Skip to main content

Scouts Canada Leadership Team

The Scouts Canada Leadership Team is an energized group of youth, volunteers and staff who are driven individuals with a strong passion for Scouts Canada’s Mission. Engaging with key internal stakeholders and supporting the direction of our strategic plan, the Leadership Team advises the National Key 3 through performance monitoring, priority-setting and decision-making.

Get to know our inspiring Leadership Team!

NATIONAL KEY 3

Liam Burns

Executive Commissioner and CEO

Ottawa, ON

Liam Burns is the Executive Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Scouts Canada, a role he has held since May 2023. Liam has been connected to Scouts since he was six years old and credits the organization for the many skills, resilience, and compassion he learned. As CEO, Burns is responsible for leading the organization and implementing its strategic vision to empower more young people to thrive and become better prepared for success in the world. 

Before joining Scouts Canada, Liam held several executive leadership positions in the UK National Scouting Association, including external affairs, policy and strategy, and most recently, as Chief Programme Officer, focusing on program quality, fundraising, equity, diversity and inclusion. Previous to Scouting, Liam was President of the National Union of Students in the UK, campaigning for better access to further and higher education on behalf of seven million members, supporting the development of over 600 students’ unions, and acting as a non-executive director for several non-government and commercial bodies. 

Liam is known for his strong commitment to youth leadership, diversity and inclusivity, community service and social justice issues.  

Justin Chenier

National Youth Commissioner 
Halifax, NS

Scouting has played a critical role in Justin’s life since the age of six, when he first became a Beaver Scout with the 1st Coldbrook Colony in Nova Scotia. Justin continued onto Cub Scouts at 4th Kentville before joining the 2nd Berwick Group, where he continued through to Scouts, Venturer Scouts and onto Rover Scouts. It was not until 2013 when his journey as a volunteer first began when he became an Area Youth Commissioner. Following that he served as a Deputy Council Youth Commissioner, and then became the Nova Scotia Council Youth Commissioner (CYC) in 2016.  Following his term as CYC, Justin became a Group Support Scouter (GSS) in Halifax, spent a couple years leading a team to plan the first Atlantic Jamboree as well as serving as the Nova Scotia Council Communications Lead. Currently Justin, aka Hawkeye, works with a local Beaver Colony in Halifax, continues to support two groups as a GSS and is a member of the Scouts Canada Leadership Team. 

Outside of Scouting, Justin is currently attaining his Bachelor of Commerce degree at the Sobey School of Business at Saint Mary’s University. Aside from classes, Justin can be found spending time outdoors as much as possible whether that’s hiking, hammocking, canoeing or simply sitting around a campfire on the shore with some friends. 

Justin is incredibly excited for this next adventure in Scouting as he takes on the role of National Youth Commissioner. Justin hopes to build upon Scouts Canada’s successes and create an even stronger organization through increased volunteer engagement, leveraging meaningful youth leadership roles and by collaborating with our incredible staff members from coast to coast. 

 

 

Stephen Loney

National Commissioner
Hinton, AB

Stephen joined Scouting as a Beaver in Bedford, Nova Scotia where he had countless adventures from Beavers to Venturers. He joined the volunteer ranks as a Scouter with 1st Wolfville, and then 36th Halifax while attending university where he was welcomed around the pond for the beginning of his Beaver Scouter career. During this time Stephen joined a team of Assistant National Youth Commissioners, supporting Councils and projects across the organization.

After moving to St. John’s, Stephen served as a Scouter with 1st Mount Pearl Beavers as well as working with an amazing team of youth, staff and volunteers as Council Commissioner in Newfoundland and Labrador Council. Stephen, his wife Nora, and there always fun loving dog Fig Newton now make Hinton, Alberta home where they enjoy the mountains and Stephen hopes to restart Scouting in the local area.

Stephen is passionate about youth leadership and volunteer engagement. He hopes to work with our many amazing staff, volunteers, and youth to solve problems and build a strong vibrant Scouting organization serving youth all across Canada.

