The staff of the Canadian Council on Invasive Species (CCIS) are dedicated to working collaboratively across Canada and beyond to take action against invasive species. Our team has a unique variety of work experiences and educational and cultural backgrounds that suit them to their roles with CCIS. They work to support our provincial and territorial chapters from a National level while also participating in other countrywide campaigns with an array of other government and non-government organizations.
Rebecca Lord (She/Her)
Executive Director
Rebecca has been working in the non-profit sector as an Executive Director for 12 years, most recently with the Ontario Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA Ontario). She has a degree in Geography from Queen’s University and a strong commitment to education in non-profit governance as she completes her CAE designation. As Executive Director, Rebecca will provide strategic direction and leadership, participating in the overall stewardship of the organization through governance. She will be accountable for CCIS operations, financial performance, human resources, projects and communications. Having lived all over the world for 20 years, Rebecca now calls Uxbridge, Ontario, home.
Sharon Savoie (She/Her)
Financial Operations Manager
Sharon joined CCIS in 2022. After 20 plus years in the private sector working in a variety of financial leadership roles, including as head of finance for a very successful mutual fund dealer for 12 years, she made the leap to the non-profit sector in 2016, most notably with the Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada. Sharon is a CPA, CMA and also has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Ottawa. Sharon is responsible for the financial stewardship of CCIS and its operating chapters. She is an active supporter of her local Friends of Stittsville Wetlands Group, and also lends her support to her local animal rescue organizations. Sharon is Ontario-born and raised and now lives in Ottawa with her husband Paul and her feline fur babies Bernie and Yoshi. She also loves to travel and see the world by cruise ship.
Bryan Dilts (He/Him)
Marketing & Communications Manager
Bryan Dilts is a creative Marketing & Communications Manager at the CCIS. He is an expert in designing innovative content marketing strategies. He is a dedicated environmental advocate, instrumental in shaping CCIS's outreach, brand presence, and efforts to raise awareness and mobilize action against invasive species in Canada. Bryan's broad expertise includes graphic design, web design, video production, and brand development. This makes him a valuable asset to the CCIS team. He translates complex environmental concepts into engaging, accessible content that aligns with CCIS's mission of combatting invasive species and preserving Canada's natural landscapes. Beyond his professional role, Bryan is an avid outdoor enthusiast with a deep passion for environmental stewardship
Gabby Nichols (She/Her)
Project Coordinator
Gabby's work as CCIS' Project Coordinator involves building partnerships and working collaboratively with organizations across Canada to develop messaging and resources to support the implementation of six national behaviour change campaigns. Gabby joined the CCIS in the spring of 2020, bringing her experience of invasive species education and management from her previous roles within provincial government, municipal government, and non-profit sectors. Gabby holds a Masters of Environment and Sustainability from the University of Western Ontario, and a Bachelor's of Bio-Resource Management from the University of Guelph, located in the city of Guelph, Ontario, where Gabby calls home today.
Marta McDougall (She/Her)
Administrative Coordinator
Marta joined the CCIS team in the winter of 2023. She has worked in government administration for the majority of her career but found her passion supporting non-profit organizations that build positive change. She has developed a love for creating processes and intuitive workflows that aim to build capacity while leaving room for individual work styles to thrive. Marta supports the CCIS team in the areas of administration, human resources, project support, supporting the Board of Directors, and as the point of contact for the various Chapters and general public. Personally, Marta involves herself in various creative pursuits ranging from digital arts, painting, and collaborative story telling. Marta is based out of Guelph, Ontario.
Fel Castañeda (He/They)
National Supervisor, Youth Engagement
Bio coming soon!
Robert (Bob) McClean
Partnership Specialist
In July 2018, Bob retired from the Canadian federal public service following more than 40 years in Environment and Climate Change Canada, almost entirely with the Canadian Wildlife Service. During his career, Bob worked in all of the Canadian Wildlife Service programs, including internationally under the Convention on Biological Diversity, CWS’s protected areas – known as National Wildlife Areas and Migratory Bird Sanctuaries, various habitat conservation funding programs, and the species at risk and wildlife trade (CITES) programs. During his career, Bob had the opportunity to lead various national and federal initiatives including several related to invasive species. He led the team that developed An Invasive Alien Species Strategy for Canada and presented the Strategy to federal, provincial and territorial ministers for adoption in 2004 and remained active federally, nationally and internationally on invasive species until his retirement.
