Board of Directors
DSA board members are committed to excellence and to supporting the cause of the DSA and its member companies. For more information about board members please click the link below.
“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,
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
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
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

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

Ross brings 30 years career experience and
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
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.
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
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
While at Avon, Ray gained international experience when he assisted in the organization and development of a new subsidiary in
In 1993, after spending 13 years with Mary Kay Cosmetics, Ray relocated to Mary Kay's corporate headquarters in
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
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
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
By the time Jim joined Princess House, he was a veteran of corporate makeovers. During his earlier career in
Jim holds a B.A. degree from

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,
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
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
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
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