Greg Neath is President and CEO of Regal Gifts Corporation, an 80-year-old Canadian tradition that’s vibrantly reinventing itself as it again embraces direct sales roots. Greg’s North American experience positioning both organizations and products calls on his gifts for strategic communication (and puts a journalism degree to fine use). Prior to his Regal role – and a source of pride – Greg led NEBS Business Products to double its size in Canada during his six years as President.

“During my second year as Chair of the DSA I’m very excited about implementing our new strategic plan for this new decade. The DSA is recognizing our need to ensure we are addressing the fast changing business environment of the last few years and how we will continue to impact the future and keep our role as a strong and vibrant voice of the industry. It will be exciting and challenging and we believe we will have an organization better positioned for this coming decade once our plan is in place”.

A 33 year veteran of Amway Canada Corporation, Angela Abdallah started in the mail room and worked her way through various departments until finding her niche in Communications.

As Manager of Corporate Communications & Government Affairs for Amway's Canadian affiliate, Angela oversees public relations activities, advertising and sponsorships, government affairs, management of amway.ca's English and French-Canadian websites, and development of all publications and support materials for the company's Independent Business Owners and customers.

Angela is an active member of the Direct Sellers Association of Canada, serving on the Boards of Directors for both the DSA and the Direct Selling Education Foundation (DSEF), chairing the DSA's Government Relations Committee, and providing support to the DSA Communications Committee. 

Angela is also a member of the Board of Directors for the Canadian Council of Better Business Bureaus (CCBBB), serves as a Program Review Chair for London's Fanshawe College, is Past Chair of the Board of Directors for Junior Achievement of London & District, and Past President and long-standing member of the London Chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators.

Nathalie Cormack, CGA, is the Director of Finance with an organization she's been with since 1996 — Mary Kay Cosmetics Ltd.

Loving its people and values, "it's enjoyable to come to work for a company that recognizes both staff and Independent Beauty Consultants for their contributions and a job well done." Certainly, Mary Kay's high retention rate — nearly half the staff have been there for a decade, and many for almost 30 years — shows the power of praise.

Through her DSA role, Nathalie's industry knowledge only expands, particularly of government relationships. "The collective strength of the DSA benefits the industry in areas such as the Competition Act, licensing and tax implications as well as product ingredients and environmental issues to name but a few."

As Treasurer, she hopes to apply her finance knowledge and assist in other areas, drawing on her deepening industry perspective. Knowing how empowering recognition is — to feel acknowledged for achievement — she serves the DSA proudly to strengthen and protect direct selling Canada wide, so we may continue to provide opportunities for accomplishment to independent sales contractors.

Patricia, Director of Sales, recently marked her 21st year with Nu Skin Canada, Inc., contributing the cachet of her loyalty as well as university studies in Communication Sciences, emphasizing Public Relations. Indeed, it's building relationships to improve people's lives that most excites Patricia, a work ethic that's epitomized in 'Nourish the Children', through which donations of over 200 million meals have fed starving children worldwide, including Canada.

As the Past Chair of our Board of Directors, this milestone service gives her a broader knowledge of the industry. "New ideas from other colleagues help me to keep learning and develop professionally and personally." Her reward is knowing that, with consistent support and commitment, she has increased the awareness and importance of our industry at many different levels of society. "The DSA makes a huge contribution through its member companies both socially and economically to benefit many Canadian families and the economy, collectively bringing over $4 million to charities in Canada."

Ross brings 30 years career experience and Ryerson University majors in marketing and merchandising to his DSA commitment. Prior to joining our association's management over 15 years ago in 1992, this entrepreneur and corporate executive worked with prominent Canadian firms in diverse sales and marketing management capacities.

In his first DSA years, membership doubled with Ross as President, directing pivotal initiatives, amending both the Competition Act and the Direct Sellers Alternate Collection Mechanism, harmonizing federal/provincial direct selling legislation, and serving on the Federal Deputy Minister of Revenue's Small Business Advisory Committee.

In the late 1990's, Ross enjoyed several years as an Executive Director with the World Federation of Direct Selling Associations, managing the first Socio Economic Impact Study on our industry commissioned by the WFDSA, and chairing its European Federation EU Legislative Task Force.

Also, in 1997, Ross was presented our Ivan P. Phelan Award for outstanding contribution. Later, in 2004, he returned to the Canadian DSA as President.

For over two decades, Gina has overseen operations in diverse industries, from commercial filtration systems to a third party supply chain management company.  As Director of Canadian Operations for USANA, she has been able to utilize that experience in her daily role, while working in an industry which enriches the lives of almost everyone it touches.

