
Construire un avenir axé sur les animaux de compagnie

Board Members

Déborah Brown

Born and raised in the Hamilton-Burlington area, I have been familiar with the SPCA since I was a child. My professional life has been devoted to human health innovation, but my personal passion has always been animal welfare. Now that I am semi-retired, I find great fulfillment in supporting our SPCA, as it allows more people to adopt and care for an animal companion, regardless of their personal means. Animals and people both deserve to experience care and unconditional love, and we appreciate that when an animal is part of our family. Our community needs a strong, compassionate and effective HBSPCA!

Stéphanie Brown

Stephanie is a lifelong animal lover and proud bird enthusiast—her first pet was a duck! She joined our board out of deep concern for the welfare of animals, especially after seeing the surge in pet adoptions and subsequent abandonments during the COVID-19 pandemic. With a background in community engagement and philanthropy, Stephanie brings both heart and strategy to her role, helping to strengthen the connection between people and the pets who depend on them.

Ryan Woodcroft

yan Woodcroft is the Director of Business Development and Financial Analysis at McMaster University, where he helps develop and implement strategies that support the continued growth of the University. His previous experience includes serving as Manager of Investments at Alectra Energy Solutions and roles in the audit and deal advisory practices at KPMG. Ryan earned his Bachelor of Commerce degree from McMaster University and holds CPA and CBV designations. Born in Burlington, Ryan has lived in Hamilton since 2018 with his wife and their french bulldog. A proud McMaster graduate and active community member, Ryan joined the HBSPCA Board to support animal welfare and give back to his community.

Émilie Vis

Emily joined the board in 2018 to expand her knowledge of the animal welfare sector and contribute previous volunteer experiences to a board setting. She works to advocate for employees and shelter animals by providing guidance informed by her on-the-ground shelter experiences. She also volunteers her time to dog walking and is part of the canine companion program. Emily works at Mohawk College and lives in Hamilton with her husband and her Jack Russell, Kirby.

John Gerrard


Dino Di Marcantonio


Todd Hepburn

Todd Hepburn has spent more than 15 years working in animal health and animal welfare, driven by a deep passion for protecting animals and supporting the people who care for them. Today, he brings that same dedication to his role on the Hamilton Burlington SPCA Board of Directors, combining his love of animals with his expertise in strategic planning. Todd is committed to helping the HBSPCA thrive and make a lasting difference in the community.

Megan Jones

Megan Jones is Vice President, Everyday Banking at CIBC, responsible for Product, Loyalty, and Benefits Strategy for Cards and Chequing. She is a seasoned leader in the Canadian payments industry with extensive experience and a proven track record of driving growth and innovation.Prior to joining CIBC, Megan held executive roles at TD, American Express, and Chase, where she led transformative initiatives across multiple lines of business.Megan is an animal lover and is passionate about addressing animal welfare, prompting her to join the HBSPCA in 2022. She also sits on the Advisory Board for Women in Payments.
She was selected as one of Canada’s 250 emerging leaders for the 2017 Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference, and in 2021, received the Women in Payments Innovation Award.Outside of work, Megan enjoys traveling with her husband and daughter, and spending time with her beloved dog, Bentley.

Shannon McLean

Shannon McLean is a dedicated member of the Hamilton Police Service and a lifelong advocate for animal welfare. With more than 30 years of volunteer experience with the HBSPCA, Shannon has brought her deep love for animals and strong sense of community to her role.Shannon joined the Board of Directors in 2019, driven by a desire to support and strengthen the vital work the HBSPCA does in protecting and caring for animals.
Her experience in policing gives her a unique perspective on community needs, compassion, and advocacy—values that align closely with the mission of the organization.A firm believer in the powerful bond between people and animals, Shannon is committed to helping ensure that all animals in our community are treated with kindness, dignity, and respect. Through her work on the Board, she continues to support meaningful programs and initiatives that improve the lives of animals and the people who love them.

The HBSPCA is an organization on the move.
We don't just need board members—we need visionaries who understand that calculated risks lead to extraordinary rewards. Our mission demands leaders who can see beyond today and help shape a more humane tomorrow for animals and people alike.













