Governance

Cathy Alexander is an experienced finance and accounting executive. She recently retired from The Co-operators Group Limited, where her career spanned more than 13 years in increasingly senior positions. Her last position at Co-operators was director, operational accounting and finance systems, specializing in process improvement, change management and human resource development. Cathy is a certified public accountant and holds an MBA from Wilfred Laurier University and a bachelor of arts in English literature from the University of Western Ontario. She has served on the boards of several not-for-profit organizations, including the River Run Center in Guelph, Ont. She is a long-time donor to stg-httpsjazzfm-restore.kinsta.cloud91.

Shirantha Beddage is a baritone saxophonist, composer and educator. A two-time Juno-nominated musician, Shirantha currently serves as professor of theory and harmony in the Humber College Bachelor of Music program. He was previously director of jazz studies at the Columbus State University Schwob School of Music (Columbus, Ga.). He also adjudicates regularly at festivals throughout the country including MusicFest Canada, where he serves as vice-chairman of instrumental jazz. He holds a doctor of musical arts degree (D.M.A.) in jazz studies from the Eastman School of Music (New York), a master of music degree in jazz studies from William Paterson University (New Jersey), and a bachelor of music degree from Humber College.

Sandra Caswell is an experienced leader, specializing in board governance, business management and operational efficiency. Her accomplished career in financial services and law has included roles as assistant corporate secretary for a major financial institution, executive head of business management and strategy, and law clerk at one of Canada’s largest law firms. She has a BA from the University of Toronto, served on an advisory committee with the Canadian Women’s Foundation and the finance committee of Women Gaining Ground. Sandra is passionate follower of the local jazz scene and a long-time donor member of stg-httpsjazzfm-restore.kinsta.cloud91.

Thompson Egbo-Egbo is an acclaimed artist, currently recording with Entertainment One. A graduate of Humber College and the Berklee College of Music (Boston, Mass.), he has released three albums, along with performing locally and internationally. Thompson brings a wealth of experience to the board, having served as a board member for several not-for-profit arts organizations. As someone who benefited from grassroots community music programs, he recognizes the impact that music has had on his life, and in addition to his work as a board member he supports arts-based programming and learning for youth through his Thompson T. Egbo-Egbo Foundation.

Greg Gooding is the Canadian Artist & Label Development Manager for Music Gateway, a business to business platform designed to allow creative and music industry professionals to connect and work together in a global capacity. As a music producer and owner of independent music label G-THREE, he has worked in a variety of genres including Blues and Jazz. His credits include nominations and wins at the Juno Awards and Global Music Awards in the world music and jazz categories. Greg also serves as the director of the Archie Alleyne Scholarship Fund (AASF), a Toronto-based not-for-profit organization that supports young people in the Black community who are entering post-secondary school advanced music programs by providing bursaries, mentorship and performance opportunities through AASF’s The Evolution of Jazz Ensemble.

Neil Mathur loves radio. He built his own basement radio station as a kid so he could play songs and talk on the air. In high school, Neil volunteered at McMaster University’s CFMU-FM and knew broadcasting was his calling. While an undergrad at the University of Toronto, he honed his radio skills working for 900 CHML and CHUM AM/FM. On-air opportunities followed in Montreal at The Weather Network and 990 CKIS. Neil later served as Music Director and Assistant Program Director at Toronto’s 97.3 EZ Rock, and as Program Director with Classical 96.3 FM. He consults for media organizations seeking to expand their reach and impact, and coaches talented broadcasters and podcasters refining their on-air performance.
His volunteer work, beyond stg-httpsjazzfm-restore.kinsta.cloud91, has included mentoring with Farm Radio International and chairing the Education Committee of the Ontario Association of Broadcasters.

For nearly 20 years, Neil taught in Humber College’s Faculty of Media, Creative Arts and Design, guiding future broadcasters and media professionals. Neil Mathur holds an MA from Emerson College, Boston.

