David Hammond, Chair
David is currently employed with A. O. Smith Enterprises Ltd, as General Manager, based in Fergus Ontario. He has had three distinct career paths, starting with various roles and responsibilities with Union Gas, an Ontario Natural Gas utility. As part of utility de-regulation, David was part of the initial start-up of Union Energy, an HVAC and Water Heater rental and service company. This company eventually evolved to become Reliance Home Comfort. 
Sean Kelly, Vice Chair
Sean is currently Division Vice President at Emco Corporation overseeing the Plumbing, Industrial and Waterworks Divisions, and just celebrated his 27th year with Emco in July of this year. He is a graduate of Western University in London with a degree in Physical Education. Sean’s career at Emco started in sales in the Roofing Division with BPCO in Toronto in 1995. Over his 27 years with Emco his roles have included stints in Corporate Development, Regional Vice President of British Columbia for the Plumbing Division, Division Vice President of Waterworks and Vice President of Procurement.
Brent Cornelissen, 1st Vice Chair
Brent Cornelissen is the Chair of OS&B (Oakville Stamping & Bending Ltd.). OS&B is a leading manufacturer of plumbing products for the low-rise and high-rise building industry, OEM’s, as well as Big Box retailers such as The Home Depot.
Brent was first introduced to the plumbing & heating industry in 1981, and prior to purchasing OS&B with his wife Marilyn Stroud (VP at OS&B) in 2005, Brent was the Senior Vice President at Watts Industries Canada Inc. (a subsidiary of Watts Regulator USA). Brent has also worked at Delta Faucet Canada, and the Factory Division of EMCO Ltd. for close to 20 years in various senior roles within sales, marketing, and acquisitions.
Brent's passions outside of business include travel and Formula 1. He and Marilyn have found the ultimate way of tying the two together by attempting to attend all the Formula 1 venues in the world. They also spend as much time as possible with their 6 grandchildren. Brent was elected to the CIPH board in 2016.
Andrew Dyck, Honorary Vice Chair
Andrew was born and raised in Vancouver, BC. He started his plumbing and HVAC career in 1987 with Honeywell Ltd. on the inside sales desk. In 2001, Andrew joined ECR International Ltd. as Territory Manager for BC and then, in 2005, Andrew joined Barclay Sales Ltd and shortly thereafter became a partner.
Andrew graduated from Windermere Secondary School in Vancouver and then went on to complete a Marketing/Management Certificate from BCIT. In 1985, Andrew married Ilene. Together they have two daughters, Marissa and Kelsey, and the family resides in Langley, BC.
Andrew currently serves as an Honorary Vice-Chair for CIPH and is the Liaison for the CIPH Calgary Region. Andrew also serves on the Thermal Environmental Comfort Assn Board as Treasurer and Past President.
Outside of work and volunteering, Andrew enjoys spending time with his family and golfing. He was appointed to the CIPH Board of Directors in 2011.
Allen Taylor, Honorary Vice Chair
Allen entered the industry in 1986 following the completion of his undergraduate international business degree at the University of Michigan & University of Windsor, subsequently joining his families manufacturing and metals processing firm. After holding various operational positions, Allen began the transition to senior management when he was appointed Director of Marketing in1990. By 1992, Allen had acquired the electrical components side of the business, and by 1996, Allen had successfully completed the acquisition of all divisions. Altogether this means more than 36 years in the industry. In 2006, Allen earned his MBA from the Kellogg School of Management in Chicago and the Schulich School of Business in Toronto.
Along with maintaining his role at Taylor Walraven, Allen sits on four private company boards, is involved in venture capital startups, holds national and regional Board of Director positions with Family Enterprise Canada and Family Enterprise Foundation. He has had more than two decades of experience within CIPH, culminating as President of the Ontario Region Board in 2004/2005, and being elected as CIPH Chairman of the Board in 2018/2019.
Allen has three sons Spence, A.J., and Jack. Currently residing in Burlington, ON, in his spare time Allen is an avid reader, golfer, and wine collector. Allen was elected to the CIPH Board in 2008.
Siân Smith, Honorary Vice Chair
Siân is the founder of Riptide Fulfillment Corporation, a B2B company established in 2018 that is passionate about partnering with its clients across Canada to help deliver the best experience for their customers. Following completion of her MBA at Wilfrid Laurier University in 1999, Siân began her career in the plumbing and heating industry with Emco Corporation in London, Ontario, and held senior leadership roles at Emco and Noble Corporation prior to launching Riptide.
