Stacy Adair
Director, Finance Operations and Continuous Improvement
Stacy has been working for Scouts Canada since November 2015. During this time, she has been given the opportunity to support Scouting in all provinces in various functions and areas including council and one scouts financials, legal administration, insurance, properties management and compliance, employee benefits and payroll, members services (parent and volunteer support) among various other supporting tasks.
Some of her favorite opportunities involved providing leadership and oversight for financial and administration related to larger events such as the CJ17, when she got out in the field to see Scouting in action!
Stacy has been working in financial and business leadership positions for over 25 years in different roles. Beyond financial leadership, many of her related experiences focused on developing and maintaining detailed procedural processes that eliminate redundancy and improve accuracy and efficiency in the workplace. Her top strengths are positivity, enthusiasm, reliability and teamwork.
“What I love about Scouting is that it has given me the opportunity to work with many amazing volunteers and staff in support of Scouting adventures across the country. Scouting for me has been about giving our youth, as well as all of our members including myself, the opportunity to reach our full potential.”
Jennifer Bellaire
Director, Commercial Development and Operations
Jennifer started with Scouts Canada in 2017 as the National Retail Buyer, then became the Manager of Retail Services. She obtained a B.A. (Hons.) at the University of Windsor.
She is a professional with extensive experience in retail operations, having held various managerial positions in companies such as Green Trading Solutions, and Bank & Vogue Ltd. Among her strengths, she highlights her capacity to build relationships and work through challenges to find solutions.
“I came to Scouts Canada due to a love of the outdoors and an opportunity to have a positive impact on youth. In my spare time I can be found tending to my gardens and many houseplants or spending time with my partner and three cats.”
Chris Blais
Director, Asset Strategy
Chris has a diverse background in nonprofit leadership, revenue generation, and community engagement. He blends strategic vision with hands-on execution. “As a part-time municipal councillor in Chelsea, I drive impactful urban planning, finance, and active transportation projects, enhancing community quality of life.”
Among his strengths, he counts leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork. Chris is dependable, resourceful, disciplined, and driven by the courage and perseverance to achieve meaningful outcomes.
Passionate about outdoor adventures, he enjoys running, cross-country skiing, golfing, and paddling.
Heather Ferguson
Director, New Program Strategy
Heather has worked for the organization since 2015 in various roles, including Area Support Manager in White Pine, Oshawa, Whitby and Owasco, as well as Council Relationship Manager in Greater Toronto Council.
Her professional background is in fundraising/major gifts, event and relationship management with Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment before moving to the non-profit sector in similar roles. She holds a Bachelors in Sport Management with Honours from Brock University, and a HRM certification (2022) from Fleming College.
“My strengths include stakeholder engagement, organization, and change management. I am a strategic and creative thinker who leads with compassion and an aim to drive positive change for the organization.”
Heather was a Colony Scouter in Bowmanville for two years. She spends most of her time with her husband, son and two dogs (Oscar and Kafka). Camping, kayaking, snorkeling with sea creatures, travelling, and coaching AA Peewee Tackle Football with the Ontario Football League are some other activities that she loves.
Jay Hoffman
Regional Director, Central Region
Jay has driven strategic leadership at Scouts Canada since 2015. As Regional Director and former Executive Director of Central Ontario, he guides council leadership teams, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives. His focus includes leadership development, mentoring, and driving key priorities to support youth growth, organizational success, and championing safety.
He grew up in Scouting in Waterloo, Ontario and completed the entire program from Beaver to Rovers. He volunteered for 10 years with Beaver and Scouts, contributing to youth development. Jay has attended many significant Scouting adventures, including jamborees, and large-scale adventures which enriched his extensive Scouting experience.
His dedication and hands-on involvement have been instrumental in fostering leadership and growth among youth, ensuring they are well-prepared for success. Jay's journey reflects a deep commitment to the Scouting mission of developing well-rounded youth, better prepared for success in the world.
Jay has been married to Charlene for over 20 years. They have three daughters: Lilly, Clara, and Addison, and two dogs: Baden (Sheepdog) and Goose (Labradoodle).
Alex Longo
Regional Director, Western Region
Alex joined Scouts Canada in February 2019. A perfect fit for someone who has the motto: “One needs SPICE to live a good life!”
From her first day on the job, she has been continuously impressed by the dedication and hard work of the volunteer pool. She has never seen a more passionate and committed group of people, many of whom devote their free time, and in some cases, their lives, to creating incredible opportunities for youth.
