CHS Global Partnerships for Research & Innovation is governed by a volunteer board of directors. Directors are accountable for the oversight of the organization. The current Board of Directors members are:
Timothy Andradé, Chair, Board of Directors
Timothy Andradé completed both his B.A. (Honours, Psychology) and M. Ed (Counselling) at the University of Ottawa. His subsequent professional career included 14 years working as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counsellor, and then as the Disabilities Awareness Program Coordinator and Trainer at the Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre for 12 years prior to his retirement. He was a friend of Canadian Hearing Services Ottawa for many years and a strong advocate to reduce barriers in health care settings. He was welcomed to the Canadian Hearing Services Board in 2012 and then appointed to the role of Board Chair from 2014-2019 and Vice Chair from 2019-2022.
Donald P. Barnes, Board Director
Donald Barnes is a retired senior executive with domestic and international experience. An accomplished change leader in complex environments, he has broad management and leadership experience, having occupied various senior executive positions over the last 30 years, notably in the fields of services management, organizational transformation, and business strategy. He has worked in the not-for-profit, private, and public sectors, and has been an advocate for equity and inclusion over the course of his career. From Memorial University of Newfoundland, Mr. Barnes holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. From 2020 to 2021, he served as a Board Member on the Canadian Hearing Services Board of Directors.
Fred Speckeen, Board Director
Fred Speckeen is the COO of Malawi Corp. and brings decades of experience in music, sound, AI, streaming media, and business building to his role at Global Partnerships. A professional Jazz musician for over 40 years and with over 30 years global, executive-level experience building technology-enabled businesses spanning recording studio loudspeakers, digital audio signal processing, semiconductors for digital audio networking, mobile audio software, AI and streaming media. Fred brings his skills, experience, and passion to the Board as it works to support the Global Partnerships and fulfilling its Strategic Plan. Fred holds a BA (Honours) Music degree from St Francis Xavier University and a Master of Business Administration from the Ivey School of Business. Fred served on the Canadian Hearing Services Board of Directors as a Board Member from 2018 to 2022 and as Vice Chair from 2022-2024.
Valarie Wafer, Board Director
Valarie Wafer’s 27-year career as co-owner of six Tim Hortons franchises in the GTA was recognized for its strong advocacy for people with disabilities, especially in the area of employment. Valarie’s passion for making an impact that matters continues in many aspects of her life, including serving on local hospital and university boards. In addition, for almost 20 years, Valarie has served as a Rotary member in a number of senior and international roles, most recently as the Rotary International Vice President.
Julia N. Dumanian, Corporate Secretary, Board of Directors; President & CEO, CHS Global Partnerships for Research & Innovation