Siân has been a long-standing industry advocate who encourages women to pursue their career goals within the Plumbing and Heating industry. She was elected to the CIPH Board of Directors in 2009 and holds the distinction of being the first female and youngest Chairman of the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating (2015-16), and the founding Chair of CIPH's Women's Network (2016). Siân is happily married to her husband, Peter, and they have two daughters, Emily (18) and Rachel (14), both high-level competitive swimmers.
Milton, ON
Matt Robinson, Treasurer
Over the past twenty-one years, Matt Robinson has held a number of positions with family-owned B. A. Robinson Co. Ltd. in cities across Western Canada.
Born and raised in Winnipeg, he began his plumbing career in 2001 after graduating with his BA from the University of Western Ontario. Currently, Matt is the VP, Showroom Group and enjoys traveling to the branches where he spends time meeting with team members, customers and suppliers.
Matt's involvement with CIPH extends back fourteen years to his term as a board member with the CIPH Calgary Region, and later as Calgary Region President in 2010. Matt has also had the pleasure of working with two great CIPHEX West show committees in 2008 and 2010, one of which he chaired.
When not working, Matt enjoys spending time with his wife (Natalie), their two daughters (Elle and Rooney) and their dog (Wilson) at their summer cottage in Ontario. He was elected to the Board in 2012.
François Deschênes, Director
François has been the President and CEO of Deschênes Group Inc. since early 2017. Previously, he had been Vice-President of Operations for the province of Quebec, Vice-President and General Manager for Deschênes & Fils Ltée, a subsidiary of Deschênes Group Inc., Vice President Marketing & Business Development, as well as Vice- President of Procurement. He joined the family business in 2000.
He has also been president of the plumbing and heating buying groups AD Canada Plumbing & Heating Division and Canaplus Limited Partnership.
After carrying out two training assignments in Deschênes Group companies, he completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration at HEC Montréal in 1994. He then held various positions in the manufacturing industry and started a multimedia company in 1997.
He holds an EMBA degree from McGill-HEC Montréal since 2010. He is a member of Young President's Organization (YPO) and of Cercle des présidents du Québec.
François is a nature lover and an active guy who does several summer and winter sports. He recharges his batteries by spending time in the forest or walking in the mountains as well as by reading on the edge of the lake or by a warm fire. His three children are a key part of his life.
Barbara O'Reilly, Director
Barbara O’Reilly began her career with Rheem Canada in 1980 as the Inside Sales Supervisor. She was promoted to various progressive positions leading to her 2007 promotion as General Sales Manager and in 2019 to General Manager of Rheem Canada. She currently holds the position of Vice President & General Manager which was awarded to her in 2022.
Rheem is a privately held global business with worldwide facilities and a leading manufacturer of water heaters, furnaces, air conditioners, boilers’ and pool heaters.
In 2016, she became one of the founding members and Co-Chair of the CIPH Women’s Network; where she was appointed as Chair in 2017. In 2021, Barbara was appointed as a member of the CIPH National Board of Directors and Liaison to the Women’s Network. Barbara is a National Board Director of HRAI. In 2022 Barbara was awarded the first CIPH Women of Distinction award.
At Dawson College, in Montreal Barbara earned a Diploma in Business Administration. She continued her studies throughout her career earning a Marketing and Sales Certificates form Sheridan College and completed several business and leadership certificates at McMaster and York Universities. Being fluently bilingual has aided Barbara greatly in forging customer relations across Canada.
During these years, Barbara & her husband Joe raised their son while pursuing strong career paths. They have two grandchildren.
Brampton, ON
Sébastien Laforge, Director
As President of Wolseley Canada, Sébastien is responsible for the comprehensive leadership of the company, with particular attention to the execution of our strategic objectives.
Sébastien joined the organization in 1996 as a Finance Manager and later progressed to more senior level roles, including Finance Director and Vice President, Plumbing and HVAC for Eastern Canada.Throughout his career, Sébastien has demonstrated a passion for growth, building strong supplier relationships, providing exceptional customer service and building dynamic teams. He is widely recognized in our organization and in the industry for his in-depth knowledge of the business, strong focus on delivering results and commitment to excellence.
En tant que président de Wolseley Canada, Sébastien est chargé de la direction globale de l’entreprise en portant une attention particulière à l’exécution de nos objectifs stratégiques.
