerships

Emese Dombovari provides financial, administrative, and logistical support to CUI's Ukraine RGD program. She is responsible for project accounting and records' management, coordinating logistics for international missions of staff and consultants, liaising with administrative staff in the overseas offices, and providing hands-on support to the project team. Ms. Dombovari holds a Diploma in Travel and Tourism from the International Institute of Travel and is currently attending Sheridan College to pursue a Business Certificate. She speaks English and Hungarian.

Contact Emese: edombovari@canurb.org  | phone: 416-365-0816 x232

ANDREA FRESOLONE

Project Officer, International Partnerships

Andrea Fresolone coordinates the Philippines-based Local Governance Support Program for Local Economic Development and provides support to the Urban Partnerships Programs in Cuba, Jamaica, Ethiopia, and the Philippines. Prior to joining CUI, she coordinated community outreach and civic engagement activities in the non-profit sector. Andrea has extensive research experience on the topics of immigrant services, settlement and the phenomenon of faith-based communities within the GTA through work as a Research Assistant at Ryerson University’s School of Urban and Regional Planning. Andrea interned in Cuba for six months as an Environmental Planner where she contributed to the City of Bayamo’s river park planning process and related urban development activities. Andrea holds a Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning from Ryerson University. Andrea is fluent in English, French and Spanish and has an advanced working knowledge of Italian.

Contact Andrea: afresolone@canurb.org  | phone: 416-365-0816 x225

CAREESA GEE

Events Coordinator, Education and Research

Careesa is responsible for developing and implementing conference and seminar concepts. One of her key responsibilities is the annual Canadian Brownfields conference, which this year will be held in Vancouver on October 26-28. She completed her Masters in International Affairs at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs (NPSIA), Carleton University in 2004. Her graduate studies included conflict analysis and foreign policy, with a focus on the role of the media. She consulted for Environment Canada on issues of water management and transboundary water sharing, and for the International Research and Development Centre on issues of water and waste management for agricultural use in developing countries. Before joining CUI, Careesa worked with a private sector conference developer.

Contact Careesa: cgee@canurb.org  | phone: 416-365-0816 x221

SIMON GERAGHTY

Senior Engineering Researcher, Urban Solutions

Simon Geraghty is a Senior Engineering Researcher with Urban Solutions at the Canadian Urban Institute.  Simon works with the practices of urban sustainability, and focuses on research surrounding resource availability, climate change, and alternative energy systems. Simon provides coordination and technical input on CUI’s energy, land-use, and transportation mapping; district energy; and energy utility support services.  Simon holds a BASc in mechanical engineering from the University of Toronto, with a focus on energy and the environment, preventive engineering, and alternative energy systems.  Linking his knowledge of energy and the environment to social development, Simon communicates important technical-related data, concepts, and analysis to decision makers, planners, and the public.

Contact Simon: sgeraghty@canurb.org  | phone: 416-365-0816 x249

ED MAFA, CMA

Director of Finance 

Ed Mafa brings to Canadian Urban Institute over 8 years of experience in banking and finance. Before joining the CUI, Ed worked as a bank branch operations manager in Zimbabwe, as a banking customer service officer in Canada, and as an investor-reporting administrator for a mortgage finance company in Toronto. As a Director of Finance Officer at the Canadian Urban Institute, Ed’s responsibilities include: maintaining cash controls and accounts payable, preparing financial statements, verifying payroll and personnel administration, purchasing, and managing office operations.

Ed holds a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation and a Master of Arts degree in Economics from Central Michigan University. 

Contact Ed: emafa@canurb.org | phone: 416-365-0816 x226

KATELYN MARGERM

Senior Engineering Researcher

Katelyn Margerm is Senior Engineering Researcher with the Canadian Urban Institute’s Urban Solutions Division. Her work is focused on land-use planning for energy efficiency and sustainable policy development. Katelyn regularly coordinates with multidisciplinary teams including urban planners, GIS specialists and engineering consultants to provide meaningful policy advice to municipalities pertaining to energy efficiency and sustainability.

A graduate from the University of Toronto, Civil Engineering Department Katelyn brings experience to the team in the areas of Green building and community design from the private and public sectors.

