About Us
Staff Directory

Fred Pinto, CFA, ICD.D

Chief Executive Officer & Director

 

Fred Pinto is CEO of CFA Society Toronto. Fred is responsible for CFA Society Toronto's overall strategic direction and management. Core to this mandate is continuing to deliver outstanding member value, promoting high ethical standards in the investment industry and increasing the visibility of the charter with multiple key stakeholders. He sits on the Board of Directors of CFA Society Toronto. Fred brings over 25 years of leadership experience in the Asset and Wealth Management industry and also sits on other Boards and Advisory Councils.

Fred holds a BA (Honours) from the University of Toronto, an MBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business at Western University and received his ICD.D designation.

Casey Pope, CAE

Manager, Leadership & Project Support

Casey manages the implementation and advancement of the strategic plan. She works collaboratively with the team to ensure the successful alignment of leadership projects and initiatives with the organization’s strategic goals. Casey is focused on adopting best practices to advance association excellence and enhance member value. She also provides high level and proactive support to the CEO, Board of Directors, and Board standing committees. Casey graduated from the University of Toronto with a BA (Honours) and is a Certified Association Executive. 

Valerie Weddell

Director, Operations 

 

Valerie is primarily responsible for organizational effectiveness through contribution to the development and implementation of organizational strategies, policies and practices. She plays a critical role in overall operations including technology, policy and procedure development, and projects in support of operational initiatives for the Society. Val has over 20 years of experience in a variety of roles in the non-profit sector.
 
 

Alexandra Pegg

Information Technology Manager

 

Alexandra is responsible for managing CFA Society Toronto’s technology infrastructure and all technology related projects. Her responsibilities include administration and maintenance of the society’s membership database and website, help desk functionality and performing data analysis. Alexandra serves as the main point of contact on all IT-related matters and liaises with outsourced vendors for hardware and software issues.  Alexandra has over 16 years of experience in project management, help-desk, training and network administration.  She earned her B.A. and B.Ed. from York University as well as a Diploma in Network Administration.

Tania Lewis

Office Administration Associate

Tania is the first line of contact for our members and anyone connecting with CFA Society Toronto. She is responsible for membership operations, including membership approvals and renewals, and for managing office operations to ensure organizational effectiveness and efficiency within the office. With over 15 years of experience in customer relations and 5+ years in administrative support, Tania brings a strong foundation in professional communication, operational coordination, and client service excellence.

  

Karin Koo (on leave)

Membership and Office Administration Associate

Karin is the first line of contact for our members and anyone connecting with CFA Society Toronto.  She is also responsible for facilitating and coordinating office operations to ensure organizational effectiveness and efficiency within the office.  She has 5+ years of administrative and 15+ years of customer service experience.

  

Jenny Yeo

Director, Member Events and Experience

Jenny is responsible for the strategic direction and oversight of the Society's member events, programs and member community engagement initiatives. Her management portfolio includes the following areas and respective teams: education and events, mentorship programs, volunteer relations, and other initiatives that enhances member value, stakeholder engagement, and our impact as the leading global member society. Jenny has over 18 years of experience in the non-profit and event management sectors. 

Meredith Lowry

Senior Manager, Education and Events

Meredith is a Senior Manager of Education and Events at CFA Society Toronto, with a focus on leading the Society’s educational programming strategy and delivery. She oversees the development and day-to-day management of member learning initiatives, curating learning opportunities that reflect evolving needs of members and the industry, and integrating innovative technologies and delivery formats. Meredith brings extensive experience as an association executive in both association and agency settings, with a strong background in education, membership, events, sponsorship, strategic planning, and operations. Her work ensures CFA Society Toronto continues to advance its delivery of high-quality, relevant, and outcome-focused learning opportunities for finance and investment professionals.

 

Mary-Margaret Courtney

Senior Manager, Education and Events

Mary-Margaret is a Senior Manager of Education and Events at CFA Society Toronto, specializing in the strategic design and execution of the Society’s event experiences. She leads the day-to-day management of the Society's event operations and production, ranging from the Society's high-impact marquee events to curated networking events, with a focus on elevating member engagement through thoughtful event design, logistics excellence, and technology integration. With a deep background in events, trade shows, hospitality, and show production, Mary-Margaret brings unique insight from her experience in both client- and supplier-side roles, as well as over five years of entrepreneurial experience running her own event management firm.  

 

Leslie Venturino

Volunteer Relations Manager

Leslie Venturino is CFA Society Toronto’s Volunteer Relations Manager. Leslie’s goal is to enhance volunteer experiences and to strengthen volunteer structures, and systems to support overall strategic objectives.  Leslie is responsible for the management of CFA Society Toronto’s Volunteer Relations’ programs, projects, and initiatives, including implementation, stewardship, and evaluation processes.   She has 20+ years of diverse experience in the non-profit sector.  

Breanne Cheeseman

Senior Associate, Education and Events

 

Breanne Cheeseman is the Senior Associate of Education and Events at CFA Society Toronto. She is responsible for planning, organizing, and executing a variety of events, including conferences, seminars, workshops, and special occasions. She also supports various CFA Society Toronto volunteer programming committees. Through her work, Breanne enhances member value by delivering educational opportunities for professional development and facilitating networking events that foster connectivity and collaboration within the industry. With a background in association and corporate event planning, as well as experience as an educator, Breanne brings a wealth of expertise to deliver exceptional educational experiences in her role.

Kenny Chan

Director, Marketing & Communications

Kenny leads the Marketing Communications and Outreach departments, where he is responsible for the development and implementation of integrated strategies that amplify the Society's brand, grows its audiences, and expands the organization's presence across the investment and financial services industry. Kenny has over 15 years of leadership experience as an award-winning association executive and publisher, specializing in strategic marketing, content development, public relations, and organizational growth.  
 

Aaron Ly

Manager, Corporate Relations and Business Development

 

Aaron is responsible for developing and implementing strategies for corporate engagement and the stewardship of the Society’s sponsors. He works to identify and secure cross-industry prospect opportunities with organizations that share a common interest with our members. Aaron also works to foster opportunities with various stakeholders to support the Society’s overall operations, Career Centre services, and our professional development program. With experience in the private, not-for-profit, and public sectors, Aaron has a strong understanding of effective stakeholder engagement.

Nyssa Lawson

Associate, Next Gen Program

Nyssa manages the Society's Next Gen Program, which includes outreach and engagement programs for secondary schools, universities, and CFA candidates, fostering relationships with academic institutions and students, as well as supporting candidates throughout their journey to becoming CFA Charterholders. With a background in financial services, Nyssa’s work helps to bridge the gap between academia and the industry through delivery of programs and services that inspires, empowers, and fosters the next generation of CFA Society Toronto members and CFA Charterholders. 

Jessi-Lyna Wan

Manager, Marketing & Communications

 

Jessi-Lyna is responsible for the overall marketing and communication plans for both internal and external stakeholders. She works to develop, implement, and measure the success of marketing and communications efforts. Jessi-Lyna works closely with every department to effectively market and communicate the Society's programs, events, and services for its members. She also manages the Society's strategic content creation program, which includes The Analyst and its digital products, such as the Diverse Dividends video podcast series.