Sébastien s’est joint à l’organisation en 1996 en tant que gestionnaire des finances et a ensuite occupé des postes de niveau supérieur, notamment celui de directeur des Finances et de vice-président, Plomberie et CVAC, pour l’Est du Canada. Tout au long de sa carrière, Sébastien a démontré une passion pour la croissance, l’établissement de solides relations avec les fournisseurs, la prestation d’un service à la clientèle exceptionnel et la constitution d’équipes dynamiques. Il est largement reconnu au sein de notre organisation et dans l’industrie pour sa connaissance approfondie de l’entreprise, sa volonté de produire des résultats et son engagement en faveur de l’excellence. organization and in the industry for his in-depth knowledge of the business, strong focus on delivering results and commitment to excellence.
Wolseley Canada
Laval, QC
Rita Woodley, Director
Rita Woodley was appointed Regional Manager – GTA Network, for Noble in 2020.
In this role, Rita is responsible for providing vision and direction to the branch network through a team of direct reports, developing growth strategies in alignment with the company’s overall strategy, including marketing strategies for Noble.
Rita joined Noble in August 2015 in the newly created role of Commercial Account Manager, and shortly transitioned to GTA Sales Manager for all segments - Plumbing, Industrial and HVAC / Hydronics.
With over 25 years of industry experience, Rita has held many positions within the wholesale distribution channel. Beginning her career as a receptionist, through hard work and dedication, she progressed in many roles that include Inside Sales, Outside Sales, E-Commerce Sales Manager, District Sales Manager and Regional Manager.
When not working, Rita dedicates her time to the Peel Children’s Centre, where she is a mentor to high risk teenage girls. She also volunteers twice a week at The Knights Table, an organization that is dedicated to serving the needs of people dealing with issues of poverty and homelessness in the Peel Region.
Julie Storey, Director
Julie Storey grew up in a small community in Southwestern Ontario and began her career at Boshart Industries 30 years ago as an Inside Sales Representative for Ontario. Boshart is a leading manufacturer and master distributor of plumbing and water well products that has been in business since 1955. Since joining Boshart she has held various sales roles including Senior VP of Sales & Marketing. Julie joined the Boshart Executive Team in 2012 to help lead the company into its’ next season of growth. In March 2020, Julie was promoted to President.
Julie married Grant in 1985 and they live in Milverton, ON. They have two daughters who live with their families on the North Bruce Peninsula. Always needing to be busy, Grant & Julie bought a property and in 2016 built a cottage so that they had a spot to be closer to their family. They enjoy lots of sleepovers and exploring with their grandchildren.
Norm Bajwa, Director
Norm Bajwa started his career as a self-employed Mechanical Contractor and in 1989 joined Bartle & Gibson in the role of Outside Sales and very quickly was promoted to Branch Manager, Sales Manager, BC Regional Manager, Director of Operations for BC and in his role today Senior Vice President Plumbing Sales where he enjoys working with suppliers and customers.
Bartle & Gibson was started in 1944 with two branches, one in Victoria and one in Vancouver, BC. Today the company consists of 31 branches spread throughout Western Canada and continues to be privately owned and 100% Canadian.
Born and raised in Vancouver, BC, Norm enjoys watching sports, golf, fishing, spending time with friends, travelling the world and putting many miles on his motorcycle with his wife and friends.
Norm and his wife Rishi have been married for 36 years and have two children Jordan and Chelsea.
Norm has always been a self-motivated individual who enjoys a good challenge and look out for his dry sense of humour. Mentoring the next generation into their roles is something he enjoys and also playing with his dog Kobe is sure to bring a smile to his face. Norm was elected to the National Board of Director’s in 2019.
Paul Blaik, Director
Paul is a graduate of both Humber College and The University of Western Ontario. Paul began working as a student at Nuroc Plumbing and Heating Supplies, a family-owned Toronto based plumbing wholesale distributor. That summer job turned into a career as Paul eventually became Nuroc’s Purchasing Manager. Shortly after Nuroc was purchased by Wolseley in the early 1990’s, Paul became the Regional Operations Manager for the Greater Toronto Area. In 2008, Paul ventured out on his own, and with his long-time co-workers David Walker and Greg Tester. Paul was a founding partner of Toronto’s Independent Mechanical Supply. Paul oversees purchasing and operations at Independent.
Paul has always been an active member of the Plumbing industry. Serving on the CIPH Ontario Board of Directors for 7 years and is the former 2016/2017 President of the Ontario Region. Paul is also the current President of the Octo Purchasing Group – a buying group representing many of Canada’s wholesale distributors.