Contact Katelyn: kmargerm@canurb.org | phone: 416-365-0816 x283
See Katelyn's CV: download (pdf)

ALEXANDRA McDONOUGH

Planner and Researcher, Connector

Alexandra McDonough is a Planner and Researcher at the Canadian Urban Institute. With a background in urban planning and cultural studies, Alex’s interests and expertise are based in cultural planning, public engagement, community planning and economic development. Before joining the CUI, Alex worked for the City of Toronto’s Planning and Economic Development Divisions as well as the Toronto Environment Office.

At the CUI, Alex has focused on supporting the Institute’s strategy and engagement practice, which connects decision makers to the communities they serve. Her work also includes undertaking policy and governance research, public engagement planning and design and report-writing. Alex holds a Master in Environmental Studies (Planning) from York University and a Bachelor of Arts from McGill University.

Contact Alex: amcdonough@canurb.org | phone: 416-365-0816 x255

CHRISTINE MEEHAN

Project Officer, International Partnerships

Christine Meehan coordinates the Canada-Ukraine Regional Governance and Development (RGD) Project, funded by the Europe, Middle East & Maghreb Directorate of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). With a background in international business and urban planning, Christine’s experience is rooted in regional growth management, community economic development, renewable energy and planning for multiculturalism. For the past several years, Christine was a planner with the Institute’s Canadian Programs where she worked on a range of important projects including the Revitalizing Downtown Niagara Falls Study, the Mississauga Arts and Culture Master Plan, the Broadband Communications and Ontario’s Green Initiatives report, the Hamilton Infrastructure and Community Asset Strategy Study, and the Integrated Energy Mapping for Ontario Communities. Before joining CUI, Christine worked on the Lawrence Heights Revitalization Project, a social housing redevelopment initiative of the Toronto Community Housing Corporation.  She brings to the team experience in project coordination, event organization and facilitation with the public and private sector, and applied research. Christine graduated from Ryerson University’s School of Urban and Regional Planning and holds a degree in International Business from Florida International University in Miami, Florida. She is a member of the American Planning Association. Christine has a working ability in French.

Contact Christine: cmeehan@canurb.org | phone: 416-365-0816 x270

JUAN CARLOS MOLINA

GIS Specialist, Urban Solutions

Juan Carlos is a Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Specialist in the Urban Solutions unit of the Canadian Urban Institute where he is involved in the development and implementation of urban and regional information systems for local decision-making. With a background in spatial analysis and agro-environmental sciences, his experience and interest fall within the application of GIS for optimizing and protecting natural resources in urban and agro-environmental systems. Prior to joining the Institute, Juan Carlos worked on numerous projects with international organizations such as the International Centre for Science and High Technology (ICS-UNIDO) in Italy, the Spanish Embassy, California State University, and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in Honduras. Juan Carlos has a Master’s of Spatial Analysis from Ryerson University and completed a Remote Sensing and GIS tools fellowship with the ICS-UNIDO in Italy.

Contact Juan Carlos: jmolina@canurb.org | phone: 416-365-0816 x285

KATHERINE MORTON

Senior Planner, Economics & Research, Urban Solutions

Katherine Morton is a Senior Planner with Urban Solutions at the Canadian Urban Institute. Specialising in economic development and infrastructure planning, Katherine is involved in several Institute projects’ that have been designed to provide strategic advice to governments on how to best approach public investment decisions in the interest of maximizing economic returns. Prior to joining the Institute, Katherine gained experience working as a planning consultant across Australia and South East Asia. A recent highlight was her role coordinating a major training program for the World Bank, focused on building capacity and adopting a more integrated approach to strategic planning in Quang Nam Province, Vietnam. Katherine graduated from the University of Melbourne in Australia, with a Bachelor of Urban Planning and Development (Honours). She supplemented her studies by participating in a Masters of Infrastructure Planning program at the University of Stuttgart in Germany.

Contact Katherine: kmorton@canurb.org | phone: 416-365-0816 x280

DAPHNE MUTIISA

Project Assistant, International Partnerships

Daphne Mutiisa is the project assistant in CUI’s International Urban Partnership Program.  She is responsible for financial reporting, and providing administrative and logistical support across the international program, with a focus on Jamaica, Ethiopia and the Philippines. Daphne has over 10 years of experience in financial reporting, financial analysis, and human resource consulting, and has worked with private and public sector institutions. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of Western Ontario.

