Responsible Investment Association (RIA)

RIA Members include asset managers, asset owners, advisors, and service providers who support our mandate of promoting responsible investment in Canada’s retail and institutional markets. Our institutional members collectively manage over $44 trillion in assets.

History

The RIA’s predecessor, the Social Investment Organization (SIO), was established in 1990 to advance socially responsible investing (SRI) in Canada. The SIO played a central role in building and developing SRI in Canada for 23 years.

In 2013, the SIO was rebranded as the Responsible Investment Association to evolve with the industry and to encompass the broader scope of responsible investing, which incorporates environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues into the selection and management of investments.

Board of Directors

Melanie Adams, Chair

Marie-Justine Labelle, Vice Chair

Our Team

Alexandra (Allie) Chapman, Senior Manager, Education and Event Operations

As Senior Manager of Education and Event Operations at the RIA, Allie is highly committed to achieving excellence in education and event coordination. She is dedicated to continuously improving the learning experience for all students, ensuring that new and returning learners have a seamless and enriching journey.

Overseeing the CE Administration Program, Allie is working to ensure seamless application processing and monitoring, while managing accreditor relationships, and fostering strong partnerships for success.

Allie’s expertise in event logistics is unmatched. From venue and platform sourcing to catering, she handles every aspect with precision. With meticulous oversight of the event registration process, Allie ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience for all attendees.

Allie is also working to streamline and enhance the organization’s systems and procedures. She evaluates current processes, identifies areas for improvement, and implements changes to increase efficiency and effectiveness. Allie brings a dedication to continuous improvement and an eye for finding innovative solutions to complex challenges. Her multifaceted role allows her to have a positive impact on the organization’s operations, outreach, and overall success.

Patricia Fletcher, ICD.D Chief Executive Officer

As Chief Executive Officer, Patricia Fletcher leads the RIA team in pursuit of its mission to grow responsible investment (RI) in Canada by advancing the policy and regulatory environment, deepening industry education, and supporting market development, as presented in its five strategic priorities.

Patricia joins the RIA most recently from the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD) where she served as Vice President, Education. During her tenure she was instrumental in driving innovation in the ICD’s flagship Director’s Education Program and the development of numerous ESG focused programs for Canada’s director community. Patricia led the establishment of Chapter Zero Canada, the Canadian chapter of the World Economic Forum’s Climate Governance Initiative (CGI) and also served on CGI’s global board education committee. Previously Patricia held senior roles at the Canadian Institute, the Hay Group and the Institute for International Research. She is an accomplished executive in the corporate governance and continuing education industries with more than 20 years of experience in leading commercial information businesses and teams committed to creating content that is impactful and of value.

Ady Jonsohn, Vice President, Content Development and Delivery

Alacia Michaud, Bilingual Education and Events Administrator

As the Education and Events Administrator, Alacia supports the coordination and execution of educational programs and events for the RIA. Her responsibilities include managing learner and event participant inquiries, administering CE credits and updating digital learning assets, as well as assisting in event planning, delivery, and logistics. With an honours bachelor’s degree in French Studies from Brock University and a professional background in B2B sales, client relations, and translation, Alacia excels in enhancing bilingual communication across diverse channels and in delivering exceptional frontline service in both English and French. She is committed to fostering seamless and engaging experiences for learners and event participants, ensuring that every interaction is characterized by clarity, professionalism, and a dedication to learner satisfaction.

Kristen Sheppard, Director, Membership & Partner Relations

As Director, Membership & Partner Relations, Kristen is responsible for member services and managing relationships with RIA Members to support their responsible investment objectives. Prior to joining the RIA, Kristen spent over 15 years at CIBC World Markets, most recently as an Executive Director, Head of Institutional Money Market Sales. Her responsibilities included working with Canada’s largest pension funds and asset managers in identifying fixed-income portfolio solutions, as well as leading CIBC World Markets’ domestic funding initiatives. Kristen is committed to client advocacy, diversity and inclusion, and change management.

Glen Pichanick, Head of Advocacy and Industry Insights

As Head of Advocacy and Industry Insights, Glen is responsible for the development and execution of the RIA’s advocacy strategy and thought leadership priorities. He works with key stakeholders and investor networks in support of policy and advocacy initiatives. Additionally, he oversees the RIA’s key research projects with a focus on providing perspectives of the responsible investor.

Glen brings more than 20 years of capital markets experience having occupied roles in trading, equity research, compliance and responsible investing. Prior to joining the RIA, he spent over 18 years at an investment management firm, most recently as Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer. In addition to overseeing the firm’s compliance program, Glen was responsible for the firm’s responsible investing initiatives. He brings a wealth of knowledge and a shared passion for the continued development of responsible investment.

Hanane Mohammadi, Bilingual Research Analyst

Hanane works as a Research Analyst at the RIA, with a passion for responsible investing (RI), over 4 years of professional experience as an ESG rating and research analyst at Moody’s Corporation, and an MBA in marketing, Hanane is responsible for coordinating RI research projects and managing relationships with internal and external stakeholders for the various organization’s publications. Her daily job duties also include reviewing RI investment products and coordinating several RIA initiatives and working groups. Hanane’s blend of analytical skills, bilingualism, projects coordination experience, and marketing acumen make her an asset to the organization’s mission of promoting sustainable investment practices across Canada.

Sukanya Natu, Bilingual Member and Partner Relations Coordinator

As Bilingual Member and Partner Relations Coordinator at the RIA, Sukanya is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of membership inquiries with a strong focus on customer service. She also supports event logistics and provides translation support. In addition to this, she assists the Director of Membership & Partner Relations in facilitating ongoing communication with sponsors.

Sukanya brings over 5 years of experience in Bilingual Customer Relations, having worked at LinkedIn and Canada Life previously. Her passion revolves around the 3 P’s: People, Product and Purpose. She has devoted over 8 years to become proficient in the French language and holds a Master’s degree in Translation and Interpretation from the University of Sophia Antipolis in France.

Damiano Passarelli, Senior Marketing and Communications Specialist

As Senior Marketing and Communications Specialist for the RIA, Damiano (He/Him) is responsible for performing a range of communications duties including digital content development, graphic design and media relations. He also supports the RIA’s operations through event, program and membership administration. Before joining the RIA, he worked with Canadian Business for Social Responsibility (CBSR), where he first developed an interest in the relationship between businesses and today’s environmental issues.

Damiano holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Toronto in Professional Writing and Communications, and Criminology, and a certificate from Humber College in Professional Writing.

Address: 304-1240 BayStreet, Toronto, Ontario, M5R 2A7, Canada

Phone: +1 416 461 6042