Leading with Purpose

Before joining the Toronto Port Authority in 2022, RJ served as CEO of the Red Deer and Fort McMurray airport authorities in Alberta, where he built a track record of transformative leadership within Canada’s transportation sector.

A frequent speaker and active contributor to industry dialogue, RJ is known for promoting excellence and embracing forward-thinking approaches to complex challenges. He is particularly passionate about the role the aviation and marine sectors play in fostering shared prosperity. At the Toronto Port Authority, he led the development of Transportation Reimagined, a bold strategic plan launched in 2023 that charts a five-year path focused on enhancing connectivity and expanding economic opportunity, while advancing sustainability.

RJ currently serves on the Board of Directors for Destination Toronto, the Association of Canadian Port Authorities, the Canadian Airports Council and ACI World (Airports Council International) as well as its North American chapter, and is a member of the Advisory Committee for the Toronto Global Forum. In recognition of his service, he was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2022.

Throughout his career, Mr. Peellegoda has successfully led finance teams across various sectors within the infrastructure space. He has held senior roles at leading organizations, including the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA), Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp, PwC Canada, and several other prominent financial services institutions. His diverse experience spans corporate finance, risk management, financial reporting, and strategic business planning. This broad expertise has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of both the operational and strategic needs of large, complex organizations.

Mr. Peellegoda is known for his exceptional leadership, having driven operational efficiencies and financial performance improvements throughout his career. His strategic insights have consistently enabled the organizations he’s worked with to navigate dynamic market conditions while ensuring long-term growth and sustainability.

He holds an MBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business and is a Chartered Accountant (CA) and Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA). His educational background, combined with his extensive industry experience, gives him a unique perspective on both the financial and strategic dimensions of business leadership.

At the Toronto Port Authority, Mr. Peellegoda plays a critical role in shaping and executing the financial and strategic roadmap for the organization. Working closely with the senior leadership team, he is instrumental in driving the company’s financial strategy, optimizing capital structure and allocation, and ensuring that the Toronto Port Authority continues to meet its fiscal objectives while delivering on its broader strategic goals.

Before joining the Toronto Port Authority, Mr. Ramjass enjoyed a distinguished career in private practice, followed by significant in-house legal roles. He has held senior legal positions at several prominent organizations, including Tim Hortons, and as the Director and Assistant General Counsel for McDonald’s Restaurants of Canada, where he led legal teams in both domestic and international matters.

In addition to his role at the Toronto Port Authority, Mr. Ramjass is committed to public service and professional development and has a strong history of leadership and community involvement. He has served as Chair of the City of Brampton Appeal Tribunal, is a former member of the Board of Directors of Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada and is actively engaged in mentorship through the Law Society’s Coach and Advisor Network Program. Over the years, he has contributed to various mentoring initiatives, helping to guide the next generation of legal professionals.

Mr. Ramjass earned his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from the University of Windsor and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from York University. His academic background, combined with his diverse professional experience, allows him to approach legal issues from a holistic and business-oriented perspective.

Deborah has held senior leadership roles in broadcasting, banking, professional services and technology. She has contributed to the success of top-tier organizations, including Astral Media, PricewaterhouseCoopers and American Express. Throughout her career, she has developed a strong track record of building brands, managing corporate reputations and navigating complex public relations challenges, all while driving positive change and organizational growth.

Deborah holds an undergraduate degree from Western University and a Master of Arts (MA) in Communications, Culture, and Public Policy from York University.

An advocate for community engagement and leadership, Deborah has served on the boards of several organizations, including the Toronto Waterfront Festival, Canadian Women in Communications, and Youth Media Alliance. She currently sits on the Advisory Council for Hope Air, a non-profit organization that provides flights to people in need of medical care.

Throughout his career, Mr. Drakul has developed a strong reputation for his ability to collaborate effectively with government partners, industry stakeholders, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure the successful and timely delivery of major infrastructure projects. He is particularly skilled in navigating the challenges associated with large-scale projects and maintaining alignment with broader regional and national transportation goals.

Before joining the Toronto Port Authority, Mr. Drakul had an impactful career in the aviation consulting industry, serving in various project and program management roles. His work included managing a wide range of airside and landside development projects in Canada, the United States, and abroad with value in excess of $3B. Most recently, he served as Senior Project Manager, Aviation at WSP, where he led numerous high-profile projects in the aviation sector.

Mr. Drakul holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Toronto and is a registered professional engineer in Ontario. His deep technical knowledge, combined with his leadership in the field, positions him as a key figure in the development of sustainable and innovative infrastructure solutions for the Toronto Port Authority.

Throughout his career, Mr. Askew has held a variety of strategic and leadership roles that have shaped his deep expertise in airport operations and management. Prior to joining the Toronto Port Authority, he contributed to the growth and success of John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport, the Greater Toronto Airports Authority, and most recently, as Chief Operating Officer at The Federal Bridge Corporation Limited. In each of these roles, Mr. Askew was instrumental in enhancing operational efficiency, improving customer experience, and leading major infrastructure projects.