Contact Daphne: dmutiisa@canurb.org | phone: 416-365-0816 x222

OLGA SEMENOVYCH

Senior Project Officer, International Partnerships

Olga Semenovych is responsible for coordinating CUI's International Urban Partnerships Program. Previously, she coordinated the Regional Governance and Development (RGD) Project in Ukraine on the Canadian side. Olga was also a CIDA-funded intern working as a Social, Environmental, and Economic Strategic Planner in Zakarpattya, Ukraine, one of the RGD Project’s pilot regions. During this internship, Olga supported the implementation of a participatory strategic planning process in that region. Prior to joining CUI, Olga worked at the Department of National Defence in various capacities, including in areas of technical, administrative and project management support to departmental programs and reserve units. She remains an active reservist in the Canadian Forces. Olga graduated from Carleton University with a Bachelor Degree in Public Affairs and Policy Management (Honours), specializing in International Relations. She is fluent in Russian and Ukrainian and has a working ability in French.

Contact Olga: osemenovych@canurb.org | phone: 416-365-0816 x238

RAIJA SUOMELA

Administrator, Finance and Corporate Services

Raija Suomela is responsible for providing organizational and administrative services for the Finance and Corporate Services branch, executive support, and membership services. She’s currently secretary to the Board of Directors and oversees the administration and development of the CUI web-based database applications. Raija brings an array of best practice and knowledge-based skills from her previous employment with senior executives and professionals in Canada and Europe. She holds an Honours BA in Linguistics from the University of Helsinki (Finland). She is fluent in English and Finnish along with a good knowledge of Swedish, German and French.

Contact Raija: rsuomela@canurb.org | phone: 416-365-0816 x234

INTERNATIONAL PERSONNEL

TINA ABELLA

Program Coordinator, Philippines

Coming soon.

Contact Tina: kabella@lgsp-led.ph

RANDI A. ALAMPAY

Local Economic Development Manager, Philippines

Randi is the local-level manager of the Local Governance Support Program for Local Economic Development (LGSP-LED) in the Philippines.  He provides support to several rural and urban clusters of local governments across the country as they plan and implement their economic development initiatives. Randi’s areas of expertise are in sustainable development, regional economic development, research and statistics, and strategic management. Prior to joining CUI, he taught and conducted research for over 15 years at the University of the Philippines as a member of the tourism faculty. He has also worked on a variety of sustainable tourism planning projects with national and local government agencies in various provinces across the Philippines and around Asia. Randi was a Principal and Senior Consultant at Asia Pacific Projects Inc., where he worked on regional cooperation projects such as the Asian Development Bank-funded Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Tourism Sector Strategy Project and the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) initiative. Randi has a Ph.D. in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Resources from Michigan State University. He also earned a Master of Professional Studies in Travel Industry Management from the University of Hawaii, where he was an East-West Center scholar. Randi is based in the Manila office and is fluent in Filipino and English.

Contact Randi: ralampay@lgsp-led.ph

RAFAEL BETANCOURT

Regional Manager, Latin America and the Caribbean

Rafael Betancourt manages CUI's projects in Cuba and has responsibilities for other initiatives in Spanish-speaking countries of the Americas. He is an urban economist and specialist in Latin American studies with over 25 years of employment and academic experience in program development and management, business administration and economic research. Resident in Havana, Rafael has extensive on-site experience managing, coordinating and implementing international development and local capacity building projects including local administrative and financial management, organization and delivery of workshops and trainings, and research. He understands how to effectively build cross-cultural relationships and partner with multi-lateral agencies. In 2005 Rafael initiated a partnership with UNDP and UN-HABITAT in Cuba, where CUI has expanded its programming to support the CIDA-funded Program for Local Human Development (PDHL) in the Eastern provinces of Cuba and UN-HABITAT's Localising Agenda 21 Program. Rafael also facilitated a promising new partnership for applied research between the Environmental Health Unit of Cuba's Ministry of Public Health and the Canadian Public Health Agency. In addition to managing CUI projects in Cuba, Rafael also teaches postgraduate courses in Urban Economics for local government officials in Cuba. He was born in Cuba and holds a Masters in International and Urban-Regional Economics and a Bachelor of Economics (Honours) from the University of Florida (USA). Mr. Betancourt is fluent in English and Spanish.

