Board of Directors
Sunita Gupta - Chair
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Consultant, Co-Founder, I2C Immigration Consulting
An active member in the Kingston community for the past twenty-five years, Sunita has lived experience across four continents. She has strived towards making Kingston a more diverse and inclusive community both personally and professionally. The recent pandemic, social movements and globalization have led to a shift that necessitates a more innovative, inclusive and nimble workplace culture. There is an inherent value to diversity and inclusivity in the work environment and leaders must ensure they tap into the potential of diverse talent to remain competitive presently and in the future. As an Inclusion Practitioner Sunita identifies barriers to inclusion in the workplace and helps organizations move forward with a planful approach to drive measurable change in employee engagement, performance and retention.
Sunita is extensively involved as a volunteer in the Kingston community. She is a sub-committee member for the Mayor’s Kingston Economic Recovery Team and the City of Kingston’s EDI committee. She is the past President of the India-Canada Association of Kingston and past Board Director for the Tett Centre. Sunita has a certificate in Leadership and Inclusion from Centennial College and a certificate in Ethics & Contemporary Social Issue: Immigration and Integration from St. Paul’s and Ottawa Universities.
Through I2C Immigration Consulting, the founders aim to address the workforce shortage via immigration and build the community’s capacity to integrate the newcomers into the workforce.
Kent Williams - First Vice Chair
Lawyer, Cunningham Swan, Carty, Little & Bonham LLP
Kent is a business lawyer at Cunningham, Swan, Carty, Little & Bonham LLP where he supports local businesses of all sizes in the private, not-for-profit, and charitable sectors. He also works with businesses across Ontario on projects including mergers and acquisitions, corporate structuring, and contract drafting and review. Before joining Cunningham Swan, Kent practiced management-side labour and employment law in Kingston and in the Thousand Islands region. This breadth of experience has afforded Kent the opportunity to work closely with many businesses and entrepreneurs on a wide variety of the challenges that they encounter, and to collaborate on effective solutions.
Originally from the Grey-Bruce County region of the Province, Kent moved to Kingston in 2010 to complete an undergraduate degree in Music at Queen’s University, where he studied guitar performance and composition. Kent has called the Kingston area home ever since, attending law school at Queen’s in 2015 and working in the Kingston region since completing his J.D. While in law school, Kent engaged with the community through involvement with the Queen’s Business Law and Prison Law Clinics, and as the Queen’s liaison to the Frontenac Law Association. Kent has continued his passion for community involvement through positions with the Frontenac Law Association, The Advocates’ Society, and as a board member of the Tett Centre for Creativity and Learning. He has also participated in presentations and programs for Kingston-based businesses through, among others, the Kingston Homebuilders’ Association, the Human Resources Professionals Association, and the Kingston Economic Development Corporation. Recently, he participated as a speaker and mentor for the Toronto Board of Trade’s “Trade Accelerator Program” which was presented in conjunction with KEDCO for Eastern Ontario businesses for the first time earlier in 2021.
Having observed the remarkable growth of the Kingston business community in recent years, Kent is enthusiastic for the ongoing success of this exceptional community.
Nancy Cardinal - Past Chair
Co-owner, Sr. Project Manager, DigiGraphics
Nancy is proud to have spent her entire career in Kingston, having been with DigiGraphics for more than 20 years. She has been a key part of the local business community and recently she became one of DigiGraphics' owners and managing partners.
Nancy brings with her a wealth of valuable experience and a new perspective to the board. She has long been a Chamber supporter and values its impact in Kingston, confident that her contribution can help to grow and strengthen its efforts in the community.
A firm believer in the 'local first' approach, Nancy not only supports local businesses but has, for many years, supported and volunteered for a variety of local causes. She is the founder and managing director of Connect Fit, a unique not-for-profit club focused on women's health and fitness. In her spare time, as a certified group fitness instructor, you can find her leading several fitness and wellness classes per week. She is a proud hockey and football mom who also enjoys all sports, cooking, family and friends.
