Eric Cohen - Chair

Eric Cohen has dedicated over 15 years to advancing non-profit and affordable housing in Toronto, serving as a key figure on the Boards of two prominent non-profit housing foundations—the Ridgeford Charitable Foundation and the Brenyon Way Charitable Foundation. As Vice-President of both foundations and a member of their Development Committee, Eric has played an instrumental role in overseeing the operation of three high-rise towers in Scarborough, encompassing 650 apartments and 112 townhouses. Notably, this includes a new 180-unit tower completed in 2022.

Continuing his commitment to affordable housing, Eric has been at the forefront of the foundation’s latest project—a new development in Scarborough that will add two more apartment towers with 300 affordable units, scheduled for completion in 2026.

As the founding Board Chair of Renew Non-Profit Housing Corporation, Eric brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the organization. His contributions to the sector extend beyond his foundational roles; he served as a Director of the Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association from2020 to 2023 and remains an active member of their Finance and Audit Committee. Additionally, Eric is involved with HousingNowTO, a volunteer group advocating for increased affordable housing in Toronto.

Eric recently retired from a distinguished career as a senior executive with the Ontario Government, where his expertise spanned Finance, Procurement, Project Management, Business Planning, Communications and Change Management, Policy Development, and Systems Development. His extensive volunteer experience also includes serving as Board Chair of a community service organization, a school, and as a City appointee to the Board of the Canadian National Exhibition Association.

Steve Doherty - Secretary

Steve Doherty has been a dedicated advocate and leader in the field of youth support services for over 30 years. Since 2017, he has served as the Executive Director of Youth Without Shelter (YWS), where he continues to champion the needs of vulnerable youth. Before joining YWS, Steve built a distinguished career spanning more than 24 years in the Children’s Mental Health, Addictions, and Developmental Services sectors.

Steve played a pivotal role in launching one of the first substance abuse treatment programs tailored for youth, which innovatively integrated mental health and family therapy within a harm reduction framework. His commitment to education and professional development is evident through his past role as a sessional Professor in the Child and Youth Work program at Sheridan College and his frequent presentations at both provincial and national conferences.

An active voice on issues related to mental health, homelessness, and youth, Steve is a regular contributor on television and radio. Originally from Bramalea, Steve holds a B.A. from Saint Mary’s University in Halifax.

Bruce Davis – Director

Bruce Davis is the principal owner of Public Progress, where he brings over three decades of experience in development consulting, project management, and community engagement services to his non-profit and municipal clients. Currently, Bruce's work is largely centered on preserving and creating quality, safe, and affordable housing. Since 2020, he has been instrumental in advancing more than ten Rapid Housing projects and has been deeply involved in the development of respite sites, warming centers, emergency shelters, and consumption treatment services. His comprehensive approach includes guiding clients through every stage of housing development, from site selection and feasibility analysis to capital funding, community engagement, and project management.

In addition to his consulting work, Bruce is a registered Realtor in Ontario, where he assists clients with leasing and property acquisition assignments, further supporting their housing and development needs.

Bruce's career has long intersected with government, business, nonprofits, and the public sector, where he has served as a consultant, political organizer, and politician. From 2000 to 2010, he was a trustee on the Toronto District School Board and a founding Director of the Toronto Lands Corporation. His commitment to community development is also reflected in his roles as a Director of the South Etobicoke Community Land Trust and the founding Chair of the Société John Easton Mills Society.

Shawn Seargeant -

Vice-Chair/Treasurer

Shawn Seargeant has a distinguished career in the high-tech industry, underpinned by his academic background in Computer Science and Commerce from the University of Waterloo and International Relations from Lakehead University. Over the past two decades, Shawn has been a key figure at MicroAge, where his expertise and problem-solving abilities have made him a sought- after consultant for multiple Fortune 500 companies across Canada.

Shawn’s brilliance as a problem solver extends beyond the corporate world, as he has applied his skills to develop innovative solutions within various non-profit and charitable boards. Most notably, he served as the Board Chair of Lionhearts Inc., an organization dedicated to providing essential services, including food security and shelter, to vulnerable communities. During his ten year tenure, Shawn played a pivotal role in expanding Lionhearts' transitional and emergency housing programs, significantly enhancing the organization’s capacity to support those in need, particularly during the challenging pandemic years.

Shawn’s dedication to community service has earned him numerous accolades, including being recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow, a recipient ofthe Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Award, Kingston’s First Capital Distinguished Citizen for 2021, and the Voice of the Community for2022 as presented by the United Way KFLA.