Contact Rafael: rbetancourt@enet.cu

EVELYN CAMPOSANO-JIZ

National Enabling Environment Program Manager, Philippines

Based in Manila, Evelyn Jiz is responsible for managing the national-level policy work of the Local Governance Support Program for Local Economic Development (LGSP-LED) and its application locally. She has over 15 years experience in successfully managing CIDA-funded local governance projects in the Philippines. As CIDA Regional Advisor, Regional/ Area Manager and National Program Coordinator of LGSP I, LGSP II and LGSP Extension, she was responsible for managing the project, coordinating with various stakeholders, and ensuring the mainstreaming of CIDA’s crosscutting themes of Gender Equality, Environment, Poverty Reduction as well as Peace and Unity. Both LGSP I and II had LED components such as Enterprise Planning, Local Public Economic Enterprise (LPEE), Local Alliances for Economic Development and Community-Based Eco-tourism. During the Extension phase, Evelyn was National Program Coordinator as well as Policy Advisor to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Local Government Unit (LGU) Leagues. For DILG, she provided technical assistance in the review and rationalization of devolution and identified functions of the National Government that should further be devolved. Her contribution to LGUs involved working with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities in strengthening the capacity of the League of Municipalities and Cities (LMP and LCP) in policy development and advocacy through working on issues such as the implementation of the Solid Waste Management Act and review of the Local Government Code. During that time, she was also part of the subcommittee responsible for the Decentralization and Local Governments of the Philippine Development Forum (PDF). After LGSP, she was a business development officer at the International Finance Corporation, Private Enterprise Project (PEP). She holds degrees in Arts and Law from the University of San Agustin as well as a Masters of Public Administration from the University of the Philippines. She has taught courses in political science, law and management. She is a member of the Philippine Bar, and has fluency in English, Tagalog and Hiligaynon as well as has a working knowledge of Cebuano.

Contact Evelyn: ejiz@lgps-led.ph  | phone: +63 2641-7715

SEF ALBA CARANDANG

Communication Specialist, Philippines

Coming soon.

Contact Sef: scarandang@lgsp-led.ph

FRANCIS GENTORAL

Associate Field Director, Philippines

Francis Gentoral is the Associate Field Director for the CIDA-funded Local Government Support Program for Local Economic Development (LGSP-LED) in the Philippines.  He  has 20 years experience working in the public, private and non-profit sectors in the Philippines and Southeast Asia in participatory program design and in results-based management for local economic, environmental, and governance initiatives. His areas of experience include local government capacity building, sustainable development planning, regional economic strategy development, partnership building, intergovernmental cooperation and knowledge management. Prior to joining the LGSP-LED,  he was the Regional Manager for the Urban Partnerships Program Philippines (UPPP), funded by CIDA’s Canadian Partnership Branch. In this role, he oversaw three projects in the Western Visayas region and shared successful CUI project experiences in the Philippines as national best-practice models on metropolitan governance, tourism  planning and local economic development. Mr. Gentoral holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of San Agustin (Philippines) and Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Agribusiness) from West Visayas State University (Philippines). He is fluent in English, Tagalog and Hiligaynon.

Contact Francis: fgentoral@lgsp-led.ph | phone: +63 2914-3707

GRACE GOROSIN

Finance Officer, Iloilo, Philippines
 

Coming soon.

Contact Grace: ggorosin@canurb.org | phone: +6333-336-7826

NATALIYA HELETSKA

Project Administrator, Ukraine

Based in Kyiv, Nataliya Heletska provides logistics and financial administrative support to CUI’s Regional Governance and Development (RGD) Project in Ukraine. Prior to joining CUI, Nataliya worked at the National Association of Regional Development Agencies (NARDA), CUI’s Ukrainian partner organization on the RGD Project. At NARDA she provided financial support to the chief accountant and administrative support to the organization’s main office in Kyiv. Nataliya holds a Bachelor Degree from the University of Economy and Law in Kyiv, specializing in the Economics of Enterprise, and a junior specialist certification in Economy and Entrepreneurship from the College of Economy, Law and Informational Technologies. She speaks Ukrainian, Russian, and English.

Contact Nataliya: nheletska@canurb.org | phone: +380 44 390-7087

MERCY G. JOVERES

Finance Officer, Philippines

Coming soon.

