Symposium Speakers

Keynote Speaker

Dr. Thomas Homer-Dixon

Dr. Thomas Homer-Dixon is one of Canada’s foremost public intellectuals and a bestselling author. He is considered among the world’s leading experts on the intricate links between nature, technology, and society, with his current research focusing on threats to global security in the 21^stcentury. Tackling subjects such as economic instability and climate change as well as how people, organizations, and societies can better solve complex problems, Homer-Dixon shows audience how to adapt and prosper in a world of ever-increasing complexity.

Homer-Dixon is currently the founder and executive director of the Cascade Institute at Royal Roads University in Victoria, British Columbia. Previously, he directed the Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Toronto for nearly two decades. In 2008, Homer-Dixon joined the faculty at the University of Waterloo where he founded the Waterloo Institute for Complexity and Innovation. He retired from his faculty position as a University Research Chair in 2021.

Nancy Holloway-White, CBCP

Senior Manager, Process Effectiveness, PC Financial, Ontario

1:30 pm - Moving to Deeper Value in Understanding the Intersection of Resilience Disciplines

Nancy works in financial services risk management and has previously led teams in operations management across various industries. Nancy’s current focus is a unique blend of risk management, process effectiveness, controls and change management.

She is deeply committed to promoting and advancing the business continuity knowledge and profession, having volunteered for DRI Canada for more than a decade. She has served on the DRI Canada Board of Directors in the capacity of Chair of the Education Commission; Chair of the Online Learning Steering Committee; Vice President Board of Directors; and is currently the President, DRI Canada Board of Directors.

Nancy is a life-long volunteer, having served on her community board of Directors for six years, finishing her term as President, Board of Directors.

In previous years, Nancy has mentored graduating students from her alma mater transitioning to the workforce and provided significant contributions for fundraising for various children’s charities.

Nancy has spoken at the Continuity & Resilience today conference, and her awards include the DRI Canada Builder Award, DRI Canada Board of Directors Achievement Award, Outstanding Leadership Award Recipient, and Security Ambassador.

Eslam Eldakrory, CIA, CRMA, CBCP, ISO 22301 Lead Implementer

Manager - Crisis and Risk Governance, Farm Credit Canada, Saskatchewan

3:00 pm - Crisis Ready: Building a Proactive Blueprint for Organizational Resilience

With a proven track record in navigating the complexities of risk, crisis, and business continuity management, Eslam Eldakrory is a seasoned professional dedicated to helping organizations thrive in the face of challenges. With over 20 years of experience in the field, he has earned a reputation as a strategic thinker and a results-driven leader.

Eslam Eldakrory holds a Master degree in Finance, Certified Internal Auditor (CIA®), A Certificate in Risk Management and Assurance (CRMA®), Certified Business Continuity Professional (CBCP®), Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control® (CRISC®) and an ISO 22301 Senior Lead implementer® and an accredited ISO 22301-BCMS Trainer.

As a prominent figure in the risk management community, Eslam Eldakrory possesses an in-depth understanding of identifying, assessing, and mitigating threats across various industries. He has successfully guided organizations through a wide range of disruptions and Crisis situations, demonstrating a keen ability to develop and implement robust risk management strategies tailored to specific business needs.

In addition to his practical expertise, Eslam Eldakrory is a sought-after speaker and educator. He has shared his knowledge and insights at national and international conferences, empowering audiences with the tools and knowledge needed to proactively manage risks, navigate crises, and ensure business continuity.

Eslam Eldakrory continues to contribute to the field through his active involvement in professional organizations, research, and publications. He is passionate about staying at the forefront of industry trends and emerging technologies and advocating for cutting-edge solutions to safeguard businesses.

Akli Feraoun, CBCP

BC-DR expert, Feraoun Consultants, Quebec

11:00 am - Comprendre la panne électrique majeure d'avril 2023 au Québec : analyse de la gestion de crise et des pratiques (Understanding the April 2023 major blackout in Quebec: analysis of crisis management and practices)

Akli Feraoun is a Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BC/DR) expert with over 30 years of experience, including 11 years as a consultant at CGI (in Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery) and 9 years in Business Continuity for National Bank of Canada (Financial Markets - 2014 to 2023). Akli graduated as a computer engineer in 1983 from ESI (formerly INI-Alger), and also obtained a Master's degree in Information Systems in 1994 from HEC Montreal, where he conducted research on the implementation of IT disaster recovery plans in Quebec companies. Akli has been a certified CBCP for over 15 years, and is currently a self-employed worker, as well as a member of the board of directors of Reco-Quebec and a member of the education commission of DRICanada. His distinguished track record of success speaks to his expertise in BC/DR.