As Vice President, Airport at the Toronto Port Authority, Mr. Askew is responsible for overseeing all aspects of Toronto’s waterfront airport, including enhancing operational safety, managing strategic initiatives and business performance, and contributing to the long-term growth of the organization. His leadership focuses on optimizing airport services, building strong partnerships with stakeholders, and driving sustainability initiatives that align with global aviation trends.

Mr. Askew is in the process of completing his MBA from the University of Fredericton and holds an Honours Aviation Management diploma from Georgian College. He also possesses specialized certifications in strategic leadership, innovation, and climate governance, which complement his extensive practical experience. A dedicated professional, Mr. Askew is an active member of the International Association of Airport Executives (IAEE) Canada, where he contributes to advancing industry standards and best practices.

Before joining the Toronto Port Authority, Captain Singh served as Vice President of Operations and Harbour Master at Nanaimo Port Authority. He led transformative safety, security, and environmental initiatives while fostering relationships with diverse stakeholders, including government bodies, Indigenous communities, and industry partners. He has also held leadership positions with the Department of National Defence and in the private maritime sector, where he managed large-scale operational and fleet management projects.

Captain Singh is deeply committed to environmental stewardship and operational excellence. He has spearheaded projects integrating environmentally friendly vessel classes and advancing digital transformation in port operations. A recognized thought leader, he has chaired and contributed to several national and international maritime committees, including the Association of Canadian Port Authorities and the International Harbour Masters Association.

Captain Singh holds a Master of Maritime Management and a Bachelor of Maritime Studies from Memorial University of Newfoundland. He is also a Certified Port Executive with specialized certifications in marine port and facility security.

Fluent in multiple languages and an avid traveler, Captain Singh values cultural exploration and mentoring future leaders in the maritime sector. At the Toronto Port Authority, he aims to continue building resilient marine operations that enhance the economic and environmental well-being of the Toronto waterfront and beyond.

She holds certifications in human resources and board governance, reflecting her commitment to professional excellence and organizational leadership. Her governance contributions include serving as Chair of the Board for the Mission to Seafarers Southern Ontario, where she supports the well-being of seafarers, and Vice Chair for the International Longshoreman Health and Welfare Trust Board, focusing on health and pension benefits for port workers.

As a passionate advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion, Kelly plays a role in the Black Aviation Professionals Network’s Alliance, working to increase representation and opportunities for underrepresented groups within the aviation industry. She also mentors newcomers to Canada and aspiring HR professionals, helping them navigate their careers with confidence and clarity.

Kelly’s influence extends into professional standards development through her role on the CHRL Exam Validation Committee of the Human Resources Professional Association (HRPA), where she contributes to shaping the future of the HR profession. Her commitment to community service is evident in her volunteer role as a Welcome Team Member at Toronto Pearson International Airport, where she supports travelers and ensures a positive experience. Additionally, she has shared her expertise as a panelist in initiatives such as Addressing Barriers to Employment for Immigrant and Racialized Women and Youth, a project led by Achev and Women and Gender Equality Canada, and speaking on Wellness strategies at the ACI-NA Business of Airports conference.

Kelly’s professional credentials include the Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) designation from HRPA, affirming her advanced expertise in HR, and the Masters of Trust Management Standards (MTMS) designation from the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP).

Throughout his career, Chief Thériault served as a military firefighter on multiple air force bases, on His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Montréal, and the CBRNE & Fire Academy. After retiring from the military, he held pivotal roles in some of Canada’s busiest and most critical transportation hubs. Prior to his return to the Toronto Port Authority, he served as Academic and Firefighting Director in Dubai, Fire Chief at the Calgary International Airport, where he helped Pro-Tec Fire Services take over the Aircraft Rescue Fire Services from the Calgary Fire Department. Most recently, he was Fire Chief for Saskatoon Airport and Pro-Tec Fire Services’ Regional Fire Chief for Canadian Operations where he oversaw fire safety and emergency preparedness across multiple Canadian Airports.

Chief Thériault’s academic credentials include a Master’s Degree in Disaster and Emergency Management from Royal Roads University, reflecting his commitment to advanced leadership in crisis planning and response. He also holds multiple certifications from the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC), underscoring his technical expertise and adherence to global standards in fire safety and emergency management.

A respected leader and mentor in his field, Chief Thériault is dedicated to fostering innovation, resilience, and excellence in fire services. His breadth of experience and unwavering commitment to safety make him an invaluable asset to the Toronto Port Authority’s operations.

Prior to this, Atul spent six years at the Greater Toronto Airports Authority, operator of Toronto Pearson International Airport, where he led the Canadian federal and U.S. government relations portfolio, supporting one of North America’s largest and most complex aviation hubs.

Earlier in his career, Atul held senior leadership roles at Hill+Knowlton Strategies, where he managed multidisciplinary client teams, drove revenue growth and advised senior executives across sectors including energy, manufacturing, financial services, gaming and wine. He has also served as Ontario Executive Director and Chief Economist for the Canadian Plastics Industry Association; Senior Policy Advisor in the Office of the Chair of Management Board (Ontario); and Vice President, Policy Development and Chief Economist at the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.

Atul holds a Master of Arts in Economics from the University of Ottawa and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Economics from Carleton University. He contributes to public service and civic leadership through his involvement with mission-driven organizations, including Community Door, the Mississauga Board of Trade and the Future Borders Coalition.