Contact Mercy: mjoveres@lgsp-led.ph

ANASTASIYA KALASHNIK

Senior Oblast Project Coordinator, Ukraine

Anastasiya Kalashnik coordinates CUI’s work in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, one of the pilot oblasts (regions) of the Regional Governance and Development (RGD) Project. Prior to joining CUI, Anastasiya worked as an expert of the payments department of the First Ukrainian International Bank (FUIB). In this position she provided support to international wire transfers, including dispatching payments in foreign currency, documents operations, business correspondence with clientele, and translation of business materials in Russian, Ukrainian and English. Anastasia has also worked as a translator in the protocol department of Zaporizhstal Integrated Iron & Steel Works JSC and as Acting Director of events organization at the recreation centre for children “Lutchistaya” in Zaporizhzhia. Anastasiya graduated from Zaporizhzhia National University with a Masters Degree in Philology (Honours), specializing in Linguistics and Translation. She also holds a Masters Degree in Economics from Zaporizhzhia National Technical University, specializing in finances and international economics. Anastasiya speaks Ukrainian, Russian, and English, and has working ability in French.

Contact Anastasiya: akalashnik@canurb.org | phone: +380 612 3901-33

VITALIY KUCHYNSKY

Curriculum Development Specialist, Ukraine

Based in Kyiv, Vitaliy is the Curriculum Development Specialist for CUI's Regional Governance and Development (RGD) Project. He is responsible for coordinating the design and management of a Training of Trainers (TOT) Program and a National Training Program (NTP) on regional economic development for Ukrainian civil servants. Vitaliy has extensive experience in designing in-service training programs for civil servants, through his involvement over many years with the Main Department of Civil Service of Ukraine and the National Academy of Public Administration of Ukraine.  He has co-authored a range of publications and manuals related to economic development planning, capacity building and civil society strengthening. In recent years, he has worked on numerous international cooperation projects funded by the European Union and Department for International Development (UK). Vitaliy holds a Master of Science degree from Robert J. Milano School of Management and Urban Policy at New School University (New York City, USA). He is fluent in English, Ukrainian, Russian and Polish, and has working knowledge of French.

Contact Vitaliy: vkuchynsky@canurb.org  | phone: +380 44 390-7087

TSION LEMMA

Senior Project Officer, Ethiopia

Based in Addis Ababa, Tsion Lemma provides technical expertise and support to CUI’s activities in Ethiopia. This project is supporting local governments and communities in the cities of Addis Ababa and Bahir Dar to create economic opportunities, while improving environmental and social conditions in selected priority neighbourhoods. Tsion joined CUI after over 17 years with the Addis Ababa City Administration, where she worked in various positions in urban planning and management. One of these was as Senior Urban Planning Researcher for the Urban Planning and Information Institute, the planning body of the City Administration. She has also worked as a consultant for various external projects. The most recent ones include an urban and regional level planning project of the Regional State of Oromia, and a project of the Ethiopian Institute of Architecture, Building and Construction (EiABC) of Addis Ababa University focused on updating Addis Ababa’s Building Height Regulation. In addition, Tsion has been involved in a number of research projects on participatory planning methodologies, housing and application of eco-city projects in Addis Ababa. Tsion graduated with Bachelor of Science in Architecture and Town Planning from Addis Ababa University and holds a Master of Science in Geo-information Science and Earth Observation specializing in Urban Planning and Management form International Institute of Geo-information Science and Earth Observation (ITC), the Netherlands. She also has training in shelter design and development from Lund University, Sweden and in integrated urban-rural development from the Weitz Center for Development Studies, Israel. Tsion is fluent in Amharic and English.

Contact Tsion: tlemma@canurb.org | phone: +251-11 553-5358

REYNALDO LEON-CASTILLO

Project Assistant, Cuba

Reynaldo León provides and coordinates financial, administrative and logistical support to CUI’s Urban Partnership Program in Cuba. He is primarily responsible for maintaining project financial records and monitoring, administering CUI Project office and vehicle, providing hands-on support to the project manager, maintaining communications with project partners, and coordinating programming activities and logistical arrangements for local and overseas missions of staff, consultants and interns. Prior to joining CUI, Reynaldo was the assistant to the ambassador of Paraguay in Cuba from 1997 to 2004. Before that, he held the position of Local Coordinator at Baljet Management as well as served as Legal Advisor at the Ministry of Construction. Reynaldo holds a Bachelor of Law from the University of Havana.

