R.L. (Ray) Préfontaine – B.A., B.Comm. (Hons.)

Ray is a self-motivated, entrepreneurial, reliable and trusted senior management and executive professional with over 36 years of experience in managerial and directorship roles in the manufacturing, financial services and mineral exploration industries and with numerous non-profit, charitable and community-based organizations. Throughout his career he has demonstrated an ability to plan, implement and execute effective decisions regarding general management, financial statement and profitability analysis, investments in capital markets (including an IPO and acquisitions), accounting, regulatory and legal matters, commercial and agricultural banking and lending, credit management and collections, human resources, marketing and new business development. Ray has identified, acted and delivered upon opportunities that enabled the growth of shareholder, financial and human capital for both employer companies and consulting engagements.

Ray attended the University of Manitoba where he earned bachelor degrees in Economics and in Commerce. During his university years, he loyally served Canada for 5 years as a commissioned naval reserve officer and as a ship’s navigator having earned several promotions in rank from Ordinary Seaman to Able Seaman to Midshipman and finally to Sub-Lieutenant (R) upon earning a Queen’s Commission.

Ray currently serves as a director on several boards including the Kelowna-based board of the Dakota Foundation for Bi-Polar Awareness (est. 2022 – providing hope, resources and support to bi-polar afflicted people in the Okanagan Valley) and on the Winnipeg-based boards of Marymound Inc. (est. 1912 – assisting inner-city and aboriginal children and families who are dealing with socio-psychological challenges) and the Société Historique de Saint-Boniface (est. 1903 – historical, archival and genealogical society). He is a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors and the Manitoba Métis Federation. Ray is fluently bilingual in both English and French and has worked extensively at senior levels in both languages.

Judy Neiser

Judy Neiser is an experienced Chief Executive Officer with a demonstrated history of leadership in business, marketing, and communication in the charitable sector. She has extensive success in fundraising, major gifts, capital and annual campaigns, and grant writing. Judy has worked with public, private, and family foundations throughout her career as well as with public, private, and family owned business models. Judy believes in the importance of being donor-centered and evaluating impact and results. With a background in finance and administration, she has received professional education through the Institute of Corporate Directors, focusing on NFP Governance Essentials from the University of Toronto – Rotman School of Management and Ivey leadership. Prior to her current position, Judy held senior administrative positions with CANFOR, interim positions with the Northern Health Authority and served as the Executive Director for the Prince George Community Foundation from 2008 to 2013. She also led the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation for all of Northern BC for 10 years before relocating to the Okanagan. Most recently, she served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Central Okanagan Foundation and currently, she is President and Founder of Hello Impact Consulting, where she is helping to create impact through her work with community minded clients. Her passion for healthcare, where it meets education and community was a natural fit for the Dakota Foundation for BiPolar Awareness.

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Andrew Gregson

Andrew Gregson is a businessman, consultant, teacher and author. Andrew was educated at 2 Canadian universities and then took his second Masters degree in Economics at the London School of Economics. Andrew has worked in the UK, Canada, US and Cayman Islands.

Almost everyone is touched by bipolar illness and Andrew is no exception, having colleagues in university and employees who suffered and took their own lives. Andrew’s role in the Foundation is to make the organization as professional and accountable as possible.

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Edward H. Taylor, Ph.D.

is an associate professor, mental health clinician and researcher, past Director of the School of Social Work, at the University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBC), and currently the Associate Dean for the Faculty of Health and Social Development, UBC. Additionally, Dr. Taylor serves as the Co-Director of the UBC Interprofessional Mental Health Clinic. Previously, he was an Associate Professor at the School of Social Work, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus. During his work in Minnesota Dr. Taylor conducted program evaluation research for the State’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division, provided training across Minnesota on evidence based treatment methods, and co-authored the State’s youth mental health comprehensive assessment instrument.

Dr. Taylor has been quoted as an expert on youth/school violence and mental illness by Scientific American, Psychology Today, Eric Publications, NPR, Voice of America, ABC News, and numerous newspapers.

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