MAPLE | A Thank You to Our Chapter Executive Directors

We will be forever grateful to our Chapter Executive Directors for their time and commitment in promoting closer Canada-U.S. economic ties in their markets and would like to recognize them individually. 

New York | John Costanzo
At the height of the pandemic, we launched MAPLE in New York under the leadership of John Costanzo who was the President of Purolator International for 18 years as part of a distinguished global logistics career.   Our first events were necessarily online-only which later evolved to some very special in-person programs from Long Island to Manhattan including a private tour of one of our nation’s preeminent Department of Energy labs – Brookhaven National Laboratory. We’ve shared John’s time with his busy logistics consulting practice, LDK Global,  and are grateful to have benefited from his international market and logistics expertise well beyond his original commitment to us of three years. It has been a privilege, John.
 
Colorado | Rob Mancey with Derek Godfrey
In 2022, our Colorado Executive Director Rob Mancey launched a MAPLE Colorado Chapter complementing his role as the Chair of the Canada-Colorado Association. We are excited that Rob’s work as a franchise owner with corporate relocation provider AvenueWest continues to grow and now includes the North Texas market where Rob is now living. Thank you, Rob, (and to MAPLE Colorado volunteer executive Derek Godfrey who is returning to Southern California) for your work celebrating Canada-Colorado economic ties with some terrific programming over the past two years including two events with former Canadian Ambassador to the U.S. and Colorado resident, the Honourable Derek Burney.
 
Toronto | Bernardine Perreira
Earlier this fall, we announced that Bernardine Perreira has completed her term as our MAPLE Ontario Executive Director. We are grateful for her time, energy and leadership in celebrating our mission with events across the Greater Toronto area and in Waterloo Region. This spring, Bernardine co-hosted our Select USA program at member organization Cassels with the U.S. Consulate General in downtown Toronto. It was a special afternoon of cross-border and cross-sector fellowship. After two years as our Ontario Executive Director, Bernardine continues to lead her growing wealth management practice, Perreira Wealth Advisory Raymond James, among other association commitments. Bernardine has also contributed to our DEI focus most recently sharing insights for our October issue of MOMENTUM. She has also been one of our all-time most engaged Canadian members, making many trips to participate in our Southern California events over the years. Truly exemplary. Thank you, Bernardine.

Vancouver | Jason Tse
We first met Jason in late 2016 and he soon after became our very first Canadian MAPLE “ambassador” before becoming our BC Chapter Executive Director in 2020. Jason has embraced our mission to connect British Columbia with the U.S. with enthusiasm and commitment. We’ve teamed together on two delegations from Southern California and with Jason it’s been an honour to partner with the U.S. Consulate General in Vancouver and the U.S. Commercial Service team in Canada on many events. It’s no surprise that we have been “sharing” Jason as his networking commitments have grown over the years including his work on the University of British Columbia Alumni Advisory Council and his current role as Chairperson of the Richmond Chamber of Commerce. Thank you for your leadership in BC, Jason. It has not just been a partnership, but a friendship.
 
Stephen Armstrong Co-Founder
Robert Kelle Co-Founder
Kim Walker Incoming President