Meet Our Board of Directors
Meet the guiding force behind Champions for Life Foundation—the esteemed Board of Directors. Comprising accomplished thought leaders, our board members have extensive experience and a profound dedication to societal betterment. With unwavering commitment and a shared vision for positive change, our Board of Directors stands as a beacon of wisdom, steering the Champions for Life Foundation toward a future of measurable impact and program excellence.
Our board's collective contributions have left an indelible mark on our community, embodying the very essence of leadership. Each director brings a distinct set of skills and expertise, forming a strategic alliance that propels our organization toward new heights.
David Arsenault
Founder
Amanda Fritz
Board Member
Amanda was born and raised in Montreal, Quebec and completed degrees in Psychology, Public Relations, and Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leadership. Her 17-year career in the non-profit sector span education, health, and community. She is passionate about leveraging data and modernizing the way our field’s professionals approach major giving, capital campaigns, and volunteer management. In her current role as Director, Major Giving and Campaign Tracking, CHU Sainte-Justine Foundation, Amanda works to put in place the strategies and tools needed to secure $500M in new philanthropic investments for the institution – the most ambitious campaign ever undertaken by a healthcare institution in Quebec. Amanda proudly serves on the Board of Directors of the Montreal Children’s Library and the Association of Fundraising Professionals Foundation for Philanthropy - Canada. In 2018, the Governor General awarded Amanda the Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers for her service to youth education. She lives in the suburbs of Montreal with her loving husband, Dave, and mischief-prone cats.
Marla Gold
Board Member
Marla is a highly experienced leader and strategist within the not-for-profit and health and wellness sectors. She possesses a unique combination of exceptional business acumen, outstanding leadership, and community consciousness, which have all contributed to the success of organizations within these sectors, such as The Sylvan Adams YM-YWHA, Health Systems Group (HSG), McGill Comprehensive Health Improvement Program (CHIP), IKEA Canada, McGill University, and Fitness and Amateur Sport Canada. With strong communication skills and a collaborative and motivating style, Marla has a personal passion for strengthening community networks and advocating for the health and wellness of Canadians. Using her experience in the not-for-profit and corporate sectors, she advises and supports individuals and organizations through coaching, advisory boards, speaking engagements, strategic planning, and project oversight to foster leadership and professional skills for an organization's future success and growth. A bilingual graduate from both McGill University and the University of Ottawa, Marla is an outdoor and exercise enthusiast who loves to travel, has two grown children and lives with her husband in Montreal.
Shawn Johal
Board Member | Chairperson
Shawn Johal is an entrepreneur, author, business coach and investor. He co-founded DALS Lighting in 2009, helping 10x its valuation. Shawn is an active member and former EO Montreal president whose mission is to create the world's most influential community of entrepreneurs. Shawn actively participates in mentoring programs, helping young entrepreneurs improve as business leaders and individuals. A passion for endurance sports fuels his daily routine. Shawn correlates business success with the discipline required to complete complex athletic challenges. He believes the ability to set and achieve personal goals undoubtedly strengthens mindset and resolve, both essential qualities for any entrepreneur.
Ron Szekeley
Board Member | Treasurer
Happily married, father of four, business executive and lifelong entrepreneur. Throughout his career, Ron has had the opportunity to work with the leadership teams of many high-growth businesses, from start-ups and founder-lead teams to leading global companies. He is passionate about helping businesses, brands, and teams of all sizes reach their full potential.
