Kathryn Ashby
Executive Director, Marketing & Communications
Kathryn Ashby is a dynamic and seasoned marketing maven, who brings an unwavering passion for strategy and unparalleled expertise in brand management to Scouts Canada. Armed with a Marketing and Business degree from the Humber College, her prowess extends to the forefront of modern marketing with specialized training in digital marketing along with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Kathryn is not just a marketer; she is a strategic architect navigating the ever-evolving landscape of today’s high-octane marketing and communications portfolios.
With a marketing career spanning over two decades, Kathryn’s indomitable spirit has left an indelible mark on many diverse industries. Her trailblazing journey includes spearheading national and regional rebrand projects for iconic names such as Proactiv®, TMG The Mortgage Group, Ontario Place, and several US-based pharmaceutical giants. Kathryn is not content with merely managing brands; she elevates them to unprecedented heights with innovative strategies that captivate audiences and propel brand visibility.
While relatively new to the Scouting movement, Kathryn’s roots in leadership were nurtured during her youth as an avid and high-achieving Girl Guide. She attributes her success and confidence as a leader to the invaluable lessons learned through the program.
Beyond her corporate prowess, Kathryn is a noted foodie and former owner of a Quebecois restaurant in west Toronto. A globetrotter with a perpetually packed go-bag, she jets off at a moment’s notice. Her diverse interests extend to sports, where she passionately cheers for the Raptors and NFL teams. As if that weren’t enough, she harbours a lifelong passion for competitive swimming. Kathryn embodies innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in all facets of her life.
Norm Kerr
Deputy National Commissioner — Property Operations
Norm started his Scouting journey as a Cub Scout in Brooks, AB, more years ago then he cares to admit. Norm became a Scouter when his son joined the program as a Beaver. He held Section leadership roles in Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. He has also held Council roles as Area Support Scouter, Area Commissioner, as well as recent roles as Group Support Scouter and Council Commissioner for Northern Lights Council.
Norm believes that continuing education is key to personal growth and development and that Scouting is the premier non-formal platform for learning life skills through experiences.
Professionally, he worked at TELUS in Technical Sales in complex environments with many different groups and organizations, primarily Enterprise and Government. Norm enjoys motorcycling as well as camping, frequently combining the two. Norm is married to Susan who is also a passionate Scouter with Section leadership roles as well as a Support Scouter for NLC and the National Program team.
Chris Pike
Deputy National Commissioner — Property Operations
Chris completed his first Scouting adventure as a Venturer in 1973. His second started when he returned to Scouting as a Colony Scouter in 1997. Over the next seven years he served as a Pack and Troop Scouter and a Venturer Advisor. Chris moved from program to administration in 2004 and filled a variety of Area and Council roles including Newfoundland and Labrador Council Commissioner from 2010 to 2014. Chris also worked on planning teams for several provincial and Canadian Jamborees and chaired the AdVenture14 planning team. He was also a member of the 2015 Word Jamboree Canadian contingent management team. Since 2014, Chris has served as the corporate secretary of the Newfoundland and Labrador Council’s incorporated bodies. In that role, he renewed the legal framework that supports the Council bursaries to youth members.
Chris is a lawyer and when he’s not Scouting works for the Newfoundland and Labrador Public Utilities Board.
Chris is passionate about making sure Scouts Canada’s infrastructure helps Scouters serve our youth members. But he won’t miss a chance to have fun at Scouting events … like the time he ran the mud run at Camp Nor’ Wes in a suit and tie.
Chris Wick
Director, Property Operations
Chris has many years of experience in the non-profit sector leading camping and outdoor education programs. He has developed a passion for supporting outdoor adventures targeted to young people. As a youth, he participated in Beavers, Cubs and Scouts.
He describes himself as a “super sport parent”. You'll often find him at a swim meet or rowing regatta, cheering on his kiddos or volunteering as an official.
With a talent for fostering team synergy and motivating staff, Chris excels in supervising personnel, ensuring smooth operations, and cultivating a positive work environment.
Jason Gingrich
Deputy National Youth Commissioner — Program
Jason is a lifelong Scout who’s served as a Council Youth Commissioner, Council Voting Representative, National Youth Spokesperson, WOSM team member, and Section Scouter over the years. Outside of Scouting, Jason is pursuing a Bachelor of Management.
Jason is passionate about the Scouting’s ability to empower Youth to grow and leave the world better than they found it. He’s excited to begin on the Program team to contribute to the long tradition of epic Scouting adventures across Canada.