Outside of Scouting, Stephen is a lawyer who works for the Province of Alberta.

 

DEPUTY NATIONAL KEY 3

COMMUNICATIONS KEY 3

Kaelem Moniz

Deputy National Youth Commissioner

Kaelem has been involved with Scouting since Beavers, when he joined the 153rd Old Mill Group in the Greater Toronto Council. He began volunteering as a Youth Spokesperson before becoming Greater Toronto Council Youth Commissioner in 2018.  Through his role, he was able to help grow youth leadership within his own council and assist with several national initiatives, namely by co-leading the Scouts Canada - Senate of Canada Speaker series. Kaelem has also chaired CYC search committees for other councils and has served as an international delegate, representing Scouts Canada globally. Kaelem is a member of the Scouts Canada Leadership Team.

Outside of Scouting, Kaelem is currently attaining a Bachelor of Arts from Trinity College at the University of Toronto. In his first year, he is participating in the Munk School for Global Affairs' MunkOne program. Outside school and Scouting, Kaelem can be found with a tennis racquet, watching the Raptors or playing Ragtime piano.

Kaelem is eager to continue his Scouting journey as Deputy National Youth Commissioner for Communications, building on past organizational successes to further achieve our collective Scouting mission.

 

Kathryn Ashby

Senior 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.

 

Rubene De Sousa

Deputy National Commissioner

Rubene De Sousa has been a Scouter in Greater Toronto Council for over 35 years and a member of Scouts Canada since his Scout youth days in 1982. He is a member of the National Communications Functional Team as well serving on the Canadian and World stages as a member of current and previous Canadian Jamboree and World Jamboree Contingent marketing teams. His past roles with Scouts Canada include National Social Media Advisor on the National Service Team, Deputy Council Commissioner – Marketing and Communications for GTC as well as Area Commissioner for Skyline Area here in Toronto. He is currently volunteering with the 78th Toronto Scout group. Professionally, Rubene is an internationally awarded designer. For over 25 years, he has worked at Canada's top ad agencies working on award winning creative for Apple, Nissan, CIBC, Samsung, Mercedes Benz, McDonalds, Coca-Cola, Nike, Kraft, Canadian Women's Foundation, NFL, Petro Canada, Telus, WestJet, Canadian Tire, Gatorade, Virgin Mobile to name a few.

 

PROPERTY OPERATIONS KEY 3

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.

Vacant

Director, Property Operations

 

PROGRAM KEY 3

Vacant

Deputy National Commissioner - Program

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.

 

 

Kate Larkin

Director, Program

Biography Coming Soon

 

 

 

DIVERSITY, EQUITY,INCLUSION & RECONCILIATION KEY 3

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

Biography Coming Soon

 

 

Evelisa Genova

Director, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Reconciliation

Evelisa received her Masters degree from Harvard where she focused on Education, social enterprise, and Indigenous governance.  Her professional experiences span both the education and government sectors; she was recently the staff writer for National Chief Roseanne Archibald's successful campaign.  She has negotiated land-claim settlements and curates Art and Business Diversity exhibits with the diplomatic corps in California.

Through her work with a number of organizations including 4Rs Canada, the Museum of Tolerance, and Veahavta, Evelisa has gained significant experience working with a diverse cross-section of leaders, businesses, and communities.  Along with her work at a strategic level, as a trained teacher Evelisa is committed to making a positive impact on children and youth.  She has developed and implemented youth reconciliation programs in Canada, Fiji, and India.  Scouts Canada’s focus on youth and youth leadership is particularly exciting to her.

Ask Evelisa about bicycle touring, bouldering, or hiking on the West Coast, and she might not stop talking. She speaks Italian, loves learning about people's lives, and even paints commissioned works to honour people's life memories and influences.  Her personal mission is to build coalitions and understanding across humanity for a more compassionate future for all.

 

VOLUNTEER SUPPORT KEY 3

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 (DNYC-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.