Rob Adams - Board Member
Chief Executive Officer, YMCA of Eastern Ontario
Rob Adams is the CEO of the YMCA of Eastern Ontario and has served in leadership roles for more than 17 years. He is a forward-thinking strategist with broad operational expertise in areas that include human resources, fund development, marketing and communications, partnership development and change management. Rob has deep knowledge of board operations. He has experience in board recruitment, development of board terms and references, and board strategy, and understands how to obtain board approval of new directions and policies.
Recently Rob lead two independent YMCA associations in a review process that resulted in a full merger creating a single regional charitable focus while ensuring local appeal and systemic issues still get addressed.
Graham Coe - Board Member
Managing Partner, Cityflats Asset Management Inc.
Graham is Managing Partner of Cityflats Asset Management Inc., a Kingston-based private equity real estate development company. He is heavily involved in day-to-day operations and acquisitions, while also overseeing the company’s underwriting, debt financing, and deal structuring activities.
Born and raised in Kingston, Graham left in 2003 to pursue educational and career opportunities. In 2019, he returned to Kingston to raise his young family and co-founded Cityflats, with a goal to help develop much needed housing supply in the city. His organization is also focused on community engagement and gives back to several local causes.
Prior to Cityflats, Graham worked for an institutional investment management firm where he focused on multi-residential investments and acquisitions across Canada. Previously, he held a similar role with a publicly traded company based in Western Canada. During his career, Graham has been involved in the acquisition and financing of over $1B in multi-residential real estate totaling more than 3,000 units.
Graham earned his degree in Management with a specialization in finance from Western University and his MBA from Smith School of Business at Queen’s University.
Christi Cowell - Board Member
Vice President, Group Operations, Empire Life
As a lifelong resident of Kingston, Christi is proud to have spent more than 15 years of her career at Empire Life. She is a graduate of the Business Administration program at St. Lawrence College and holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Ryerson University. As the Vice President of Group Operations at Empire Life, Christi works with small to mid-size companies to understand the trends and pressures affecting their business and to support the financial health of their employees. Christi is hopeful to offer these unique insights and other positive contributions if re-elected to the Chamber Board of Directors for another term.
Christi is an active volunteer and her family is involved with many local organizations in our community. Christi and her family share a love of hockey, travelling and spending time with family and friends.
Bittu George - Board Member
President, Friends of the Penitentiary Museum
The son of immigrant parents, Bittu was born and raised in Kingston. He attended Queen’s University, where he received his Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Political Studies and his Bachelor of Laws degree.
After his call to the Bar, Bittu ran his own law practice, until he joined the law firm of Cunningham, Swan, Carty, Little & Bonham. During this time, he was also serving as a member of Kingston City Council representing the Collins-Bayridge district. In 2005, Bittu was elected by City Council to the post of Deputy Mayor for a 1-year term.
In 2007, Bittu was first appointed as a Member (adjudicator) with the Landlord and Tenant Board by an Order-in-Council of the Government of Ontario. He was subsequently re-appointed to this position twice on the new Social Justice Tribunals Ontario (SJTO), with cross appointments to both the Landlord and Tenant Board and the Social Benefits Tribunal.
Bittu has been heavily involved in the Kingston community for over 20 years, in areas such as community policing/safety, schools, hospitals, economic development, conservation, heritage and municipal government. Bittu is currently serving the community as the President of the Friends of the Penitentiary Museum, a Councillor with the Queen’s University Council, Chair of the Bylaw Review Committee of the Frontenac Law Association, and as a child car seat inspector.
Bittu was first elected to the Chamber’s Board of Directors in 2020, where he was also elected by that Board to its Executive Committee. Bittu was appointed 3rd Vice Chair (Secretary) in 2020, then became 2nd Vice Chair (Treasurer) and Chair of the Finance Committee in 2021. Bittu was also the 1st Vice Chair and Chair of the Advocacy Committee in 2022. Bittu continues to be a member of the Advocacy Committee, and is Chair of the Committee’s Official Plan Working Group.
Bittu is the recipient of several awards, such as the City of Kingston Certificate of Appreciation, the Kingston Township Community Policing Association Volunteer Award, and the Canada Youth Award.
