Defence Professional Advisory Council (DPAC)
SHIELD is supported by a Defence Professional Advisory Council (DPAC) that provides advice on workforce trends, learner needs, work-integrated learning opportunities, partnerships and emerging sector priorities.
DPAC members:
Anthony Robb (Chair)
Canada Company: Many Ways to Serve
Anthony Robb is a former lieutenant-colonel and the Managing Director of Canada Company: Many Ways to Serve. His military service included two operational deployments to Afghanistan and an appointment as faculty member at the Canadian Forces College. He remains actively involved in the military community, contributing to professional military education through research, curriculum development, wargaming and publications. He received a Meritorious Service Medal in 2007 for his leadership of field engineers under enemy fire in Afghanistan.
Adrian Praysner
Canadian Corps of Commissionaires
Adrian Praysner is a former lieutenant-colonel and a leader across military, corporate and community organizations. He serves as Chair of the Board of Governors of Commissionaires Great Lakes Inc. and holds leadership positions with The Royal Regiment of Canada Charitable Foundation, the Army Cadet League of Ontario Charitable Foundation, the Canadian Infantry Association, the Mackenzie Institute and other organizations. His private-sector career included leadership roles at Bell Canada, CPAS Systems Inc., and Stentor Alliance.
Aiman Khan
Candu Energy
Aiman Khan is Vice President of Engineering Services at Candu Energy, an AtkinsRéalis company, where she leads the growth of nuclear engineering and original equipment manufacturer services for the global CANDU fleet. As President of Women in Nuclear Canada and as a member of various energy-sector boards and advisory committees, she advocates for inclusive leadership and clean energy innovation.
Andrea Williams
Invest Brampton
Andrea Williams is the Sector Manager of Advanced Manufacturing at Invest Brampton, the City of Brampton's economic development office. She leads business retention, expansion and sector growth initiatives. She recently helped launch Brampton's Business Growth Accelerator, which provides tailored support to local companies seeking to innovate, secure funding, enter new markets and pursue emerging opportunities in the defence sector.
LCdr Chris Elliott
Canadian Armed Forces
Lieutenant-Commander Chris Elliott is a Strategic Outreach Officer with the Royal Canadian Navy, responsible for developing programs and partnerships across Canada. He has helped establish cooperative education programs, develop military-connected campuses and secure collaborative agreements with educational institutions. Through this work, he strengthens connections between the Navy and academic communities, creating opportunities for collaboration, student engagement and mutual benefit.
Diego Ramirez Patino
Bell Cyber
Diego Ramirez Patino is the Director of Threat Intelligence and AI Security Operations at Bell Cyber, where he leads advanced threat detection and response initiatives. He also teaches cybersecurity at multiple institutions and hosts Inside the Mesh, a podcast featuring Bell Cyber professionals exploring developments shaping the future of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.
Geoff Hamilton
Canadian Corps of Commissionaires
Geoff Hamilton chairs the National Business Management Committee of the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires and is a leader in security services supporting Canada's defence and public safety sectors. He also chairs the board of Resilience, a developer and operator of national security-related infrastructure, and serves as a Captain (Navy) in the Canadian Forces Naval Reserve.
Honorary Col. Jeannette Chau
Canadian Armed Forces
Jeannette Chau serves as honorary colonel of the 7th Toronto Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, is a former captain and is an electrical engineer committed to education, military support and community engagement. She serves on several boards and committees, including as Co-Chair of the Honorary Colonels Education Committee and Chair of the Toronto Artillery Foundation. An internationally competitive dragon boat racer, she is also the author of two children’s books celebrating women in engineering.
Maj. Joseph Curry
The Lorne Scots (Peel, Dufferin and Halton Regiment)
Major Joseph Curry serves as Deputy Commanding Officer of The Lorne Scots (Peel, Dufferin and Halton Regiment) and is a security intelligence executive with experience in defence readiness, workforce development, intelligence, leadership, community resilience and strengthening partnerships between the military, industry and education sectors.
Kristin Misurka
Peel Region
Kristin Misurka is the Senior Director of Procurement at Peel Region. She focuses on creating opportunities that strengthen Canadian businesses and networking with vendors, industry associations and educational institutions. She is also committed to developing the next generation of public procurement professionals.
Lt.-Cmdr. Michael Di Berardo
Canadian Armed Forces
Lieutenant-Commander Michael Di Berardo serves as the Central Region Staff Officer for Public Engagements and Attractions with the Royal Canadian Navy, and held previous appointments including Commanding Officer of HMCS STAR. He works with postsecondary institutions to promote collaboration and student engagement. Previously, he owned and operated an entertainment and production company managing concerts, festivals, conferences and other events.
Capt. Momar Sourang
Canadian Armed Forces
Captain Momar Sourang serves in the Canadian Armed Forces as Deputy Head of J4 Strategic Planning and as a procurement and material management officer with the Office of the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff. He leads strategic planning, procurement, contracting and fleet and material management. Drawing on his previous investment career with major Canadian banks, he also researches strategic artificial intelligence, focusing on defence innovation and procurement modernization.
Omar El Gamal
TD Bank
Omar El Gamal is an Associate Vice President of Wealth Data Technology at TD Bank and a military engineer officer. He also leads the TD Global Technology Solutions Veterans Pillar, advancing veteran mentorship, advocacy and community engagement while fostering a supportive environment for veterans across the organization.
Shekhar Gothi
Commissionaires Great Lakes
Shekhar Gothi is Vice President, Partnerships at Commissionaires Great Lakes. He served for 33 years in the Royal Canadian Navy, including senior appointments both at sea and ashore. Shekhar deployed on United Nations peacekeeping missions to Sudan (2008) and Haiti (2009–2010), commanded HMCS STAR and led Innovation Initiatives for the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM). He has also served in a volunteer capacity as Chief Aide-de-Camp to two successive Lieutenant Governors of Ontario.
Stephanie Dunbar
Invest Mississauga
Stephanie Dunbar is the Manager of Business Investment and Sector Development at Invest Mississauga, the City of Mississauga's economic development office. Focused on creating high-value jobs and strengthening key sectors, she leads a team that supports businesses in locating and expanding their operations in Mississauga with customized investment services, industry-focused programming and events.
Lt.-Col. Terry Wong
Canadian Armed Forces
Lieutenant-Colonel Terry Wong serves as a Tactical Helicopter Pilot with the Royal Canadian Air Force, with experience in military aviation, engineering, international operations and training. He has also served as a jet instructor and CH-146 Griffon helicopter pilot, and has held key operational roles in deployments to Afghanistan and Qatar. He received Meritorious Service Medals for an annual fundraising campaign for sick children in Toronto in 2019 and for conducting counterterrorism air operations in Qatar in 2024.
