Learn About Our Board Members!

PRESIDENT
Mary Ann McConkey

Mary Ann McConkey retired from the University of Toronto after a career of thirty-plus years, the last ten as Director of Labour Relations. She has a bachelor's degree in psychology from the U of T and a post-graduate certificate in HR Management from the Rotman School. She has taught Human Resources courses at both the post-secondary level. Since retiring, she has consulted on countless HR and Labour Relations projects for the higher education and not-for-profit sectors. Mary Ann lives in a lively "multi-generational" household in Aurora. While singularly lacking in talent herself, Mary Ann is a passionate supporter of music and art. 

VICE PRESIDENT
Morry Patoka

Morry started his career writing comedy for stand-ups, eventually becoming an award-winning ad agency Creative Director.  When Morry made the leap to COO and partner in an early-stage CRM tech company, he applied his learning to other areas of business, including software development, finance, and operations, growing the company 10X with high profile clients such as Bell Canada, Harvard Business Review, RBC, among many Fortune 1000's.  

When it was time for Morry's next, "what's next", he leveraged his diverse experience to guide established business leaders in AI, technology, retail, automotive, hospitality, consumer packaged goods, health care, and more, as well as becoming President of a Private Equity firm. 

Today Morry continues doing what he loves…advising, consulting, and occasionally taking fractional C-Suite roles to work with Founders and CEO's creating the conditions for their companies' success. He is also a Mentor for Boundless Accelerator, an engaging public speaker, writer, enthusiastic food lover and cook. 

TREASURER
Paulina Vujinovic

Paulina Vujinovic, CPA, serves as a Director and Board Treasurer, bringing extensive expertise in financial reporting, budgeting, and internal controls to the organization. Currently a Senior Financial Analyst at York Region, she manages financial planning for the Homelessness Prevention Program and Ontario Works Budget. 

Previously, Paulina was a Senior Financial Analyst at Mattamy Asset Management, where she specialized in consolidated financial statements and automated reporting processes, following her tenure in audit at Deloitte. She holds a Master of Accounting with Distinction from the Schulich School of Business.

SECRETARY
Colette Nemni

Colette Nemni is the founder and principal of Colette Nemni Conflict Resolution Services, an organization focused on facilitating the resolution of workplace conflict. CNC Resolution Services provides independent third party investigation, mediation and facilitation services to large and small organizations in all business sectors and in both private and public companies.

Colette has held Senior Executive Human Resources positions in large TSX and NYSE companies. She has a wealth of human resources and labour relations experience, having been a recognized leader in both the private and public sectors.

Colette was Senior Vice-President and Head of Human Resources at Bell Canada where she was responsible for developing and leading all people strategies for the company. She has also served as Head of Human Resources, North America Division for Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide Inc. Based in the company’s New York headquarters; she was responsible for the company’s people strategies across North America.

Colette was Superintendent of Employee Services at the York Region District School Board and holds her Supervisory Officer of Ontario credentials.

Fluently bilingual, Colette holds an Honours BA in Industrial Relations from McGill University and a law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School and is called to the Ontario Bar. She is also certified in Alternative Dispute Resolution by Osgoode Hall Law School and has recently earned her ICD.D designation from The Rotman School of Business.

DIRECTOR
Garry Blye

Garry Blye brings over six decades of entertainment industry experience to the Board. An accomplished executive producer, director, and talent manager, Garry has produced major international events, including the 1988 Calgary Olympic Gala and the Expo 1988 Gala for Prince Charles and Princess Diana. His extensive portfolio spans documentaries viewed in over 100 countries, such as The Glen Gould “Journey to Russia”, and popular television series like Super Dave Osborne and Vampire High. A resident of Aurora for 18 years, Garry previously produced the reopening of the Royal Ontario Museum and has managed notable clients including John Candy. His work has earned a Gemini Award nomination and a WorldFest Houston Special Jury Award.

DIRECTOR
Phiona Durrant

Phiona Durrant is a strategic consultant, award-winning community leader, and wellness-centered leader rooted in equity. Her journey reflects the power of resilience, purpose, and heart-led impact. A proud Jamaican immigrant and resident of Aurora for 19 years, Phiona has built and led businesses, championed equity-focused community programs, and empowered individuals and organizations to thrive from the inside out. With a background in social services, business strategy, and public speaking, she helps leaders and institutions embed care, confidence, and sustainable growth into their work. Her approach centers self-awareness and well-being as essential to effective leadership. Phiona’s unwavering commitment to service has earned her numerous honors, including the Queen’s Jubilee Award, the King Charles III Coronation Medal, and Ontario’s Volunteer of the Year Award. Through her new consulting firm, Coconut Village Elevate, and her podcast, A Likkle of This & Little of Dat, she continues to inspire transformational change rooted in compassion, clarity, and bold vision. Whether serving on current and past boards such as the Town of Aurora and the Chamber of Commerce, or speaking in schools, Phiona is always in motion— adding value, building community, and leading with purpose.

DIRECTOR
Stephen Lusk

Steve Lusk is an experienced board member, former corporate executive and entrepreneur who is very active in the not-for-profit sector. Experienced in building exceptional teams and championing change as an inspirational leader with a long-term success orientation and the political acuity to navigate complex relationships with multiple internal/external stakeholders in order to build consensus, encourage cooperation and achieve quality results consistent with an organization’s standards and measures. Currently serving as the Chair of the Markham Public Art Advisory Committee, board member on the York Region Arts Council, Markham Stouffville Hospital President’s Council and Nottawasaga Investment Futures.

DIRECTOR
Matthew Murray

Matthew Murray joined the Aurora Cultural Centre Board in June 2026.

DIRECTOR
Jane St. Germain

Jane St. Germain joined the Aurora Cultural Centre Board in June 2026.

DIRECTOR
Anita Townsend

Anita has worked in a variety of positions in the education sector both in Canada and internationally for 40 years. Before starting her own educational consulting company, she worked in three large Ontario School Boards in a variety of teaching and administrative positions, designing and coordinating Program and Leadership development. Through her consulting company, Anita has worked with several for profit and not for profit companies and organizations that support individual schools, boards of education and Ministries of Education across Canada. Anita has also been involved at the post – secondary level teaching additional qualification courses for teachers and leadership training for school administrators. For many years she has partnered with international educational consultant groups to organize international professional development programs for both teachers and students. She is committed to the belief that as educators we should look beyond the school walls and has maintained a focus on social justice projects where she has established many international partnerships for students and educators. As a school principal she was designated as one of Canada’s Outstanding Principals by the Learning Partnership together with the Canadian Association of Principals.

EX OFFICIO DIRECTOR
Councillor John Gallo

John Gallo serves as the Ward 5 Councillor, bringing 10 years of municipal council experience and over 15 years of small business management expertise to the Board. A resident of Aurora for 25 years, John has a distinguished record of community service, which began when he founded the Bayview Wellington Ratepayers Association prior to joining council.

John serves as an advocate for cultural partnerships and fiscal responsibility. His work focuses on environmentally sustainable development, preserving local heritage, and ensuring value for tax dollars through careful budget oversight.

EX OFFICIO DIRECTOR
Councillor Ron Weese

Aurora Town Councillor, Ron Weese, is a retired College professor of 34 years, having worked in the Division of Physical Education, Athletics and Recreation with cross-appointments to Applied Health Sciences at Seneca College. He has also held positions as Department Chair and Men’s Athletic Director at that institution.

Outside of the College, he has served as a Master Course Conductor with the National Coaching Certification Program and an Academy Lecturer with the International Gymnastics Federation. As President and founding member of Sport Aurora for 20 years, he has led his Boards to create a vibrant sport