Our Board

The SECC Board of Directors is a policy board, focusing on governance, policy and strategic planning. The Board meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month, except during the months of July and August, and all Board meetings are public.

If you would like to be on the SECC Board of Directors, please fill out the attached application and submit it along with your resume, to the Executive Director. The Chair of the Board will contact you to set up an interview.

Heather MacPherson, Chair

Heather is a Partner in the CPA firm Hicks, MacPherson, Iatonna & Driedger LLP. After obtaining her CPA degree, Heather was looking to get involved and SECC was recommended to her. Heather has been on SECC’s Board of Directors since 2005. She is currently the Board Chair, but has also been the Treasurer and general Board Member.

When asked her favourite part of being on the Board, she answered, “With so many programs, it’s something new every meeting. We have the ability to help in more ways than one and give back to many people at the same time.”

If Heather is not with her family, she loves to be outside whether it be running, biking, walking, or even sitting and enjoying her surroundings. She also loves to travel!

Heather Latam

Heather is an Educator with the Greater Essex County District School Board and a Local Union Leader. In a conversation with a colleague and friend, Heather learned about the opportunity to join SECC’s Board of Directors. With her encouragement, Heather applied, and attended her first meeting in December of 2018.

Heather states “I am particularly proud of the work SECC does for newcomers and people who struggle with providing food and warmth to their families. Many of the services SECC offers translates into assistance for these people.” As a client of SECC years ago, Heather knows the impact and knows the importance of ensuring quality services for our community.

In her free time, Heather loves to travel with her family. Whether the adventures are close to home or across the world, they cherish the time being together and experiencing new places.

Arlene Sinasac

Arlene works for the Town of Kingsville as Office Support to the Building Department. In her previous position at Blackburn Radio, Arlene worked with SECC on their radio advertising and marketing. She has been on the Board of Directors since 2015 and says, “The board members are all conscientious, caring people. I enjoy the interaction with those members, as well as being a part of helping people and improving lives in the community.”

Arlene is passionate about all of the work at SECC and believes that without it, there would be a void in the community that no one else could fill.

Arlene likes to spend time with her family and friends. She is also an avid crafter, readers, birdwatcher, and stargazer!

Waseem Abunnadi

Waseem is a member consultant at WFCU Credit Union. As a Board Member, he uses his experience as a Member of the Finance Committee. Waseem first became involved with SECC as a volunteer, and has since joined the Board of Directors.

When asked what his favourite part of being on SECC’s Board of Directors is, he said, “Recognizing the positive impact of the decisions we make and witnessing the change it makes.” He loves to see that SECC helps inspire people who then go out and inspire and help others.

In his free time, Waseem enjoys reading and watching anything comedy!

Art Krueger

Art Krueger is retired from Chrysler Canada after 35 years and was the Disability Coordinator for all of Chrysler Canada. He first got involved with SECC when his church sponsored a family from Syria, and has been on the Board of Directors since 2017. As a Board Member, he uses his experience as a member on the Governance Committee.

Art says, “I see the dedication of the staff and how they genuinely help the people they serve.” Because of his experience with his church sponsoring a family from Syria, he is really passionate about the staff’s involvement with newcomers to the area.

Art likes to spend his free time going for walks at the marina. He also has really enjoyed camping.

Wendy Parsons

Wendy is very involved in the community as the General Manager of the Leamington District Chamber of Commerce. As an SECC Board Member, she sits on the Finance Committee.

“I love SECC’s mission ‘Helping people. Improving lives.’ I think it speaks volumes on the many different programs that are offered. The staff are compassionate and caring, and I enjoy helping our wherever possible.” Wendy sees the work that SECC does with our new Canadians and how it shines bright throughout the community.

Wendy is very involved in Rotary both locally and internationally. Wendy enjoys helping out in the community and volunteering wherever she can.

Sarah Walker

Sarah is a Licensed Paralegal with the Law Society of Ontario. On top of being a Board Member, she also sits on the Governance Committee. Sarah first became familiar with SECC when she sought help through SECC’s Employment Services to apply for the Second Career program. Sarah has been on the Board of Directors since 2019.

Sarah shared, “My favourite part of being an SECC Board Member is being part of an organization that is changing lives for the better. My life has changed because of SECC, and I love being able to celebrate the successes of others.” Sarah has also volunteered in Settlement Services and Meals on Wheels. She has firsthand experience of the difference these programs make, and is proud to be a part of it!

In her free time, she enjoys the company of her husband and two children!

Harpreet Singh Bassan

Harpreet works locally in a Plant Management position since moving to Leamington in 1999 after years of living in BC. As a Sikh, Harpreet strongly believes in spreading love and being involved in service opportunities. After the tornado in 2010, he was helping manty individuals clean the trees on their yards, and continuously heard about SECC. He knew he wanted to get involved, and has spent the last 10+ years involved in the agency, from a Friendly Visitation volunteer to a member of the Board of Directors.

“Bringing positive change in my community is my passion,” Harpreet shared. He believes strongly in getting involved in the community in anyway you can.