Contact Reynaldo: rleon@enet.cu

GREGORY BENJAMIN (BENJIE) LUZ

Project Manager, Philippines

Based in Iloilo, Philippines, Benjie manages CUI’s Metro Iloilo Guimaras Bioregion Initiative. This project supports regional organizations – local government units, local communities, and national agencies – to work collaboratively to address environmental and disaster management challenges, while growing the economy. Benjie has extensive experience in managing and providing technical assistance on development projects, including spending a good portion of his career working within the Philippines local government system. Prior to joining the CUI, Benjie worked with the UNDP in Burma on the Early Recovery Program following the 2008 Cyclone Nargis, where he directed the implementation of livelihood recovery, community development and disaster risk reduction initiatives. From 2006 to 2008, he served as National Program Coordinator of the Integrated Programme for the Empowerment of Indigenous Peoples and Sustainable Development of Ancestral Domain that operated within 18 Philippine provinces. Using multi-stakeholder platforms and business support services, the program linked agricultural and tourism products of indigenous communities to value chains and markets. Previous to this, Benjie was Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer in Sarangani and Davao Oriental where he directed a range of rural development projects financed through ADB, World Bank and Japan Bank for International  Cooperation. He was also a successful business owner in the agri-business and IT sectors. Benjie holds a Masters in Management degree with a focus on Development Management from the University of the Philippines Mindanao, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Fisheries from the University of the Philippines Visayas. He is fluent in English, Ilonggo and Tagalog.

Contact Benjie: gbluz@canurb.org | phone: +6333-336-7826

YEMISRACH MESFIN

Project Assistant, Ethiopia

Bio coming soon.

Contact Yemisrach:  ymesfin@canurb.org | phone: +251-11 553-5358
 

KIDANIE MISKER

Project Officer, Ethiopia

Kidanie Misker coordinates CUI’s activities in the city of Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, supporting redevelopment of the Lake Tana waterfront, greening of major public spaces, and designing local economic development strategies for neighbourhoods in the city’s lakeside central business district. Prior to joining CUI, Kidanie worked with the Amhara Regional Bureau of Works and Urban Development for nine years. During that time he worked in areas of urban planning, management and urban engineering. He led and coordinated development planning projects in 35 towns of the Amhara Region. As part of this he also drafted land administration regulations and directives, and provided training for municipal staff, managers and consultants, as well as for staff of the Bureau of Works and Urban Development. Kidanie has an advanced diploma in Urban Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Urban Planning from Ethiopian Civil Service College. He also holds Master of Science in Environmental Planning and Landscape Design From Addis Ababa University, Ethiopian Institute of Architecture, Building Construction and City Development (EiABC). Kidanie has also participated in training from the China Academy of Urban Planning and Design in Beijing, China. He is fluent in Amharic and English.

Contact Kidanie: kmisker@canurb.org

REBECCA ONGTANGCO

Financial Manager, Philippines

As the Financial Manager of Local Governance Support Program for Local Economic Development (LGSP-LED), Rebecca Ongtangco is responsible for overseeing and maintaining the project office’s financial systems. Prior to joining LGSP-LED, Rebecca held the position of Finance and Administration Specialist/Manager as well as Program Officer for Gender and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) with the CIDA-funded Private Enterprise Accelerated Resource Linkages (PEARL2) project in Makati City. She brings to the team extensive experience in financial, grants and administrative management of internationally funded projects and private enterprises. Rebecca has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with a major in Accounting, and is a Certified Public Accountant. She speaks fluent English and Tagalog.

Contact Rebecca: rongtangco@lgsp-led.ph  | phone: +63-2 872-5418

JERILEE PACHOCO-CAMENA

Project Officer, Iloilo, Philippines

Coming soon.

Contact Jerilee: j.p.camena@canurb.org | phone: +6333-336-7826

CATHERINE D. RACHO

Program Officer, Philippines

Coming soon.

Contact Catherine: cracho@lgsp-led.ph

PHIL RODRIQUES

Senior Planner, Jamaica

Phil Rodriques is CUI’s representative in Jamaica. He is a professional planner with extensive experience in local development planning in the Caribbean context.  Phil has over six years experience in the design and implementation of local sustainable development plans, community development, citizen engagement and policy development.  Prior to joining CUI, Phil held several planning positions with the Manchester Parish Council and the Manchester Parish Development Committee. During this time, he was closely involved in CUI’s programming in Jamaica, playing an instrumental role in developing Manchester’s Local Sustainable Development Plan. Phil holds a Bachelor of Science Degree (with Honours) in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Technology in Kingston. He has participated in a several of CUI’s training programs on urban and regional planning and local governance, which included an extensive learning exchange to Canada. Phil is also an avid graphic designer.

