© 2008 CHSI - Centre for Health & Safety Innovation
Board of Directors
The Centre for Health & Safety Innovation is governed by a Board of Directors. The Board consists of the Presidents and CEOs of the partner organizations.
Michael Burke
Secretary Treasurer, CHSI Board of Directors
President and CEO, THSAO
Michael Burke accepted the position of President and Chief Executive Officer of the Transportation Health and Safety Association of Ontario (THSAO) in mid-2001, following a brief term as Chief Operating Officer. Prior to joining the staff of THSAO, Michael served on its Board of Directors for nine years, the final two in the capacity as Management Co-Chairman.
His prior professional experience includes 12 years with the Ontario Trucking Association (OTA), concluding his tenure in the position as Manager of Government Relations. Mr. Burke also served as an Executive Assistant to a provincial MPP, working primarily at Queen’s Park. Before that, he was employed by a large food distribution company, both while pursuing his education and immediately thereafter.
Michael is a graduate of McMaster University where his studies centered on the faculties of Political Science and Economics. He enjoys reading and following sports.
Elizabeth Mills
Vice President, CHSI Board of Directors
President and CEO, Safe Workplace Promotion Services Ontario
[the organization being formed to amalgamate the FSA (Farm Safety Association), IAPA (Industrial Accident Prevention Association), and OSSA (Ontario Service Safety Alliance)]
On June 15, 2009, Elizabeth Mills became the inaugural President and Chief Executive Officer of the organization being formed to amalgamate three Ontario health and safety associations: FSA (farm Safety Association), IAPA (Industrial Accident Prevention Association), and OSSA (Ontario Service Safety Alliance). An executive with over 16 years of leadership experience, Elizabeth Mills has been the CEO of the Ontario Service Safety Alliance (OSSA) for 12 years, having brought together a coalition of industry trade associations and volunteer organizations to found the not-for-profit association on June 16, 1997.
A strategic thinker and leader of stakeholder coalitions, Elizabeth was Director, Government Relations of the Retail Council of Canada from May 1995 to June 1997. Elizabeth’s prior experience also includes five years as an Ontario public servant working in policy-related functions in both the Ministry of Government Services and the Ministry of the Solicitor General. She left government to begin her career in association management with the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association in March of 1993. Elizabeth received her Bachelor of Arts, Political Science from Wilfred Laurier University, and her Master of Public Administration from Queen’s University.
Dr. Ted Vandevis
Chair, CHSI Board of Directors
President and CEO, E&USA
Dr. Ted Vandevis joined Electrical & Utilities Safety Association (E&USA) as a field consultant in 1988, providing health and safety consultative services to water utilities around the province. He was promoted to Field Services Coordinator in 1993 and has been the President and CEO since 1998. He has presented numerous seminars and workshops, and has been invited to speak at many industry functions throughout North America. He has written dozens of journal and newsletter articles and columns.
In 1990, he was seconded to the Workplace Health and Safety Agency and was one of 16 writers to draft a textbook for health and safety training. From 2000 to 2004, he represented the health and safety associations on the Research Advisory Council of the WSIB. He continues to establish Networks of Research Expertise throughout Ontario.
In 1996, Dr. Vandevis graduated from the University of Western Ontario, Ivey School of Business with a Masters in Business Administration. In 2008, Dr. Vandevis earned a PhD in Organization and Management from Capella University.