"I love the fact that USANA specifically, and Direct Selling in general, offers people from all walks of life an opportunity to provide for their families and to realize their entrepreneurial dreams - especially working, single parents who may otherwise struggle to provide for their families and plan a prosperous future. What other industry allows you to accomplish all that without having to hold down two or three jobs, or sacrifice family time."
  

"Through my work with USANA and my involvement with the DSA I have met some truly remarkable people.  People whose passion for the industry is contagious and who are always ready to share with you the benefit of their knowledge and experience."

Robert Felton, Chief Operating Officer, has more than 30 years of business experience primarily in human resources management. Prior to joining Immunotec, Bob acquired national experience working in a variety of environments including high technology, pharmaceutical and retail.
 
Bob joined Immunotec in 2008 as a Human Resources Consultant to direct the process of organizational development and establish a structure to support the long-term growth of the company.  Shortly thereafter, his portfolio grew to include responsibility for Consultant Support, Field Communications and Special Events; he also plays a key role in supporting Immunotec's rapidly developing international markets.  Although relatively new to the network marketing model, Bob's understanding of the needs and expectations of Immunotec Consultants has enabled him to move quickly to make organizational improvements and to develop relationships of trust with key Immunotec leaders. 
 
With his HR background, Bob understands the important business opportunity that direct sales offers to Canadians.  He looks forward to working with the other members of the Board of Directors both to support the industry and enhance its visibility in the Canadian marketplace.

John Lin recently rejoined Avon after working for two years outside the company as a Managing Partner of a private equity firm where he provided capital and management capability for private Brazilian companies.

Prior to that, John worked at Avon from 2003 to 2008, where he served as Vice President for Strategic Planning and New Business Development in Avon Latin America.  His leadership role in Latin America's key growth strategies lead to the largest acquisition ever made by Avon which was subsequently responsible for almost all of Avon's Latin American growth in 2006.  Before joining Avon, John worked at Procter & Gamble and was involved in the implementation of many key developments across several disciplines including Marketing, Supply Chain and Customer Logistics.

John is a passionate believer in the direct selling opportunity and has the highest respect for the work that Avon Representatives do to provide service to their customers.  With a reputation for successfully combining a high-touch customer service approach with today's new technology, John's innate ability to focus on 'what's important' for the Representative and for the business has earned him the respect of many.

Lawyer, W. Jack Millar, LL.B., LL.M, is Senior Partner with Millar Kreklewetz LLP.  Jack's expertise in taxation/customs and compliance with Canadian direct selling legislation is "affecting positive legislative changes and assisting new companies establish successful direct selling businesses". Jack's perspective stays well-rounded as a Canadian representative on the NAFTA's Bi-National Panel Roster, and as Past-Chairs of the CBA Tax & Trade Committee, and the Toronto Board of Trade Taxation Committee.

A recipient of two distinguished DSA honours - the Ivan P. Phelan Award 2002, and DSA Partners in Progress Award 2001 - his 10-plus years on the Board bring him "valuable insights regarding the quality and commitment of those involved in direct selling". His mission is to ensure a positive regulatory and tax framework for our industry's advancement. "It's the DSA's strong commitment to government affairs and education that's enhanced the understanding of government officials and consumers as to the business opportunity, value, and importance of direct selling in Canada."

An outstanding business leader, Ray Patrick is credited with 39 years experience in the cosmetics and fragrance industry.  He has dedicated his accomplished career to setting goals, taking action and enriching lives. 

Ray's career in direct sales began in 1970 when he joined Avon Canada as Supervisor of Representative Communications.  During his 10 years at Avon, Ray held a number of management positions in the areas of Customer Service, Inventory and Cost Accounting, Purchasing and Sales Service Branch Operations. 

While at Avon, Ray gained international experience when he assisted in the organization and development of a new subsidiary in Thailand. At the same time, he successfully juggled his career with a more personal commitment, as Treasurer and President of the Kirkland Minor Hockey Association.  Ray brought his expertise to Mary Kay Cosmetics Ltd. when he joined the Company in 1980.  Only six years later, after proving his leadership success, Ray was appointed President of Mary Kay Canada.

In 1993, after spending 13 years with Mary Kay Cosmetics, Ray relocated to Mary Kay's corporate headquarters in Dallas, Texas where he was named President of the Americas region, overseeing operations in Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Chile and Uruguay.  In 1995, Ray assumed the position of Chief Administrative Officer for Mary Kay Inc. Then, in 1997, he was named Executive Vice President of Global Sales Operation Support, which awarded him responsibility of Distribution, Customer Support Services, Inventory Management, Global Operations Support and IST. A mere two years later, in 1999, Ray was promoted to Chairman of International, where he was responsible for the direction and planning of existing international markets and new market development. In 2002, Ray's direction once again turned north, where he would resume the role of President of Mary Kay Canada.

