Michael Mahon (MBA) has a new position in Montreal as Director, Strategic Initiatives, BDC Venture Capital. He will play a leading role in building out BDC’s efforts to develop a healthy VC ecosystem in Canada via four key strategic initiatives: strategic investments (particularly in the angel investing asset class), entrepreneurship development & mentoring, increasing the global connectivity of Canadian companies, and strengthening BDC VC’s visibility and impact in the market.
Alumni Notes
Submit your alumni note to Smith Magazine2001
Michael J. Mahon (MBA) married Laurie Marcotte of Vermont on June 22, 2011. The couple currently lives in Montreal with their Bernese Mountain dog Maisy, but are looking to see where life takes them next. Meanwhile, Michael extends an open invitation: “The door is always open to visiting friends!” Email: mahon.mj@gmail.com
Published in: Spring 2009
Karen M. McBride (EMBA) is retiring from her role as EVP, Chief Risk Officer, and Chief Compliance Officer for Concentra Financial after more than 30 years in banking. She recently volunteered with the Canadian Co-operative Association for a coaching assignment in Ghana and Malawi that supported the development of credit unions to alleviate poverty and improve standards of living. Her retirement plans include more coaching assignments in developing countries, spending time with family and friends (including “12 amazing grandchildren!”) and offering services through her company, Risk Lens Consulting. Email: kerriemarg@gmail.com
Published in: Summer 2012
Angus and Anita (Tejwani) McOuat (both BCom) are pleased to announce the birth of their daughter, Lilia Grace, on Jan. 18 in Toronto. Lilia weighed in at 7 lbs., 4 oz. She is healthy and happy and ready to meet everyone.
Published in: Summer 2008
Adrian Mucalov (BCom) graduated with a joint degree from Harvard Business School (MBA) and Harvard Kennedy School (MPA/ID) in 2008. He joined Endeavor Global, an international nonprofit organization that supports entrepreneurs in emerging markets. Adrian is completing a one-year contract as Director of International Expansion through Harvard Business School's Social Enterprise Leadership Fellows program. He is about to move to London (UK) to join Actis Capital, a leading venture capital/private equity firm that invests exclusively in emerging markets. Adrian looks forward to getting to know the Queen's alumni community in the UK.
Published in: Summer 2009
Jason Nardari, BCom’01, MPA'05, has been promoted to managing director, head of portfolio management, at CIBC Innovation Banking. Jason is responsible for monitoring and oversight of the bank’s rapidly expanding book of credits to high-growth technology and life sciences companies across Canada, the U.S and U.K. He lives in Toronto.
Published in: Spring 2022
Jason Nardari, BCom, is now executive director of CIBC Innovation Banking. This division of CIBC was created in January and provides funding and advice to tech companies. Jason was formerly vice-president of Wellington Financial, which was acquired by CIBC in January.
Published in: Summer 2018
Lisa Orr, BCom, recently completed her Queen’s AMBA and is living in Toronto with her husband and three children. In 2013, she launched Orr Etiquette, which provides consulting and training services in etiquette and protocol for businesses, universities, schools and private clients. She is also a blogger for the Huffington Post Canada and the etiquette expert for CTV’s The Social, shown on set, centre, with the show’s hosts. orretiquette.com
Published in: Summer 2016
Darren Ross Polasek, MBA, died on May 26, 2017 in hospice in Regina, SK at age 56. He is survived by his wife Annette; sons Andrew (April) and Ben; his mother Eunice; and sister Darcy. Darren spent 28 years working at IPSCO and six years as Chief Operating Officer at Kanuka Thuringer. He also volunteered for a number of organizations, including Scouts Canada, the Cuernavaca Project, the Knights of Columbus and ministries within Christ the King Parish.
Published in: Winter 2018
Alison Thompson, MBA’01, received the Centennial Leadership Award from the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta for her work spearheading the growth of geothermal energy in Canada and establishing an advocacy organization to remove industry roadblocks. She lives in Calgary.
Published in: Spring 2022