EDA LEADERSHIP
All operational aspects of the EDA are overseen by our skilled, experienced Leadership Team. Learn more below. View a complete EDA Staff List here.
President and Chief Executive Officer
Teresa Sarkesian
With more than 30 years of experience in policy development and advocacy, Teresa Sarkesian serves as President and CEO of the EDA, overseeing the strategic direction and executive management of the association. Teresa first joined the EDA in 2009 as VP, Government and Member Affairs and was appointed President and CEO in 2016. Under her leadership, the EDA has made significant strides in positioning, promoting and protecting the LDC sector. Teresa holds a Master of Public Administration degree from Queen’s University, as well as a Master of Arts and Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto.
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Vice President, Policy, Government and Corporate Affairs
Ted Wigdor
As Vice President, Policy, Government and Corporate Affairs, Ted Wigdor oversees the EDA’s public policy and advocacy functions as well as EDA governance. Ted joined the EDA in 2016 as Vice President, Corporate and Member Affairs overseeing EDA governance, member relations, events and communications. Prior to joining the EDA, Ted served as CEO of the Ontario Stone, Sand & Gravel Association and as Vice President, Government, Regulatory and Corporate Affairs for Certified General Accountants of Ontario. Ted earned his B. Comm in management policy and public sector management from McGill University. He also holds an MBA from the University of Ottawa, a master’s degree in Public Administration from Carleton University, and a Chartered Director designation from the Director’s College, a joint institute of McMaster University and the Conference Board of Canada.
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Chief Financial Officer
Tamara Orlova
Tamara Orlova joined the EDA as Director, Finance and Administration, in July 2016. In this role, Tamara manages all aspects of EDA finance, human resources and office operations. Prior to joining the EDA, she served as the Finance Director for the Building Owners and Managers Association of the GTA for three years. She spent the previous five years as an auditor with Deloitte & Touch in Toronto. Tamara hold an Honours Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree from Polytechnic University in Kiev and a Diploma in Accounting and Finance from Seneca College in Toronto.
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Vice President, Marketing, Communications and Member Relations
Mike Chopowick
Mike Chopowick is an association executive with leadership experience in membership services, corporate communications, advocacy and governance support for several industry associations in the electricity distribution, waste management, racing and property management sectors. Mike has also served in policy and communications advisory roles in the Ontario government for the Ministries of Finance and Northern Development & Mines. Mike is a Certified Association Executive (CAE) through the Canadian Society of Association Executives and holds an undergraduate degree in Environmental & Resource Management from the University of Toronto.
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