Board of Directors
Kent Williams - Chair
Lawyer, Cunningham Swan, Carty, Little & Bonham LLP
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.’
Brian Hope - First Vice Chair
Regional Director of Sales, Diamond Hotels Management Inc.
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.
Gray Hughes - Treasurer
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.
Sunita Gupta - Past 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.
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.
Vishakha Agrawal - Board Member
Senior Manager of Marketing Communications & Digital at JBC Pushing Digital Boundaries
Vishakha is a Senior Manager of Marketing Communications & Digital at JBC Pushing Digital Boundaries, where she specializes in client relations, social media management, and content creation. Additionally, she develops traditional marketing strategies aimed at enhancing engagement and driving meaningful impact.
With 8 years of experience in media communications, public relations, and digital marketing, Vishakha has worked with leading brands like Sanofi India and Roche India. She has also collaborated with organizations such as the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance, WHO, and UNICEF.
She holds a Bachelor's in Mass Media and a Master's in Journalism and Communication from the University of Mumbai, a Postgraduate Certificate in Digital Marketing Communications from St. Lawrence College and a Postgraduate Certificate in Sports Marketing and Event Management from George Brown College.
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.
Carey Bidtnes - Board Member
Founder and Principal of Bidtnes & Associates Ltd.
Carey Bidtnes has built her career in Kingston, with over 20 years of experience helping organizations grow, evolve, and succeed. She is the Founder and Principal of Bidtnes & Associates Ltd., a local firm providing customized human resources services and workplace investigations for small and medium-sized businesses, not-for-profits, and startups navigating change.
A graduate of Queen’s University, Carey developed a deep connection to Kingston while working in restaurants in the downtown core. After completing a post-graduate diploma in Human Resources, she returned to the city with her family and has since contributed to the community through both professional and volunteer roles.
Before launching her own business, Carey held leadership positions in both the public and private sectors. She has a strong appreciation for the unique challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises and is excited to contribute her experience to the business community through the Chamber Board.
Passionate about community building and public service, Carey currently serves on the Board of Directors for the University Hospitals Kingston Foundation (UHKF) and previously spent 12 years with Loving Spoonful. She is also the past President of the Human Resources Professional Association’s Kingston Chapter.
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.
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
Hughena Brennan - Board Member
CEO, Veritasa Law Office Professional Corporation
Hughena Brennan is the dynamic CEO of Veritasa Law, a firm she co-founded in 2020 to leverage her extensive expertise in technology and strategic execution. Born in Come by Chance, Newfoundland, Hughena brought her East Coast values of honesty, helpfulness, and hard work to Eastern Ontario at an early age. Her sense of community and playful spirit have always been part of her charm.
Hughena's career spans over 40 years, during which she has held various influential roles. In 2002, she founded a consulting business, developing a value engineering methodology which she successfully sold to top global software companies. She is also a master negotiator for global transportation and supply chain strategies, reducing transit times and improving asset management productivity.
Before establishing Veritasa Law, she served as the Chief Operating Officer at Culic Law, Ontario's oldest contiguous law firm, from 2016 until the two firms merged in 2023. Her leadership at Culic Law was marked by her innovative approach to integrating technology into legal services, enhancing efficiency and client satisfaction.
An alumna of the Richard Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario, Hughena earned her MBA and holds the Executive Professional Logistician designation. Her academic background and professional experience have equipped her with a unique blend of strategic insight and operational expertise.
In addition to her executive responsibilities, Hughena has contributed to academia as a lecturer at Queen's University, teaching courses on maximizing business value through technology. She has also been a strategic advisor for several boards of directors, both in the not-for-profit sector and in business.
Under Hughena's leadership, Veritasa Law is known for its client-focused approach, blending traditional values with cutting-edge technology to deliver personalized legal services. She also hosts the popular YourTV show "Legal Insights with Veritasa Law."
Hughena Brennan's commitment to excellence, innovation, and community service continues to drive Veritasa Law forward, making her a respected and influential figure in the business world.
Sahiza Hossenbaccus - Board Member
President & CFO, SnapCab Canada
As the President and Chief Financial Officer of SnapCab, Sahiza Hossenbaccus leads the strategic financial and operational activities of the company across Canada and the USA. Joining as CFO in 2018, she advanced to General Manager in 2020 before assuming her current role as President in 2023. With over 25 years of financial experience in various industries such as software, service, and manufacturing, she brings significant expertise and insight to the company.
Sahiza holds an accounting qualification from the UK, a CPA designation from Canada, and an MBA degree. She was born and raised on the beautiful island of Mauritius, where she developed a passion for learning and excellence. She moved to Canada in 2002 and moved to Kingston with her family in 2003. She is passionate about giving back to the community and actively seeks opportunities to make a positive impact. She
Jose Ribau - Board Member
Founder & CEO, R5 Innovations
Jose is a senior executive with a background in data, digital technology and marketing that spans numerous sectors including retail, commercial real estate, and financial services.
As a founder and sponsor of both startups and technology venture funds, he uses his enterprise experience to help companies transition through different stages of growth. Jose is the CEO of a management consulting firm R5 Innovations that advises companies on how to best develop and implement digital and AI capabilities. Before starting his own business, Jose served as EVP Digital & Innovation at Cadillac Fairview where he led the Innovation practice as well as Marketing, Technology, Brand and Communications. Leveraging his background in financial services, Jose led the creation of award-winning shopping mall experiences using digital apps and AI.
Prior to Cadillac Fairview, Jose spent 18 years at CIBC where he launched Canada’s first Visa debit product, managed deposits in the retail business, and pioneered the use of segmentation to improve marketing campaigns. As CIBC’s Chief Data Officer he was responsible for retail customer information and analytics, and led the development of the bank’s first enterprise data and AI program.
He holds an Honours B.Sc. degree from Wilfrid Laurier University, an M.Sc. from McMaster University, and an MBA from Queen’s University.