Marc Paris brings a unique blend of broadcast and not-for-profit experience to stg-httpsjazzfm-restore.kinsta.cloud91’s board of directors. His earlier career in radio included positions of vice-president/general manager at Telemedia Communications and Standard Radio, as well as director of radio/regional communications at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. From 2009 to 2019, Marc was founding executive director of Drug Free Kids Canada, a registered charity dedicated to all young people being able to live their lives free of problematic substance abuse and addiction. Marc’s skill set includes corporate management and sales, turnarounds, research analytics, problem solving, change management, communications, marketing and relationship, partnership and alliance building.

Peter von Schilling is an experienced leader and investment management professional. Recently retired from a 25-year career in investment management, Peter has extensive experience analyzing industries and companies, evaluating strategic directions and assessing capital allocation plans to identify and invest in high-performing companies. Peter’s skill set includes financial and strategic analysis, decision-making and governance. Peter has an MBA from INSEAD, a B. Math (Honours) from the University of Waterloo and a Canadian Investment Manager designation, and he has completed the Directors Education Program from the Institute of Corporate Directors. Peter is a long-time donor member of stg-httpsjazzfm-restore.kinsta.cloud91 and a passionate listener of jazz.

Keziah Myers is a national force, who has continued to rise to the occasion and push for change. Keziah has challenged herself and her peers to be serial optimists, helping them to recognize that inclusivity and radical intentionality are integral to business success. For this reason, Keziah has been named a Changemaker by The Globe and Mail, a Distinguished Leader by Women in Music Canada, and honoured as one of Billboard Canada’s 2024 Women in Music. She is definitely not new to the game, boasting over 15 years in this space working with the likes of LU KALA, Maroon 5, OVO, Deborah Cox, XO, Jessie Reyes, Boi 1da and hundreds more.

Keziah has been called upon by the Canadian government and many businesses operating in the music industry to advise on ways to boost their company’s success. Keziah is also called upon by educational institutions to inspire and empower students in secondary and post-secondary schools as a guest lecturer, workshop facilitator and keynote speaker.

Prior to ED, she managed PR campaigns, drafted marketing strategies, spent 6 years focusing on royalties and copyright, 3 years in label operations and management, and has built programs that have a lasting impact on the music ecosystem. Keziah sits on a number of Boards, travels the globe, watches her son Go-Kart race, and her daughter dance and sing. Keziah is supported by a partner like no other – pushing her to always reach for the top!

Mark Jones is a recently retired Senior Vice President of Finance & Administration at Universal Music Canada, where he played a pivotal role in overseeing the company’s financial strategy and administrative operations. During his tenure, Mark was instrumental in maintaining the company’s fiscal health and driving operational efficiency.

Throughout his distinguished career, Mark achieved several notable milestones. He was key in facilitating a significant donation of the Music Archives of EMI Music Canada to the University of Calgary, demonstrating his commitment to community support and educational advancement. Additionally, he led the development of a cutting-edge facility that includes a recording studio, performance space, and modern office environments, which greatly enhanced the company’s infrastructure and creative capabilities.

Mark’s leadership at Universal Music Canada involved managing critical functions such as budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, as well as overseeing essential administrative operations. His strategic vision and expertise were crucial in navigating the complexities of the music industry.

In addition to his role at Universal Music Canada, Mark served on the Board of Directors for Maple Music, and he has held board positions with ReSound and DEP Music. His contributions to these organizations were marked by his financial acumen and strategic insight.

Mark holds a degree in Accounting from Toronto Metropolitan University and is a retired Certified Management Accountant (CMA) and Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA). His educational background, professional certifications, and extensive experience have established him as a respected leader in the industry.

Now retired, Mark continues to pursue his passion for music, exploring new genres and artists. He remains an advocate for financial literacy and occasionally engages in community initiatives to promote financial education.

Andrea Ziegler is an experienced digital media executive. She recently retired from a 30-year career leading digital media companies and in management consulting.  Andrea has extensive experience in corporate strategy, business management, product development, and marketing.  She served as president of Workopolis until its sale to Indeed.  During her time as CEO of Puretracks, Andrea developed a passion for the music industry and deep knowledge of the digital music industry.

Andrea holds an MBA from Wharton (University of Pennsylvania) and a degree in Systems Design Engineering from the University of Waterloo.  She currently serves on the board of the Jasper Municipal Housing Corporation and the Maligne Lake Ski Club.