Under Ray's strategic vision, Mary Kay Cosmetics Ltd. has experienced financial success and has received multiple accolades; the Mississauga Board of Trade's Outstanding Business Achievement Award and fourth place in the survey of Best Small & Medium Employers in Canada, conducted by the Queen's Centre for Enterprise Development, and Hewitt Associates.  In 2005, Ray was honoured to be named the Business Person of the Year by the Mississauga Board of Trade. During his 30 years with the organization, Ray Patrick has demonstrated outstanding leadership to Mary Kay Cosmetics Ltd. and has significantly contributed to the Mississauga business community.

Ray is a member of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association (CCTFA), having served a one-year term as Chairman of the CCTFA in the early 1990s.  Ray is also a member of the Board of Directors for the Look Good Feel Better (LGFB) program - a national program designed to assist women living with cancer manage the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment.

Ray holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from Sir George Williams University (Concordia University) in Montreal, Quebec, and is a Certified General Accountant. He resides in Burlington, Ontario with his wife, Margaret, and sons, Scott and David.  Ray's daughters, Sherrie and Julie, also reside in Ontario and he is a proud grandfather of five. 

With a management style that combines business acumen, wisdom and kindness, Ray has earned the respect of many: the Mary Kay independent sales force, employees, those whose lives have been touched by his community involvement, as well as like-minded business leaders and organizations that are focused on improving and enriching the lives of women.

Challenge and entrepreneurial vision have been the driving forces behind Jim's successful business career.  When he was hired to oversee the Princess House Canada subsidiary in 1995, it was on the brink of disaster. After two years of following a failing U.S. mandate, he took matters into his own hands, bought the company, and relaunched it as a wholly owned Canadian entity.  Initiating a massive turnaround strategy based on a collaborative home office-field partnership, the company reversed its losses, doubled the productivity of its sales leaders, and achieved sustained profitability within 24 months.

By the time Jim joined Princess House, he was a veteran of corporate makeovers.  During his earlier career in New York City, he developed a new advertising strategy for Conde Nast Traveler that earned it "magazine of the year" status among all the company's prestige publications at the time. When Hearst's Esquire magazine was facing an outdated image and escalating competition for advertising dollars, his national sales strategies elevated the magazine to a leadership position in the men's publishing arena with a dominant influence in fashion and fragrance.

Jim holds a B.A. degree from Lehigh University and further honed his business skills through advanced studies at the Richard Ivey School of Business. He got his entrepreneurial inspiration early on by watching his dad run the Canadian operation of Avon and later direct sales and marketing activities at its New York headquarters. A resident of Canada for fifteen years, Jim lives in Mississauga with his wife Kelly, an executive at Incom, the leader in gift card marketing. Jim and Kelly spend their non-working hours with 5-year-old son Braden and Malo the pampered bullmastiff.

Mr. Whiteside's extensive experience spans a wide range of corporate and commercial law, and includes special expertise in direct sales law and computer law.  He is a senior partner of the firm.  Jud acts for a diverse group of clients, ranging from major financial institutions and corporations to small, owner-operated services and manufacturing companies.  His expertise and knowledge in matters related to compliance with the Competition Act and Competition Bureau help his clients to resolve issues in an effective manner.

Jud has advised the DSA on numerous matters, including the Association's negotiations with Consumer and Corporate Affairs, Ottawa, with respect to changes to the Competition Acts.  Jud and his firm act for a significant number of DSA Member companies advising them on Provincial licensing regulations, Health Canada regulations, Packaging and Labelling Act, immigration and Canadian tax matters as well as the Competition Act.  Miller Thomson is a DSA Supplier Member.

Jud was the proud recipient of the DSA's Ivan P. Phelan Award in 2005.

Dr. Zurn joined Creative Memories in 1995.  He led various components of the Operations business in St. Cloud, Minnesota prior to taking an assignment to run the Sparks, Nevada facility in 1998.  After seven-years in Nevada, Dr. Zurn returned to the Creative Memories home office of St. Cloud where his experience was applied to sales leadership Sales administration and market Leadership of Canada and the European Markets.

Most recently, Dr. Zurn has been appointed to lead several key initiatives focusing on the Creative Memories relationship with the consumer.  He now heads up the team building ecommerce capabilities in North America, and driving the implementation of a loyalty club program across Europe and North America.

Having served in various parts of the Creative Memories business, Dr. Zurn has developed a keen sense of the Creative Memories opportunity and deep appreciation for the entrepreneurship of the Direct Selling industry.  Dr. Zurn holds a Bachelor of Science, Operations Management from St. Cloud State University in addition to a Master of Arts, Organizational Management and Doctorate of Management, Organizational leadership from the University of Phoenix.  Married with one son and one daughter, he resides with his wife Jennifer in St. Cloud, Minnesota.