Board Members

WPS Board Members

CHAIR:

Mayor, Drew Dilkens is a lifelong resident of the City of Windsor. He holds business and law degrees from the University of Windsor (called to the bar in 2012) and an M.B.A. from Wayne State University. He received his Doctorate of Business Administration from the International School of Management in Paris, France with a focus on municipal amalgamation in Ontario. He obtained the Chartered Director (C.Dir.) designation from The Directors College (2021), and also holds the professional designation of a Certified Human Resources Leader, along with training certificates from the Canadian Foreign Service Institute, Canadian Securities Institute and Federal Bureau of Investigations in the United States.

He was elected Mayor of the City of Windsor on October 27, 2014. He was re-elected on October 22, 2018, for his second term. He was re-elected on October 24, 2022, for his third term. Mayor Dilkens is committed to a program of fiscal discipline and economic diversification. Since being elected, he has continued to focus on improving the city’s infrastructure – including roads and sewers, holding the line on taxes, supporting economic development that creates jobs and attracts investments, and positioning Windsor as a destination of choice for those looking to build homes, careers and families.

VICE CHAIR:

Councillor Jo-Anne Gignac is a lifelong resident of the Riverside area. Jo-Anne was first elected to City Council in 2003.

Jo-Anne has also been involved with a number of Community organizations, including the Children's Achievement Centre, Windsor Catholic Family Services, Habitat for Humanity, May Court Club of Windsor and the Farrow Miracle Park.

Councillor Gignac’s continuing priorities are to attract diversified investment in Windsor to create jobs; continuing the City of Windsor’s fiscal focus on reducing costs and taxes; promoting safe and clean neighbourhoods; and investing in improved sewers and roads. She is committed to working tirelessly with residents and business, making the tough decisions to achieve an attractive, vibrant community at the forefront of social and economic innovation.

MEMBERS:

Sophia Chisholm is a lifelong resident of Windsor. Sophia is a certified professional accountant (CPA, CA) with a Bachelor of Commerce Honours Business Administration degree from the University of Windsor. Sophia brings financial expertise and community direction to the Board as a leader in financial management, business strategy, and employee development, with experience in both the private and public sector.

Sophia is currently the Senior Vice-President, Finance at Windsor Family Credit Union (WFCU) where she oversees the credit union’s financial operations. Prior to her current position, she held executive finance and administrative positions in various industry sectors including manufacturing, retail automotive, and professional public accounting.

Sophia has demonstrated community and governance leadership as a current board member of the Windsor Port Authority, and as a former Member of the Windsor Police Services Board (2016-2018), the Windsor Essex Children’s Aid Foundation (Board Vice-President), Essex Golf and Country Club (Finance Committee), and Association for Persons with Physical Disabilities (past-Treasurer). She was named a Heart & Stroke Red Dress Honoree for her dedication to community involvement and has launched several charitable initiatives involving children and food/toy drives. She has volunteered for numerous non-profit organizations and events throughout the community, in both a personal and professional philanthropic capacity.

Sophia is passionate about the safety and standing of Windsor, where she lives with her husband and two daughters. As a staunch supporter of Windsor-Essex, Sophia believes that volunteerism and direct involvement are essential elements to the community’s culture.

Mr. Robert de Verteuil is a technology entrepreneur, innovator, and thought leader. After studying Computer Science at the University of Toronto, he started his career with the Canadian Armed Forces, then founded a company which provided high end computer aided design systems to the automotive industry. After stints with two major global automakers and a large engineering consultancy, he founded a second company which specializes in cybersecurity solutions and IT consulting services. A seasoned executive, Robert has worked with many Fortune 500 companies in Canada, the USA, the UK, India, and around the world.

The son of immigrants from Trinidad and Tobago, Mr. de Verteuil lives in downtown Windsor with his wife and three children. He is dedicated to volunteering and community involvement, and has served on numerous boards, committees, clubs, and teams over the years, currently chairing two associations and serving as a board member on three others. In his spare time, he enjoys cooking, listening to music and enjoying outdoor activities with his family.

Mr. John Elliott is a lifelong resident of Windsor. He embarked on his journey of public service when he was first elected to Windsor City Council, serving diligently from 2014 to 2018. Holding a distinguished not-for-profit management diploma from Saint Clair College, John’s commitment to community welfare is unwavering.

John is presently the Executive Director of the Sandwich Teen Action Group, exemplifying his steadfast dedication to nurturing a positive and supportive environment for youth and their families. His contributions have earned him many community awards, including the Windsor & District Black Coalition Community Leadership award and the Safe City Windsor/Neighbourhood Hero award.

He is a proud descendant of the John Freeman Walls Underground Railroad. With a loving family including a spouse, seven children, and fourteen grandchildren, he understands the importance of preserving and celebrating Windsor’s heritage.

Councillor Jim Morrison was born and raised in Northern Ontario, in a little mining town called Wawa. He attended St. Clair College and completed a 3-year diploma in Business Administration. While at the college, Jim was elected to the Student Athletic Association. He oversaw intra-mural sports and skipped the Varsity Curling Team to an OCAA Championship.

Jim left Windsor after graduating but enthusiastically returned twenty-five years ago when he accepted the opportunity of a company transfer. He has lived in Ward 10 ever since. Jim has been a bank manager for over 30 years, most recently employed by National Bank of Canada.

During his career, Jim earned the designation of Personal Financial Planner with the Institute of Canadian Bankers. Throughout the years, he has represented his financial institutions in the community by serving on various donations committees.

Jim has had extensive experience and involvement with charitable organizations. He was the president of a start-up Rotary Club in Strathroy, which was the first to charter female members in Canada. He has also served on the Board of Directors of the Easter Seals Society and had the privilege of taking on the role of Chairperson of the 2018 Easter Seals Telethon. He is also involved in a learn-to-skate program, mostly comprised of newcomers to Canada.

Jim's personal interests include playing hockey and golf, and avidly following professional sports. He is a die-hard fan of both the Detroit Lions and Toronto Maple Leafs.

Jim has been married for over 37 years to his wife Kathy. Together they have three grown children.