Brian Hope - Board Member
Regional Director of Sales, Diamond Hotels Management Inc.
An industry veteran with 22 years of considerable experience in the hospitality and tourism industry, Brian Hope began his hospitality journey at the Fairmont Château Laurier and has held Sales positions at the Fairmont Royal York, Marriott Canadian Sales Office and JW Marriott, The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa.
Hope joined Diamond Hotels Management Inc. in 2016 as the Sales Manager for the Delta Hotels by Marriott Kingston Waterfront, bringing high levels of motivation and professionalism to the group. In April of 2021, after continually exceeding sales targets, Hope was promoted to the Director of Sales where his primary focus was growing the corporate, association and education markets for the business. In August 2022, Hope was promoted to the Regional Director of Sales position and now oversees the Sales efforts for all Diamond Hotels Management properties in Kingston and Sault Ste. Marie.
Hope has obtained tremendous experience in hotel sales and leadership roles, which has shaped who he is today and helped him build and maintain a large local and national network. He is known for his high levels of energy, amiability, and his ability to come up with innovative and creative ways to assist the company achieve their long-term goals and objectives. He believes these skills will be valuable as a member of the Kingston Chamber of Commerce Board.
Hope and his family moved to Kingston in 2010 and quickly fell in love with the city and community. They are all regulars at Queen’s Gaels basketball games, football games and Kingston Frontenacs games. Both son and daughter play basketball competitively and Hope is currently the head coach of the Kingston Impact U12 Girls competitive basketball team.
As for activities/interests, Hope is an avid runner and has participated in seven marathons over the past five years. And on a unique note, Hope is a professional comedian and has performed all across Canada. He was selected to be a part of “Team Canada” (along with Guy Lafleur and Paul Gross) to travel to Afghanistan and perform for the Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan in 2010.’
Gray Hughes - Board Member
Technical Business Advisor, Weehooey Inc.
Gray is our Technical Business Advisor and joined Weehooey in 2018. Gray has worked in many industries, from wind turbines to sales to internet solutions.
Gray has a variety of experience and expertise in all aspects of business and technology. He has been leading Weehooey’s Customer Relations for the past three years, forging strong relationships, meeting with customers, and reviewing client business goals to guide their technology. He enjoys the team aspect of working at Weehooey and stresses the importance of doing what's in the customer's best interest.
Andy Larin - Board Member
CEO and CTO, allCare I.T.
Andy Larin is the CEO and CTO of allCare IT. A true entrepreneur at heart, Andy created and successfully ran multiple businesses from his childhood on. Before graduating as a Certified Novell Engineer, Andy started his own IT company in 1996, which rebranded as allCare IT in 2014 when he and his business partner joined together to create Kingston’s premier IT services company.
Andy is notorious for his deep understanding and passion for all things IT related. His work ethic, honesty and demand for excellence are deeply appreciated by his loyal clients. With his inquisitive spirit and love of learning, Andy has risen as a leader in the field of Cybersecurity. This has led him to create a company focused on providing top of the line IT services that specializes in Cybersecurity
Adam Rondeau - Board Member
CEO, Daft Brewing
Adam has lived in Kingston for over 10 years and has been an active and engaged member of the community throughout his time here. Before opening Daft, Adam had a 10-year career as a Control Technician with Ontario Power Generation. His most rewarding years at OPG were spent at the Nuclear Plant in Pickering where he designed and implemented training in Human Performance, which investigates the psychology of mistakes caused by natural human tendencies and focuses on what strategies can be put in place to mitigate human errors.
In the summer of 2018, he and a few of his friends bootstrapped their first business venture, Daft Brewing, which, after many challenges, opened in January 2020. Adam started with nearly zero experience in hospitality, brewing, or business, which forced him to quickly learn the ins and outs of running a small business. Since then, he has successfully navigated it through unusual and challenging times and has fostered many relationships within the Kingston community.
When Adam isn't wearing one of the 1000 different hats required at Daft, he enjoys spending time with his wife and 3 daughters, watching movies, reading books, exercising, and enjoying beers (Daft beers, of course) with friends.