Contact Phil: prodriques@canurb.org | phone: 1-876-327-6765

JEAN ROXAS

Local Initiatives Coordinator, Philippines

Coming soon.

Contact Jean: jroxas@lgsp-led.ph

IHOR SANZHAROVSKYI

Project Manager, Ukraine

Ihor Sanzharovskyi manages CUI's Regional Governance and Development (RGD) Project in Ukraine. Prior to joining CUI in 2005, Mr. Sanzharovskyi served as Project Manager/Senior Research Associate of the Community and Regional Development Project of the East-West Institute's Kyiv Center. He has expertise in international project management, regional and community economic development, governance and public administration, monitoring and evaluation, and results-based management. Ihor has previously served as Head of Department at the Association of Ukrainian Cities, where he coordinated the training program for municipalities across Ukraine. Mr. Sanzharovskyi also was elected as a Member of Cherkasy City Council and has served as a lecturer in Management and Economics at the Department of Economics of the Cherkasy Institute of Technological Engineering (Ukraine) in the mid 1990s. He is the author of a number of books and articles on citizen participation, strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation, fundraising and grant writing. Ihor received a Specialist Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Cherkasy Institute of Technological Engineering (Ukraine) and a Masters of Public Administration from the National Academy of Public Administration (Ukraine), office of the President of Ukraine, and the University of North London (Great Britain). Mr. Sanzharovskyi speaks Ukrainian, Russian and English.

Contact Ihor: isanzharovksyi@canurb.org | phone: +380 44 390-7087

TEFERRA SILESHI

Project Manager, Ethiopia

Teferra Sileshi manages CUI's activities in Ethiopia. He is an urban planner and urban management specialist living in Addis Ababa. Prior to joining CUI, Mr. Sileshi was General Manager of the Urban Management Institute, an institution established by the City of Addis Ababa to provide need-driven urban management training, research and consultancy services to the City as well as municipal and non-municipal offices, non-governmental agencies and private sector organizations. Teferra has engaged in several multi-lateral agency-funded projects including Public Sector Capacity Building Program (PSCAP), a five-year, World Bank-funded program, and a UN-Habitat project assessing capacity gaps of professionals supporting urban development/planning in Ethiopia. He has extensive experience designing and managing capacity building projects including performing training/capacity assessments, producing training manuals and conducting training workshops. Prior to joining the Urban Management Institute, Mr. Sileshi was lecturer and Deputy Dean of the College of Urban Planning and the Ethiopian Civil Service College, Addis Ababa. Mr. Sileshi holds a Master of Science (GIS) from the International Institute for Aerospace Survey and Earth Science, the Netherlands, and Bachelor of Science Urban Planning (Honours) from the College of Urban Planning, Addis Ababa. Teferra is fluent in English, French and Amharic.

Contact Teferra: tsileshi@canurb.org | phone: +251 11-553-5358

ARLENE TUGUBLIMAS

Finance and Administrative Assistant, Philippines

Coming soon.

Contact Arlene: atugublimas@lgsp-led.ph

MARION VILLANUEVA

Canadian Field Director, Philippines

Marion Villanueva is the Canadian Field Director for the CIDA-funded Local Government Support Program for Local Economic Development (LGSP-LED) in the Philippines, which is managed by CUI in partnership with the Association of Canadian Community Colleges. Based in Manila, she is responsible for the overall management of LGSP-LED and its team in the Philippines and for providing technical assistance in the themes of the program. The aim of LGSP-LED is to reduce poverty and support sustainable local economic development. Marion Villanueva is a seasoned capacity development and governance professional with more than 20 years of international development experience. She was the program field manager for CIDA’s flagship Local Government Support Program Phase II (LGSP II) in the Philippines from 2000–2005, then the Local Governance Support Program in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (LGSPA) from 2005 to the present. She has in-depth knowledge of institutional development and public policy issues related to governance reform, decentralization and post-conflict environments, and extensive project management experience in NGO capacity development and participatory rural development. With a strong background in results-based management, Marion has designed and implemented many institution-building programs in a wide variety of sectors. She has managed projects that have contributed to poverty alleviation through community-based resource management and empowerment. In addition, Marion has 12 years of experience with social research, policy analysis, community development and advocacy. She speaks English, and has working knowledge of Hiligaynon and Cebuano.

Contact Marion: mvillanueva@lgsp-led.ph | phone: +63 2914-3707