Paul has been married to his wife Kathleen since 2002 – they have four young children Hailey, Wyatt, Adele, and Audrey. Paul is an avid swimmer, cyclist, and runner; with many Ironman, Marathon and other crazy endeavors under his belt - he continues to try and maintain his fitness and keep his family active.
Ryan Bristow, Director
Managing Partner, joined Equipco in 2006 covering Manitoba, Saskatchewan and NW Ontario with twenty plus years in the plumbing and heating industry.
He graduated from Red River College with a degree in Commerce and Marketing and has completed Hydronic Training as well as achieving professional CPMR designation at the University of Texas at Austin.
Ryan is adept at troubleshooting product issues, coordinating product training, and promotional events. He is knowledgeable in hydronic, plumbing and HVAC applications and can easily meet the needs of engineers, wholesalers, contractors, builders, and architects.
Lisa Pratt, Director
Over the 23 years in the Industry, Lisa has worked with some great companies and met the most wonderful people. She began her career in outside sales in 2000 with an agency in Ontario launching Sanitarios Lamosa, and Vortens, a Mexican manufacturer based out of Monterrey. She was hired by Sanitarios Lamosa directly in 2004 as Canadian Sales Manager, promoting and developing the Vortens brand of vitreous china to wholesales, contractors, plumbers and designers.
In 2008, she started as National Sales Manager at Wolseley to develop a strategic plan to implement the Private Label brands across Canada. Over 7 years, this included a lot of training and traveling across Canada with her team, visiting the branches and showrooms, educating them on the benefits of Private Label.
She has been with Franke Kindred Canada for over 4 years, starting as a Regional Manager then promoted to the National Sales Manager of residential products. She joined the Edmonton chapter of CIPH in 2020 and is also a part of the Women’s Network. She volunteered on a Habitat for Humanity build in southwest Ontario in 2005.
Renovations have been a part of our lives for several years, our current project almost finished and absolutely loving the peace and tranquility of living at the lake. A perfect balance between traveling with work and watching the birds and deer.
Franke Kindred Canada Limited
Spedden, AB
Lindsay Barber, Director
Lindsay Barber began her full time career at Masco Canada in customer service. She held progressive roles in forecasting, analytics, sales, product management, innovation and currently is the President where she leads our team of exceptional people, providing enduring brands, and extraordinary service.
Together with her late husband, Steve Barber, they founded “Believe Army” in 2011. Steve was diagnosed with ALS at the age of 24 and Believe Army was built to raise awarenss about ALS, solicit funding for patient care, and generate donations to fund a cure. Steve passed in 2019 and Lindsay continues to march forward in support of others and their community.
Masco Canada Limited
Satinder Chera, Secretary
Satinder Chera was appointed the Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating (CIPH) in October 2023.
Satinder is a value-driven leader with a strong team orientation and passion for building strong relationships with members, government and allied organizations. He brings more than 20 years of senior management and leadership experience to this role with the not-for- profit and association sectors, including serving as President of the Canadian Convenience Stores Association, Vice President at the Canadian Federation of Independent Business and Senior Director at Mitacs. Prior to his work in the association sector, Satinder served in both the Ontario and British Columbia Governments.
Satinder is a lifelong learner whose educational background includes an MBA from Ivey Business School at Western University.
