MAC’s Staff and Board of Directors

Mike Douglas, Executive Director (He/Him)
Mike has enjoyed bringing the Mississauga Arts Council (MAC) into sharp focus as a valuable arts service agency, providing and initiating new opportunities for creative expression, employment and recognition. Aligned with this, MAC supports the professional development of artists, providing educational webinars, online coaching and seminars that grow ‘artpreneurial’ capacity and enhanced digital communications skills. Turning the Mississauga Arts Awards into a gala dinner celebration has made The MARTYS the most comprehensive city arts awards program in Canada. The artists’ showcase that is MAC’s Masquerade Ball has evolved into a successful fundraiser, helping MAC to operate its new micro-granting programs that in 2020 saw 28 grants awarded to over 50 artists. Previously, Mike was founding Editor and Co-Publisher of the popular city magazine MississaugaLife – Spirit of the City. For 30 years he was a freelance television director for network documentaries and dramas, this TV work included significant communications assignments for leading companies in corporate Canada. Mike’s many years of community service earned him the King Charles III Coronation Medal (2025) and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Award in 2012.

Susan Durnin, Operations & Development Manager (She/Her)
Susan Durnin has over 15 years of arts administration experience in office operations and management, grant writing, concert and tour logistics, and event production. Susan has served in administrative roles for Andrew Kwan Artists Management, the Association for Opera in Canada, and the Canadian Opera Company’s Free Concert Series in the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre. Susan holds Certificates in Professional Fundraising from Boston University and Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Management from Toronto Metropolitan University, and a Bachelor of Music from the University of Manitoba. During her free time, she is involved with DFM, a quirky electric bassoon cover band, and performs in community and professional orchestras. Susan brings a unique perspective to her administrative work in the arts sector.

Jacqueline Mak, Creative Designer/Strategist (She/Her)
Jacqueline Mak has 4 years of Art Direction experience. Her work at BBDO Asia and Oglivy One Hong Kong saw her working with brands such as Visa, Metlife, P&G, Mercedes, Purina, and Bayer. Returning to Canada to pursue a career as a visual artist, she has created works for Art Gallery of Ontario, Art Gallery of Mississauga’s 42nd Juried Show, City of Mississauga, Living Arts Centre and has been featured on CBC Arts, VICE, and The O.G. She holds a postgraduate degree in Sculpture and Installation from OCAD and has taught Visual Arts at VAM for 4 years. As a visual artist, her work challenges society’s views on critical issues that affect our daily lives that we seldom pay attention to.

Sherri Parliament, Communications Manager (She/Her)
Sherri Parliament has been working with Mississauga Arts Council since January 2020. During this time, she has facilitated MAC and Martys HUB communications, media relations and developed music and film/video arts programs. Notable projects she has worked on include MAC Music Spotlight, MAC Arts Cafe – Online Open Mic, Sauga Teens Got Talent, Sauga’s Summer Song Contest, Amphitheatre Unplugged, and the Screen Based Media Makers Industry Summit. She has 7 years of experience working in a variety of Multimedia Specialist and Communications based roles, including at Redbrick Communications and McMaster University. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Communications Studies and Multimedia Arts with a minor in Theatre and Film from McMaster University. An artist herself, she enjoys experimenting with the medium of Photography in many different forms – Analogue Photography and Multimedia arts with a special interest in Photojournalism.

Sabrina Cunha, Multimedia Designer (She/Her)
Sabrina Cunha, a graphic designer, artist, and creative, joined the Mississauga Arts Council team in September 2020. During her time, she has had the privilege of rebranding MAC’s logo and creating a new visual identity that reflects MAC’s mission. She studied graphic design, art history, and studio art at the University of Toronto Mississauga and Sheridan College, and holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts as well as an Advanced Diploma in Art & Art History. Sabrina is recognized as a Associate RGD under the Association of Registered Graphic Designers. She is enthusiastic about merging her passion for art, culture, and design with the vibrant Mississauga arts community.