Keegan Eatmon
Deputy National Commissioner — Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Reconciliation
Keegan joined Scouting as a Beaver Scout in Moncton, New Brunswick. After more than 20 years in Scouting, he has had the opportunity to experience Scouting at the local, regional, national and international levels. Most recently, he was a member of the leadership team for the 24th World Scout Jamboree and served as an Assistant National Youth Commissioner.
He is most passionate about the magic that happens in local Scout groups across the country each week through adventures. He has been a part of groups in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Ontario and experienced incredible adventures with Beavers and Cubs.
Keegan believes that when people experience Scouting, they make their communities stronger, and young people are better prepared for the future. He looks forward to working with youth, volunteers and staff to be a part of Scouting’s journey to ensure that we honour our history, while building inclusive spaces where everyone feels included and welcome.
Outside of Scouting, Keegan is a communications professional for the Government of Canada. He enjoys adventures and travel with his family, friends and dog Bennett (who is named after Bennett Lake in Fundy National Park).
Tessa Lebrun
Deputy National Youth Commissioner — Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Reconciliation
Tessa does all her Scouting out of Port Dover, another small town in Norfolk County. She is a Rover with the 1st Port Dover Sea Scouts Company. Beyond the section level, she started as a Beaver and has held various roles, including three years as the Youth Commissioner for Battlefields Council.
She is taking the Recreation Therapy program at Niagara College and works as a gymnastics coach at an adaptive/inclusive gym. Tessa is passionate about working in challenging environments, and she would eventually like to work in a prison or a secure hospital unit.
“I love Scouting because it provides young people with experiences that they can't get anywhere else. I have gained so many different skills from my experience in Scouting, such as leadership skills, collaboration skills, communication skills, and more. Being able to ensure that other youth can have the same incredible experience as I've had, is a priceless opportunity that I will never turn down.”
Her strengths include a passion for helping others, creativity, and she is a solid problem-solver. Tessa is constantly developing new skills or boosting her old ones.
Kaitlyn Patterson
Deputy National Commissioner, Volunteer Support
Kaitlyn started her Scouting journey out as a 3rd year Scout and continued in the program up until she aged out in Rover Scouts. Since joining, she has been able to go on some amazing adventures which are coupled with many first-time experiences. Those experiences include volunteering at the 24th World Scout Jamboree where she was able to help lead a team of international volunteers in running a base camp for the duration of the Jamboree, while also exploring the beautiful Summit Bechtel Scout Reserve in West Virginia. She has also volunteered as a Youth Spokesperson, Council Youth Commissioner, Assistant National Youth Commissioner and most recently on Scouts Canada’s Leadership Team- to name a few.
Kaitlyn credits Scouting for inspiring her educational and career directions. She completed her DEC in Community, Recreation and Leadership Training from Dawson College and her Bachelors in Community Development from Acadia University. She is now working for Kahnawake Tourism as their Special Projects Coordinator and also assisting the Northern Village of Kuujjuaq in delivering on their community recreation initiatives and planning large-scale community events.
She is eager to help the organization in achieving its strategic objectives in enhancing the Volunteer’s experience and skillset, simplifying their role, and recognizing volunteers for their contributions. She hopes through her role she can help provide learning opportunities to volunteers of all ages. She also hopes to help make volunteering for Scouts Canada more inviting and enjoyable to all Canadians and to continue to deliver on the organization’s mission to help develop young people who are better prepared for success in the world.
Heather Eskritt
Deputy National Youth Commissioner, Volunteer Support
Heather is an outdoor enthusiast who studied Outdoor Recreation Management. She is currently the Sales Coordinator at Hillsound Equipment, and she seizes every opportunity she can to get out and hike, canoe, camp, or ski in her local mountains. Since joining Scouting as a second-year Scout, she has held positions as a member of the National Leadership team, a Council Youth Commissioner, Area Youth Commissioner, as well as a Scouter for various groups in Ontario, Yukon, and British Columbia. The highlight of her Scouting journey so far has been at World Moot 2017 in Iceland where she spent three weeks in her tent and ate fermented shark.
Heather is passionate about ensuring that every volunteer has the tools and skills they need to succeed. She exudes this in her volunteer roles and her professional roles as well. Heather would like to make sure that individuals of all ages have the opportunities to learn and grow. Volunteers are invaluable to Scouts Canada and Heather wants to use this opportunity to engage them in their own growth and provide them the resources available to do so.