Item - 2025.CA29.1

Appointees' biographies

Jehad Aliweiwi

Jehad Aliweiwi is a strategic thinker with more than 25 years of experience in senior leadership roles in social, settlement, philanthropic, and community service organizations. In all of these roles, Jehad has been an advocate for inclusion, diversity, and equity. He is passionate about building bridges between Canada’s oldest residents and its newest citizens. Jehad strongly believes that the well-being of Canada rests with Indigenous Peoples, immigrants and refugees. Since 2014, Jehad has been the Chief Executive Officer of Laidlaw Foundation. Before that, he was the Executive Director of Thorncliffe Neighbourhood Office. Jehad has extensive governance experience and served on various Boards, including the Ontario Science Centre, Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants, the Arab Community Centre of Toronto, and FCJ Refugee Centre. 

Elizabeth McCallion

Elizabeth is the Executive Director of the Peter Gilgan Foundation, where she leads the team to develop and deliver grant programs and investment strategies that address the Foundation’s mission to build a more healthy, prosperous, and sustainable future. Prior to joining the Foundation in 2018, Elizabeth led public sector initiatives and partnerships to fight climate change, build international relations, and advance inclusive economic development. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce from McGill and a Master of Science in Business Strategy and the Environment from Birkbeck, University of London. Elizabeth also serves as Vice Chair of Environment Funders Canada.

Jean Olemou

Jean Olemou is a mission-driven investor, entrepreneur, and venture builder with 15 years of experience advancing climate tech and deep tech solutions. His work spans Artificial Intelligence, quantum technologies, industrial automation, climate tech and the circular economy—where he has led investment strategies, built venture funds, and scaled companies from concept to global impact. Jean has mobilized capital and guided startups through commercialization, while also advising funds and boards on innovation strategy. Known for uniting public, private, and academic stakeholders, he has consistently delivered pathways that connect breakthrough science to real-world adoption. His approach blends financial discipline with purpose-driven leadership, driving inclusive innovation that generates measurable value for people, planet, and prosperity.

The Civic Appointments Committee recommends that:

1. City Council appoint the following candidates to the Toronto Atmospheric Fund Board, at pleasure of Council, for a term of office ending on October 11, 2029, and until successors are appointed:

Jehad Aliweiwi;

Elizabeth McCallion; and

Jean Olemou.

2. City Council direct that the Confidential Attachments 1 to 4 to the report (August 25, 2025) 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 Atmospheric Fund Board.

Candidates' biographies

Jehad Aliweiwi

Jehad Aliweiwi is a strategic thinker with more than 25 years of experience in senior leadership roles in social, settlement, philanthropic, and community service organizations. In all of these roles, Jehad has been an advocate for inclusion, diversity, and equity. He is passionate about building bridges between Canada’s oldest residents and its newest citizens. Jehad strongly believes that the well-being of Canada rests with Indigenous Peoples and immigrants, and refugees. Since 2014, Jehad has been the Chief Executive Officer of Laidlaw Foundation. Before that, he was the Executive Director of Thorncliffe Neighbourhood Office. Jehad has extensive governance experience and served on various Boards, including the Ontario Science Centre, Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants, the Arab Community Centre of Toronto, and FCJ Refugee Centre. 

Elizabeth McCallion

Elizabeth is the Executive Director of the Peter Gilgan Foundation, where she leads the team to develop and deliver grant programs and investment strategies that address the Foundation’s mission to build a more healthy, prosperous, and sustainable future. Prior to joining the Foundation in 2018, Elizabeth led public sector initiatives and partnerships to fight climate change, build international relations, and advance inclusive economic development. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce from McGill and a Master of Science in Business Strategy and the Environment from Birkbeck, University of London. Elizabeth also serves as Vice Chair of Environment Funders Canada.

Jean Olemou

Jean Olemou is a mission-driven investor, entrepreneur, and venture builder with 15 years of experience advancing climate tech and deep tech solutions. His work spans Artificial Intelligence, quantum technologies, industrial automation, climate tech and the circular economy—where he has led investment strategies, built venture funds, and scaled companies from concept to global impact. Jean has mobilized capital and guided startups through commercialization, while also advising funds and boards on innovation strategy. Known for uniting public, private, and academic stakeholders, he has consistently delivered pathways that connect breakthrough science to real-world adoption. His approach blends financial discipline with purpose-driven leadership, driving inclusive innovation that generates measurable value for people, planet, and prosperity.

This report recommends the appointment of three public members to the Toronto Atmospheric Fund Board.