Deepak Jaswal, LL.B, CTPRP

Senior Manager, MNP, Ontario

9:40 am - The need for an Integrated Approach to Manage Third Party Risk

Phil specializes in business continuity management and third-party risk management. He looks to assist organizations enhance their overall operational and reputational resilience by understanding the exposures arising from all aspect of their operations, including the relationships in place with third parties. He focuses on creating an integrated approach, ensuring that a diversity of perspectives is considered to inform a well-rounded understanding of risk.

Philip Racco, MDEM, ABCP, CRM, CCP

Senior Manager, MNP, Ontario

9:40 am - The need for an Integrated Approach to Manage Third Party Risk

Dr. David Sanderson

Professor, inaugural Judith Neilson Chair in Architecture, University Of New South Wales, Australia

10:00 am - Why Disasters Aren't Natural

David has 30 years’ experience working across the world in development and emergencies. He worked for eight years for the NGO CARE International UK as head of policy and then as Regional Manager for Southern and West Africa. In 2006 David became Director of the Centre for Development and Emergency Practice (CENDEP) at Oxford Brookes University. Between 2013-14 he was a full time Visiting Professor at Harvard University. He has held professorships in Spain, France and Norway.

David has held board positions at CARE, Norwegian Refugee Council and the Humanitarian Innovation Fund (HIF), where he chaired the Grants Panel for five years. He has led multi-NGO evaluations of disaster response in Nepal, India, Pakistan, Haiti and Philippines. David is author of the 2019 ODI/ALNAP Urban Humanitarian Response Good Practice Review and was co-editor of the 2016 IFRC World Disasters Report focusing on resilience. He holds a doctorate in development and disasters. David became the Inaugural Judith Neilson Chair of Architecture at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney in 2016, and led UNSW’s Institute for Global Development 2021-22.

Garth Tucker, CBCP

Director - Business Continuity, ESO, Ontario

1:30 pm - Moving to Deeper Value in Understanding the Intersection of Resilience Disciplines

Garth Tucker is a seasoned resilience professional with more than 20 years of experience. He has successfully developed and managed numerous resilience programs, as well as led and responded to many crisis events over the course of his career. In addition to his full-time role as a Director of Business Continuity with a multinational software provider, he currently serves as an elected director with the Disaster Recovery Institute (DRI) Canada, is the senior editor of DRI Canada’s magazine, True North Resilience, and the 2023 DRI Canada Builder of the Year award winner.

Ann Wyganowski, MBCP, CCRP, CBRM

Vice-President, HZX Business Continuity Planning, Ontario

11:00 am - Cyber Risks and Impacts - Lessons Learned from Recent Attacks

Ann’s consulting background includes over 35 years of managing large projects across various industries ranging from health services, banking, pension & investment management, education, research & development, manufacturing, distribution, transportation, public utilities, food, property development & management, publishing, human resources, and not-for-profits and telecommunications. Ann’s global business continuity, emergency management, and pandemic planning experience with people, culture, environments and risks includes working with teams in numerous countries across Europe and Asia, Canada, USA, Australia, Mexico, Brazil and The Bahamas. Ann worked as the pandemic planning consultant to numerous critical infrastructure providers, all levels of government and type of industry and managed actual incidents through COVID19, SARS and H1N1 internationally supporting numerous clients.

Ann was a member of the Disaster Recovery Institute Canada’s Board for 6 years, was a President and past President of the Toronto Disaster Recovery Information Exchange for many years and was a member of the Advisory Board to the World Conference on Disaster Management. Ann chaired the Emergency Management and Public Safety Institute at Centennial College (guiding them through the development of a degree program in Emergency Management and Business Continuity) and the Great Toronto Incident Management Exercise (GTIME). Ann also assisted George Brown College in the development of their IT Network and Systems Security Program and was a member of the faculty for many years.

Ann works on a global basis with large corporations, all levels of government, small businesses, critical infrastructure, numerous business sectors, and charitable organizations on business continuity, emergency planning, cyber resilience plans, and IT DR plans.

Ann Wyganowski is an instructor for DRI Canada