Dr. Peter Holowka

DIRECTOR OF EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY, WEST POINT GREY ACADEMY

“I have been a member of CIOCAN for nearly 20 years. It’s a phenomenal organization that allows for the exchange of good ideas (and hard lessons learned) among members across industries. I have always been impressed by the quality of the people who are a part of CIOCAN. Moreover, I was pleasantly surprised by how much is in common across industries when leading IT. From forestry to education to banking to hospitality to municipalities, the IT considerations are more similar than different. I often found that I was able to take the good ideas from other IT leaders in different industries and then become an example for others to follow in my industry –of course, giving credit along the way. The CIO Association of Canada was instrumental in my professional growth and success over the years. If I could be part of only one professional association, this would be the one I would choose.”

Greg Kaufman

2024 CIO.D GRADUATE, CIOCAN MEMBER OF THE TORONTO CHAPTER

“Being a member of the CIO Association of Canada for the past three years has been a game-changer for me. The networking opportunities have been invaluable, connecting me with an incredible community of peers. These relationships have provided not only professional support but also practical resources to address day-to-day business challenges. It’s been a truly enriching experience that I would recommend to any IT leader.”

Alex Buhler

CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER, INDOCHINO

“I have been a member of the CIO Association of Canada since 2005, and this community has been my most reliable channel for continuous professional growth. The national network of peers allows for excellent networking, candid conversations on everything from digital-first strategy to board governance, and many of those connections have evolved into trusted relationships that still shape my decisions as a business and technology leader today.  

Serving as Vancouver’s Chapter President (2012-2016) and on the board for many years allowed me to have front-row access to review emerging best practices long before they hit the mainstream and also to give back to this great community: leading sessions on relevant topics, co-hosting our annual CIO Peer Forum and mentoring future CIOs as part of our Leadership development program.  

Through networking, formal and informal gatherings, CIOCAN consistently equips IT executives with the insight, influence, and camaraderie we need to deliver business-transforming technology.”

Rachel Porteous

CIO, FINTRAC

“CIOCAN is a powerful voice for IT professionals across Canada. The association not only advocates for the critical role of IT leaders but also equips its members with the tools and knowledge to drive innovation and transformation in their organizations. It’s a privilege to be part of such a forward-thinking community.”

Shari Wallace

CIO, REAL ESTATE BOARD OF GREATER VANCOUVER

“I have been a member of the Vancouver Chapter of the CIO Association of Canada for about 20 years and have held a number of board positions during that time, including chapter president and membership of the Peer Forum organizing committee. In the early years of my career as a new IT director, the CIO Association was instrumental in introducing me to a wider group of senior IT executives both locally and nationally. Their knowledge and experience helped me understand that many of my day-to-day challenges were shared with other professionals in other industries. That sense of a safe space and common experience was invaluable in building confidence in my new role, and in providing ballast for difficult discussions within my own organization. I consider many of the CIOs in the local chapter to be friends as well as trusted colleagues. Beyond the local chapter, the CIO Association has also extended the reach of my network into the local partner and educational community, including Simon Fraser University where CIOCAN and SFU jointly offer the Technology Leadership Program to help IT professionals learn the necessary skills to progress to the CIO level. As a seasoned CIO, I am also happy to be able to provide mentoring opportunities for senior IT professionals – both through SFU and the CIO Association’s own program. For me, CIOCAN represents community.”

Shaun Guthrie

SVP, TECHNOLOGY & ECOMMERCE, PEAVEY INDUSTRIES LP

“A great deal of my career success is because of my participation in the CIO Association of Canada. It’s important to surround yourself with those who are smarter and have more experience, and the Association has given me access to those such people. Being an active member and gaining knowledge from those peers has not only grown me personally but also has had a direct impact on my results at the office. Lastly, the CIO Association of Canada has given me an opportunity to give back to the Technology Community by being part of the local Chapter Board as President and now at the National Board as National Director of Membership.”

Philippe Johnston

VP AND CTO – THE CANADIAN AIR TRANSPORT SECURITY AUTHORITY

Philippe Johnston is currently President of the CIO Association of Canada. Prior to joining the CATSA / ACSTA in January 2024, he was the Chief Information Officer for the National Research Council Canada. Philippe was also the CIO for NSERC and SSHRC, and has been a digital leader, innovator and transformer for over 25 years.

Derrick Whalen

DIRECTOR, INFORMATION & TECHNOLOGY SERVICES, PORT OF HALIFAX

“Being a member of the CIOCAN Association has been an invaluable experience for connecting and collaborating with fellow IT leaders. Regular networking within our Atlantic Canada chapter has provided many opportunities to listen, learn, and share practical experiences. This has helped me tackle challenges, gain insights, and grow in my role.”

Dee Salah

DIRECTOR OF GOVERNANCE AND INFORMATION SECURITY, RAHD SECURITY

“Transitioning into a cybersecurity leadership role comes with a slew of challenges and “growing pains” for the new leader and their organization alike. I found the CIO Association, and especially the CISO division, to be a fantastic support for me in my new role. The members are all experienced, and very generous with their time and their advice. In the last few months of membership, engaging with this wonderful community has been an enriching experience and has provided ample opportunity for growth and provided a significant exposure to the latest trends and innovations in the tech space. There have been many events where I could discuss challenges I was encountering and greatly benefited from the collective experience and insights of the experienced members. Having both the professional and social support from this community has been a major boost to my role and my personal development. I highly recommend membership to any and all interested leaders in tech and especially cybersecurity as the value add for me has been exceptional.”

Karl Galbraith

INDEPENDENT SECURITY CONSULTANT/ VIRTUAL CISO, GALBRAITH & ASSOCIATES INC.

“CIOCAN has provided me with a national network of interested CISO peers”

Dino A. Miele CET, BA, M.Ed

CEO AND FOUNDER, SPARK NIAGARA

“I am incredibly pleased with how CIOCAN has supported my professional growth and enhanced my career. The organization has provided invaluable opportunities to connect with a network of talented leaders, individuals and CIOs, shared insights, and collaborate on industry challenges. The resources, events, and knowledge-sharing environment have been instrumental in helping me stay ahead of the curve in my field. CIOCAN’s ongoing commitment to fostering leadership and innovation has truly made a positive impact on my work and career trajectory.”

Collin Perin

CIOCAN MEMBER OF THE TORONTO CHAPTER

“Joining CIOCAN has been an excellent experience! The network offers valuable opportunities to connect with peers, share insights, and access support for tackling IT challenges.”