Brian Shifman   | Executive Director
bshifman@smartcommutentv.ca

Brian is the Executive Director of Smart Commute - North Toronto, Vaughan. Brian has 10 years of progressive senior management expertise and a unique portfolio of experience including business, politics, change management, government relations, issues and crisis management, marketing, transportation and  the environment.

He is an enthusiastic, results-driven team-builder with a unique understanding of the not-for-profit sector. In his role as Executive Director, Brian oversees marketing, finance, operations and human resources while representing our membership and providing support to the board. He has spoken at various conferences and events, guest lectured at Ryerson University, and addressed councils, committees and task forces at all levels of government.

Brian is a Director on the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce board and an active committee member on the Association for Commuter Transportation (ACT). He is also passionate about charitable and community activities.

Prior to joining Smart Commute NTV, Brian represented travel-tourism clients while working for a leading public relations-marketing agency. Brian holds a B.A. (Honours) from Queen’s University and a Public Relations post-graduate certificate from Humber College.

Adam Arnold   | Senior Program Manager
aarnold@smartcommutentv.ca

Adam is the jack of all trades. In his time at Smart Commute NTV he has been an architect, a lawyer and a bike mechanic. However, his most important work is done with his partners in the North Toronto and Vaughan area. He is an extremely dedicated and knowledgeable Senior Program Manager who has sustainable commuting at the top of his list of green priorities. Coming to us all the way from England, Smart Commute NTV is happy to have him!

Adam holds a Masters of Geography degree from the University of Leeds, UK, where he focused primarily on urban and social geography, and the interactions between people and place.  He has previously worked for municipal level governments in England, where he was responsible for community planning and the involvement of local communities in municipal decision making and policy development.

He was also involved in the development of an innovative demand-responsive transit project connecting rural areas with larger towns.  Prior to joining Smart Commute NTV, he worked for a leading conference development company, organizing conferences for both the public and private sector on a range of subjects.

Keagan Gartz   | Program Manager
kgartz@smartcommutentv.ca

Keagan joined the Smart Commute NTV team in 2009 and has since demonstrated her passion for transportation planning and environmental sustainability.  Keagan manages the York University Bicycle User Group and is the go-to cycling advocate at Smart Commute NTV.  In addition to her role as Program Manager, Keagan is Co-Chair of the Smart Commute Marketing, Events and Promotions Committee that coordinates Greater Toronto and Hamilton area-wide events. She is also a member of the Toronto Centre for Active Transportation steering committee, a non-profit organization that works to create a better city for cycling and walking.

As an Honours graduate of Environment and Resource Studies at the University of Waterloo, Keagan applies the concepts of environmental assessment, political science, business, and geography to the practical application of urban planning and resource management. Her thesis examined the contributions of car-sharing as an alternative to vehicle ownership in strengthening local communities. Keagan also completed a Minor degree in Peace and Conflict Studies from the University of Waterloo.

Rachelle Waterman    | Marketing Manager
rwaterman@smartcommutentv.ca

Rachelle has a passion for communications and innovations, making her a perfect fit for Smart Commute - North Toronto, Vaughan.  She has obtained an Advanced Diploma in Public Relations from Durham College and has professional experience in marketing, social media and corporate communications. 

As Marketing Manager, Rachelle dedicates her time to promoting the message that smart commuting is vital for a greener tomorrow.  She helps the partners of Smart Commute NTV maintain and improve their Corporate Social Responsibility through direct marketing intiatives and interactive events and campaigns. 

Jessica Stronghill   | Assistant Program Manager
jstronghill@smartcommutentv.ca

Jessica has always been passionate about sustainability and the environment. She is an avid cyclist, pedestrian, and transit user.  As Assistant Program Manager, she marries these interests by encouraging individuals to switch to more sustainable modes of transportation. In addition to her work with Smart Commute, she volunteers with the Toronto Centre for Active Transportation, promoting the environmental, social, and economic benefits of active transportation.

Jessica is a master’s student in the Department of Resource and Environmental Management at Simon Fraser University. She offers a background in planning at both the urban and regional level. Jessica holds an Honours B.Sc. in Ecology and Environmental Biology from the University of Toronto. Combined with her enthusiastic personality and self-starting nature, Jessica is well suited to the task of reducing commuter congestion in the GTHA.

Katrusia Balan  | Program Assistant
kbalan@smartcommutentv.ca

Katrusia has a keen interest in environmental issues, particularly sustainable transportation. As a devoted cyclist, pedestrian and transit user, she loves sharing her enthusiasm for these modes of transportation with others. In recent years, Katrusia has become more involved in cycling advocacy with the Toronto Cyclists Union and the Partnership for Integration and Sustainable Transportation, which promotes cycling to newcomers in the Greater Toronto Area.

As Program Assistant, Katrusia provides administrative support, as well as route planning and commute counseling to post-secondary students, staff and the public. She is also involved in planning and executing outreach events at partner worksites.

Prior to joining Smart Commute, Katrusia worked as an Educator, delivering workshops about energy conservation and renewable energy to students of all ages. She holds an Honours B.A. in Environmental Studies, with minors in Geography and Political Science, from the University of Toronto. Katrusia has also earned a B.Ed. from the Ontario Institute of Education of U of T.