Alex's career has primarily centered around the health, wellness, and recreation sectors. With a degree in Recreation and Sport Business Management, she has worked as a strength coach, owned and operated a health food business, and led mental health initiatives. Currently, she excels in team leadership, partnership development, and cross-department collaboration, driving impactful change and fostering inclusive environments.
Unable to pick just one activity or hobby, Alex adapts her sports to the seasons. In the summer, she enjoys rock climbing, camping, swimming, and trail running. During the colder seasons, you’ll find her skiing, skating, and cuddling with her puppies, Wilson and Stu.
Ernest Ogunleye
Director, People and Culture — Oshawa, ON
Ernest joined Scouts Canada as a Director, People and Culture. He provides operational and strategic oversight of our People and Culture team which amalgamates several functions, including Human Resources, payroll and benefits administration, and our DEI/Reconciliation work. Ernest also offers strategic direction and advice to the ELT and, where applicable, the Scouts Canada Board of Governors.
He has enjoyed an impressive and diverse career in the area of people and culture. In addition to a Master's degree in Human Resources, Ernest holds several HR designations, and has worked in the field for several decades. Most recently, he held the role of Senior Manager, People and Culture at Outward Bound Canada. Ernest originally hails from the UK, where he was involved in Scouting as a youth. He has also worked as a part-time professor at Durham College in Oshawa and held various finance and administration positions in his career. Project and change management are among his core strengths.
Earnest strongly believes that his involvement at the age of seven as a Cub Scout has helped to positively influence his life. He then progressed to Scouts, Ventures and Assistant Scout Leader roles that he thoroughly enjoyed. He obtained the Chief Scout's Award and the (former) Queen's Venturer Award along the way.
“I am an ardent advocate for lifelong learning and like to explore new challenges at work and at leisure. I am also an optimist who always see the glass half full. I am an experienced and dedicated leader with a clear set of values that I believe will serve me...”
Eric Schmitt
Director, Scouting Experience
Eric first joined Scouts Canada’s professional team in 2003 as a Camp Counselor, later managing short term programs such as “ScoutsAbout” and “Scouting in Schools”.
Eric has been working full time for Scouts Canada since 2011 as a Council Field Executive in Saskatchewan. He has been a director since 2015, managing portfolios such as Volunteer Services, Program Design and Support, and most recently the “Better Programs” component of the 2021-2025 strategic plan.
He started in the Scouting movement as a Beaver and followed the program through Cubs, Scouts, Venturers and Rovers. He has volunteered in multiple sections and been an Area Youth Commissioner. Most recently he adopted the Colony Scouter name “Rusty” when he and his daughter joined Hog’s Back Scouting.
With young people facing immediate challenges such as climate change and economic uncertainty, it is Eric’s strong belief that the world will increasingly rely on the social capital built through a strong and vibrant non-profit sector. His career goal is to help non-profits achieve their missions through sound strategy, right-sized business management practices, and bold transformations which harness organizational culture to achieve long-term, sustained results.
Stephanie Slipiec
Regional Director, Eastern Region
Steph comes from a background in the Social Sciences. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Windsor in 2006. Her true passions are people management, organizational culture and operations. She is a lifelong learner focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion, management excellence, and crucial conversations. Steph excels in people management, volunteer engagement, and operational excellence.
She joined the Scouting movement in 2014 as an Area Support Manager in Greater Toronto Council. In 2018, Steph and her family moved back to Windsor, Ontario where she was the Scouting Relationship Manager for Tri-Shores Council briefly before becoming the Council Relationship Manager for Battlefields Council. After four wonderful years supporting the Groups there, Steph then moved on to the role as Regional Director for Eastern Canada in 2022.
She enjoys spending time with her three children and husband, going for drives through Essex County in their 1978 MG Mark IV, and playing volleyball.
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.
Sarah Wilson
Director, Group Support Centre
Sarah joined Scouts Canada in June 2014 as the Executive Assistant to the CEO. In 2019, when the organisation moved to the group support model, she wanted to be in a role that supported volunteers more directly. She previously worked for the City of Ottawa supporting rural youth programs, summer camps and customer service.
She took part in Sparks, Brownies and Cubs during her childhood, and she became a Beaver Scouter in 2024.
Sarah is a people person, a problem solver who understands the struggles that groups trying to operate in a small-town face. She enjoys designing/improving processes to increase efficiency, as well as managing projects and events.
Sarah spends most of her weekends at her family’s off-grid cabin. “I love everything outdoors, especially driving our ATVS.” Exploring in the woods, spotting wildlife and enjoying the company of her two dogs and cat are some of her hobbies.