Ron Duquette, President
Television writer producer, former Citizen of The Year honouree, Board of Governors for the Living Arts Centre, Chair of the Tim Horton’s Southside Shuffle Blues & Jazz Festival, President and Founder of Mississauga’s Legend’s Row, Chair of Starr’s on the Credit fundraiser for Children’s Aid.

Jason Chellew, Vice President
An accomplished event planner and sales and operations manager with more than 18 years of experience in overseeing highly successful private and corporate events — including fundraisers, galas, product launches, and receptions. Jason has an extensive background in theatre performance and television production.

Charles Chu, Treasurer
CPA, CA who specializes in small business. Previous experience with non-profit organizations on board of the Mississauga Chinese Business Association.

Helen Almeida, Director
Executive search professional, filling functional leadership positions across Canada. Helen enjoys spending her free time with family and harvesting her creative energy on arts, serving her community.

Deta Constantine, Director
Chief Human Resources Officer at Nextech AR Solutions, Deta is a people leader with years of experience in human resource management and great instincts on what it takes to nurture a culture that empowers the passions and talents of people. A strategic thought leader, contributing to the overall direction of a growing organization. 

Brian Dec, Director
Brian is MBOT’s Corporate Relations Manager. He is a hands-on sales leader with over 25 years experience in Hospitality Sales. He is a skilled and respected marketing expert with an innate ability to develop and sustain strategic partnerships. Brian also has an extensive background in Hotels, Tourism, Meetings and Events.

Wendy Furtenbacher, Director
Wendy is a Certified Cheese Professional, and has held a variety of industry roles including cheese educator, cheese monger and business development manager. Prior to a life on the wedge, Wendy earned her BFA in Art History, and has continued her connection and involvement with the community through a number of arts organizations across the country. 

Christine Griffin, Director
Passionate senior leader, mom, mentor and arts advocate with a background in health benefits management, sales and account management who thrives in a collaborative environment. Christine brings over 20 years’ experience in facilitating partnerships, client relations and fostering an objective perspective to formulate strategies around existing and potential opportunities.

Usman Khan, Director
A CFA, Usman is Senior Director, Commercial Finance at RBC. He is extremely active, supporting community causes and community-building initiatives in Mississauga and beyond. He brings considerable experience building stakeholder relationships to MAC’s Board.

Sumeeta Kohli, Director
Founder of Glocal Marketing, a company specializing in marketing, events management, and digital branding initiatives. Advocate for initiatives that create further steps for Diversity and Inclusion.

Jung Ah Kwon, Director
Jung is senior counsel for a Crown corporation and values community involvement through her volunteer work.  

Filip Plaskota, Director
Founder of Creators at Play, a digital marketing agency specializing in the creation of original video content for a non-profits, charities, small businesses, and broadcast media.

Jennifer Rabanillo, Advisor
As a business owner in Streetsville, Jennifer offers her clients intuitive business consulting through empowering events & programs. She is a steadfast advocate for artists in our community.

Tracy Xavier, Director
A Physiotherapist and Crisis Responder with the national Crisis Text Line. Tracy has been an active community leader through her fundraising and volunteering efforts and enjoys her passion for music by singing both in a choir and a band. 

Stephen Dasko, Advisor
Stephen was first elected as City of Mississauga Councillor for Ward 1 and Regional Councillor for the Region of Peel for the term 2018-2022. He was re-elected for the 2022-2026 term. He is long-time volunteer in the community and advocate for the arts and creativity.

Amena Mohammad, Advisor
Senior Manager in Consulting at Ernst & Young. An avid dancer/performer in her youth, and now supporting the growth of the Arts in Mississauga.

Janey Obad, Advisor
CPA, CMA with 20+ years of leadership experience in the small business environment. She is committed to supporting the growth of Mississauga’s arts community.