The Board of Directors is responsible for governing the affairs of the Aurora Chamber of Commerce on behalf of its members. The Board structure and the method for selection are specified in the Aurora Chamber’s bylaws. The Directors are elected by the membership at the Annual General Meeting.
The 2025-2026 Board of Directors were inducted by Mayor Mrakas at the Aurora Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting (AGM), held on August 27, 2025.
DAVID OLESEN, CHAIR
David, with a dual professional practice as a business, commercial, finance and real estate (transactions/development) lawyer, while also being an advisor to the management of various enterprises, offers a unique and valuable blend of skills developed throughout a successful career working with a vast array of legal clients and business operators from start-ups and sole proprietors through to small and medium sized enterprises engaged across many different industries and countries, David provides key insight into interacting with governments and the public sector having acted as the Director of Policy and Senior Advisor to Ontario’s Minister of Finance.
JENNIFER WALKER, VICE CHAIR
Jennifer works with both businesses and individuals to assess their financial needs and goals. She has over 30 years’ of experience and education as a Certified Financial Planner, a Certified Employee Benefits Specialist, a Certified Health Specialist, a Responsible Investment Specialist, a Master Financial Planner – Philanthropy and most recently completely her 3Hs of Financial Planning – Holistic, Honest and Human. These certifications, along with her reputation have made her a sought after advisor and speaker. In her “spare time”, Jennifer is a mother of three children – ok, 2 are technically adults, and is busy with extended family and school activities.
ALEX HERRINGTON, TREASURER
Alex is the owner of The North Dance Company, a full service recreational and competitive dance studio in Aurora. After graduating from the University of Guelph, Alex followed her passion and made dancer her career. With over 17 years of teaching experience, her students have competed at an international level in Tap and Jazz dance. Opening its doors in 2020, The North Dance Company builds strong, well-rounded dancers who love to perform.
JULIEN LAURION, SECRETARY
Julien Laurion, Owner of Julien Laurion Real Estate, proudly serves on the Executive Board of the Aurora Chamber of Commerce. Born and raised in Aurora, Julien has built his career around what he knows best—homes. From guiding families through the real estate market to rolling up his sleeves on renovation projects, he combines expertise with a genuine passion for helping people create spaces they love. With deep community roots and years of volunteer service in York Region, Julien brings energy, insight, and a strong commitment to fostering growth and connection within the Aurora business community.
DEVIN CATTELAN, DIRECTOR
Devin Cattelan is a Portfolio Manager at Verecan Capital Management Inc and a seasoned investment professional with extensive experience helping high-net-worth families, charitable foundations, and business owners make smarter financial decisions. Quoted in The Globe and Mail, Financial Post, Reuters, and MSN Money, Devin brings a steady voice to a fast-moving industry, offering insight on markets, investment strategy, and wealth planning. He is an avid traveler, lifelong hockey player, and enjoys spending his downtime with his wife and newborn son.
TOM DOLAN, DIRECTOR
Founder and CEO of Paywell™, Tom is a software veteran with over 25 years of experience in fintech, banking technology, cards and payments; original founder of BitBuy.ca, former GM of North (Total Merchant Services at the time), Payments Director at Everlink and former Chase Paymentech ISO Channel Director. Mr. Dolan has managed billion-dollar portfolios and specializes in transforming great ideas into successful products.
CHRIS ELWOOD, DIRECTOR
Chris has been with Toyota for over 25 years in all aspects of the sales side of the business. He currently holds the position of General Manager at NewRoads Aurora Toyota. Chris and his wife, Melissa, are proud parents of 4 daughters. They like to spend their spare time at the beach in the summer and skiing in the winter months.
JOHN LONG, DIRECTOR
John is the Director of Key Accounts at Smith & Long, a locally based Canadian multi-trade contracting firm. With over 35 years experience in the Commercial HVAC sector, he serves on the Board of Directors for ORAC (Ontario Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Contractors Association) and on various industry committees focused on education, training, safety, and standards. A strong advocate for the skilled trades, John is committed to attracting and inspiring the next generation of tradespeople. Since starting as an HVAC technician in 1989, John has progressed through a variety of senior leadership roles, overseeing operations, sales, and project delivery both locally and abroad. John lives in the community with his wife Rose and their daughter Rachel.
OLIVIA SOAVE, DIRECTOR
MARION TRIPP, DIRECTOR
Founder of Virtual Option, an event services producer and provider of live and digital events, Marion is a performance-driven, bilingual (English/French) Event Program and Client Operations Support professional with a passion for consistently planning and executing compelling and cost-efficient business incentive and corporate events that boost company visibility and promote corporate branding while protecting the bottom line. Strengths include high-level interpersonal and leadership abilities to forge and sustain third party partnerships and collaborate with internal teams towards a single focus of delivering event outcomes that meet or exceed client expectations of time, money and value.
AMANDA VESTERFELT, DIRECTOR
Amanda is an accomplished business professional, with a career spanning over 18 years. Her dedication to hospitality led her to Aurora where she has made significant contributions to the growing hotel industry. Currently, Amanda serves as the General Manager of Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Aurora. Outside of work, Amanda’s heart belongs to her husband, two children, and her chocolate Labrador. She is excited to continue her journey in the hospitality industry, adding her own special colour to the vibrant Aurora community.
YAMATO YOSHIOKA, DIRECTOR
Yamato Yoshioka is the founder of a boutique leadership practice that partners with executives, business owners, and entrepreneurs as a strategic advisor, consultant, and coach. With over 20 years of senior leadership experience in automotive manufacturing across Canada, the United States, and Japan, Yamato has overseen diverse functions including strategic planning, human resources, corporate risk management, finance, legal, and large-scale operations management. His career highlights include leading cross-border initiatives, managing complex business operations, and fostering cultures of continuous improvement and people development. A native of Newmarket-Aurora, Yamato recently returned home with his wife, Ryoko, to raise their five children in the community where he grew up.
HARRY ASBREUK, PAST CHAIR
Harry has over 25 years of banking experience with Scotiabank and Meridian Credit Union. He is currently the Branch Manager at the Meridian Credit Union location on Wellington Street. He is also a past Director of the Halton Hills Chamber of Commerce.