Women General Counsel Canada (WGCC), an organization representing senior women in general counsel and legal executive roles nationwide, has announced its Board of Directors for the 2024-2025 term.
Lara Speirs, who has served as the Chief Legal Officer and Executive Vice President of Public Affairs at Randstad Canada for a decade, takes the helm as Chair. Speirs, recognized for her fluency in Canada's official languages and her certification by the Institute of Corporate Directors, brings a wealth of experience from both the private and public sectors to her leadership role. Her 25-year legal career encompasses the private sector (HR services & financial institutions) and the public sector (government and Crown corporations).
Vice Chair and Treasurer Alison Harnick is a Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of First Capital REIT. She has over a decade of private practice experience at Torys LLP. Harnick's expertise spans various legal disciplines, including corporate governance and regulatory compliance. She led in establishing First Capital’s non-profit organization, the FCR Thriving Urban Neighbourhoods Foundation.
Jennifer Good steps into the role of Secretary. As Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary at CRH Canada, Good oversees all legal and compliance aspects of CRH's extensive operations in Canada. She served as Corporate Counsel for Home Depot Canada. She practised with the Toronto office of Heenan Blaikie LLP (corporate law) and the Montreal office of Fasken Martineau Dumoulin LLP (litigation).
The board also welcomed Ratika Gandhi as Sponsorships & Partnerships director. Gandhi, General Counsel of Alcon Canada Inc., plays a crucial role in steering the company through complex legal and compliance landscapes.
Heather Mullen will oversee Governance & Membership. She holds the Chief Counsel position in Canada with Kenvue, the largest pure-play consumer healthcare company in the world. She also holds several executive positions with Kenvue as Officer, Director and Corporate Secretary for all Kenvue companies in Canada.
Communications director Andrea Fellows, General Counsel for Amica Senior Lifestyles, is experienced in real estate law. She leads and advises on all legal, strategic, and corporate-related matters, including all transactions, development, operations, and regulatory and compliance activities.
The board also includes Kathleen Flynn as an emeritus member, Claire Smith for programming and regional recruitment (Ontario), Genevive Richard for regional recruitment (Quebec & Atlantic), Leah Dickie for regional recruitment (Alberta & Prairies), Lilac Bosma for regional recruitment (British Columbia), Cinda Serianni for industry forum, Adrian Lang and Corinne Pruzanski as national conference co-chairs.