Item - 2023.CA8.4

During the review of the Order Paper on October 11, 2023, City Council adopted a procedural motion to remove this Item from the jurisdiction of the Civic Appointments Committee and bring it forward for consideration by City Council.

Candidates' biographies:

Arman Alie

Arman brings a unique perspective to the Toronto Zoo given his experience as a senior leader at a tier 1 financial services organization and as an individual with a longstanding passion for animal welfare. Arman is currently the Managing Director and Head of Client Insights and Analytics at large global bank and has successfully driven many important initiatives that drive profitability and enhanced client experience. He has applied this expertise in his participation as a board member at his local humane society and has been instrumental in guiding that organization through the global pandemic and improve its fundraising efforts. Arman’s professional experience, personal passion for animals an educational background in both business and science makes him an ideal board member of the Toronto Zoo. He will help deliver on the Zoo’s mission to support wildlife conservation and enriching the visitor experience.

Sarah Bertollo

Sarah Bertollo is a sustainability professional with extensive experience in sustainable energy and conservation. Sarah is Director, Energy Evolution at Enwave Energy Corporation and manages the development and execution of Enwave's Environmental, Social and Governance strategy, including energy transition to net-zero. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Science in physical anthropology and an Master of Business Administration from the University of Toronto and she lives in the east end of Toronto with her family.

Jonathan Tsao

Jonathan is a public sector professional. In 2018 he was appointed to Toronto City Council to represent Ward 33 Don Valley East for the 2014-2018 council session, and is a former Board Member of the Yee Hong Centre for Geriatric Care. His professional background includes roles at Habitat for Humanity Canada, Children's Mental Health Ontario, and the Government of Ontario. Jonathan is a graduate of the University of Toronto, and the London School of Economics.

The Civic Appointments Committee recommends that:  

1. City Council appoint the following candidates to City Council for appointment to the Toronto Zoo Board, at pleasure of Council, for a term of office ending on July 21, 2027, and until successors are appointed:

Arman Alie

Sarah Bertollo 

Jonathan Tsao

2. City Council direct that Confidential Attachments 1 to 4 to the report (June 21, 2023) from the City Clerk, remain confidential in their entirety as they relate to personal matters about identifiable individuals being considered for appointment to the Toronto Zoo Board.

Candidates' biographies:

Arman Alie

Arman brings a unique perspective to the Toronto Zoo given his experience as a senior leader at a tier 1 financial services organization and as an individual with a longstanding passion for animal welfare. Arman is currently the Managing Director and Head of Client Insights and Analytics at large global bank and has successfully driven many important initiatives that drive profitability and enhanced client experience. He has applied this expertise in his participation as a board member at his local humane society and has been instrumental in guiding that organization through the global pandemic and improve its fundraising efforts. Arman’s professional experience, personal passion for animals an educational background in both business and science makes him an ideal board member of the Toronto Zoo. He will help deliver on the Zoo’s mission to support wildlife conservation and enriching the visitor experience.

Sarah Bertollo

Sarah Bertollo is a sustainability professional with extensive experience in sustainable energy and conservation. Sarah is Director, Energy Evolution at Enwave Energy Corporation and manages the development and execution of Enwave's ESG strategy, including energy transition to net-zero. She holds an Hons.B.Sc.in physical anthropology and an MBA from the University of Toronto and she lives in the east end of Toronto with her family.

Jonathan Tsao

Jonathan is a public sector professional. In 2018 he was appointed to Toronto City Council to represent Ward 33 Don Valley East for the 2014-2018 council session, and is a former Board Member of the Yee Hong Centre for Geriatric Care. His professional background includes roles at Habitat for Humanity Canada, Children's Mental Health Ontario, and the Government of Ontario. Jonathan is a graduate of the University of Toronto, and the London School of Economics.

The Civic Appointments Committee will conduct interviews and recommend three candidates to City Council for appointment to the Toronto Zoo Board of Management.