CIPH
Past Presidents
Years | Name | Company |
| 2022-2023 | M. Robinson | Robinson Supply |
| 2021- 2022 | B. Hooper | Uponor |
| 2020-2021 | G. Kaufman | Wolseley Canada |
| 2019-2020 | A. Dyck | Barclay Sales Ltd. |
| 2018-2019 | A. Taylor | Taylor Pipe Supports |
| 2017-2018 | J. Senese | Groupe Deschênes Inc. |
| 2016-2017 | B. Palamar | Weil-McLain Canada Sales Inc. |
| 2015-2016 | S.Smith | Noble Corporation |
| 2014-2015 | P. McDonald | Bradford White Canada |
| 2013-2014 | R. Whitty | Bartle & Gibson |
| 2012-2013 | J. Hammill | Moen Inc. |
| 2011-2012 | K. Fullan | Flocor |
| 2010-2011 | R. Morgan | IPEX Inc. |
| 2009-2010 | M. Deschênes | Groupe Deschênes Inc. |
| 2008-2009 | C. Sarjeant | NCI Marketing Inc. |
| 2007-2008 | B. Raycroft | Bardon Supplies Ltd. |
| 2006-2007 | K. Webster | Viessmann Manufacturing Company Inc. |
| 2005-2006 | R. Elliott | McKeough Supply Inc. |
| 2004-2005 | M. Dennis | Moen Inc. |
| 2003-2004 | R. Robinson | B.A. Robinson Co. Ltd. |
| 2002-2003 | C. de Jong | Kindred Industries |
| 2001-2002 | R. Fantham | Emco Ltd. Distribution |
| 2000-2001 | J.J. Wareham | Usines Giant Factories |
| 1999-2000 | J.E. Keon | Niagara Plumbing Supply Co. Ltd. |
| 1998-1999 | F.J. Sullivan | Wolverine Tube (Canada) Inc. |
| 1997-1998 | W.G. Becker | M.P.H. Plumbing Ltd. |
| 1996-1997 | R.J. Thompson | GSW Inc. |
| 1995-1996 | R. McHattie | Weil-McLain |
| 1994-1995 | P.J. Verheuvel | Eddy Group |
| 1993-1994 | G.D. Thompson | United Westburne |
| 1992-1993 | L.H. Kerr | Wolverine Tube |
| 1991-1992 | A. Malo | Nelco Inc. |
| 1990-1991 | C. Hagedorn | Ancon International |
| 1989-1990 | J. Deschênes | Deschênes et Fils Ltêe |
| 1988-1989 | R.A. Stevens | GSW Inc. |
| 1987-1988 | G.Y. Demers | Westburne |
| 1986-1987 | S.J. Pellegrini | Victaulic Co. of Canada |
| 1985-1986 | G.A. Kelly | Crane Canada Inc. |
| 1984-1985 | B.T. Currie | Waltec Inc. |
| 1983-1984 | J.A. Paterson | Triangle Plumbing & Heating |
| 1982-1983 | E.R. Hardison | Moldex Limited |
| 1981-1982 | J.L. Thompson | Westburne Central Supply |
| 1980-1981 | L.A. Furlong | Waterline Products Ltd. |
| 1979-1980 | J.M. Stevens | Pumps & Softeners |
| 1978-1979 | G.T. Urquhart | Sumner Co. Ltd. |
| 1977-1978 | R.S. MacLean | Emco Limited |
| 1976-1977 | W.A. Farnell | John Wood (GSW Inc.) |
| 1975-1976 | J. Alexander | Western Supplies |
| 1974-1975 | D.J. Hackett | Wolverine Div. UOP |
| 1973-1974 | L. Cornez | Westburne |
| 1972-1973 | D.F. O'Neil | American-Standard |
| 1971-1972 | R.S. Reade | Crane Canada Inc. |
| 1970-1971 | P.J. Ivey | Emco Limited |
| 1969-1970 | A.G. Fleming | Triangle Plumbing |
| 1967-1969 | D.F. Cornish | Anaconda |
| 1965-1967 | W.A. Graham | Western Supplies |
| 1964-1965 | J.A. Burgess | Wallaceburg Brass |
| 1961-1963 | C.N. Chapman | Emco Limited |
| 1959-1961 | J.S. Corrigan | General Steel Wares (GSW Inc.) |
| 1957-1959 | D.S. Munro | Jamieson Dansereau Ltd. |
| 1955-1957 | D.G. Willmot | Anthes Imperial Co. Ltd. |
| 1954-1955 | R. DeSerres | Omer DeSerres Ltée |
| 1952-1954 | G.W. Parker | Mueller Limited |
| 1951-1952 | D.J. Gunn | Monarch Brass Co. Ltd. |
| 1950-1951 | J.H. McIlroy | General Steel Wares (GSW Inc.) |
| 1949-1950 | J.H. Stevens | Empire Brass Mfg. Co. (Emco) |
| 1947-1949 | J.L. Demers | J.L. Demers Limitée |
| 1946-1947 | W.C. Hodgson | Crane Limited |
| 1944-1946 | R.V. Millar | Pease Foundry Limited |
| 1943-1944 | G.E. Fisher | Canadian Brass Mfg. Co. |
| 1940-1943 | G.C. Crawford | Standard Sanitary Mfg. Co. Ltd. (American Standard) |
| 1939-1940 | F.D. MacNaughton | Crane Limited |
| 1937-1939 | C.H. Ivey | Empire Brass Mfg. Co. Ltd (Emco) |
| 1935-1937 | T. Robertson | Thomas Robertson & Co. Ltd. |
| 1933-1935 | I.R. Leger | The James Robertson Co. Ltd. |
In 1973, the elected position of President was renamed “Chair of the Board”