Board of Directors
EQAO’s work is overseen by its Board of Directors, which is composed of leaders from the education and business community.
Sanjay J. Dhebar, MBA, Chair

Educator, Founder and Author
Sanjay is managing partner of Leonnova, a training and consulting firm, and a faculty member of the Schulich Executive Education Centre and the Schulich School of Business MBA program at York University. He coaches and develops senior leaders in organizations including the Four Seasons Hotel, Siemens, Hoffmann-La Roche, TD Bank, Nielsen Norman Group, Mercedes Benz, Samsung, GlaxoSmithKline, the Dubai Government and Sick Kids Hospital. He uses the case-study methodology in his teachings, drawing on best-practice approaches across sectors. Sanjay has developed a respected process and practical approach called “The Business Workout,” which enables business leaders to achieve better performance and success. Furthermore, Sanjay is an adjunct faculty member at York University’s Schulich School of Business and Schulich Executive Education. Building on his 15 years international teaching experience and his expertise in developing cutting-edge experiential curriculum design, Sanjay has partnered with different universities to re-evaluate their pedagogy and enhance their new programs with current best practices, including the flipped classroom and online learning. In 2019 and 2020, Sanjay was nominated for a Schulich teaching excellence award as a top faculty member. In 2022, Sanjay received the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Community Service pin. In 2018, Sanjay published his first book: Toolbox for Performance Driven Leaders. Sanjay holds a BA in public policy from the Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly known as Ryerson University) and an MBA. in marketing from the University of Leicester, UK. Recently, Sanjay completed an advanced certificate in digital marketing from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Boston, along with a train-the-trainer certificate in quality service from Disney.
Martyn Beckett, Vice Chair

Martyn Beckett has served in many roles during his career in education, from teacher to school administrator, and from superintendent to director of education. In 2016, he moved to the Ministry of Education in Ontario to serve as assistant deputy minister in the Learning and Curriculum Division and the Student Achievement Division, with responsibilities for curriculum, skilled trades, apprenticeship, leadership and governance, teaching policy and special education, serving in this capacity until 2020. He is currently president of Beckett Education Consulting.
Mr. Beckett holds undergraduate degrees in biology, geology and education, and a Master of Science degree in geology. In addition to his MSc, he holds certificates in strategic leadership from the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto, and the Ivey Business School at Western University.
Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta

Yvonne Ruke Akpoveta is a change management strategist, adviser and change leadership advocate with over 20 years of experience helping public and private sector organizations navigate through change.
She is passionate about helping professionals and organizations both lead and respond to change better and faster, for the greater benefit of society. She believes that change, done right, provides invaluable benefits to stakeholders and the community at large.
Yvonne has worked with organizations such as RBC, TD, Deloitte, Loblaws and JP Morgan Chase to lead and manage their strategic, technology and change initiatives. She is the founder of The Change Leadership, a community focused on preparing leaders, change agents and organizations to lead and respond to change in today’s fast-paced and disruptive business environment.
She holds a B.Sc. honours degree in business information technology from the U.K.’s London Guildhall University, an M.B.A. from Warwick Business School, and a Change Leadership Certificate from Cornell University.
David Belous

David is a dynamic leader serving as the Chief of Strategic Partnerships and Government Relations at Scarborough Health Network (SHN), one of Canada’s largest and most diverse community hospital networks. In this role, he drives innovative collaborations with community organizations, businesses and government stakeholders to advance healthcare equity and accessibility. David has spearheaded transformative initiatives, forging strategic partnerships that enhance SHN’s mission to delivery inclusive, patient-centred care.
Previously, David served under Canada’s 22nd prime minister, where he redefined public engagement standards and led high-impact global trade and diplomatic missions. His strategic vision and commitment to fostering meaningful connections continue to shape a healthier, more equitable future for communities across Canada.
Jessica Bondy

Jessica is an expert in operations, systems thinking, the not-for-profit sector and team development. As chief operating officer, Jessica serves alongside the Bondy & Associates team to optimize processes and support internal systems to ensure team and organizational success.
Jessica previously served as executive director at Oak Bridge Academy and housing director at House of Friendship, and spent 10 years in student services in higher education. She is currently serving a two-year term on the EQAO board with the Province of Ontario and serves as a director on the board for Sunbeam Community & Developmental Services.
She is a recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal and the University of Waterloo Alumni Achievement Award. Jessica brings her passions in education, health, community systems and leadership to her service with the board.
Benjamin Dachis

Benjamin Dachis is Clean Prosperity’s vice-president of research and outreach. His career in public policy research, practice and leadership spans nearly two decades. Trained as an economist, Benjamin has worked across a broad range of Canadian policy sectors.
Prior to joining Clean Prosperity, Benjamin spent 15 years with the C. D. Howe Institute in a number of policy research and leadership roles, ultimately serving as the Institute’s associate vice-president, public affairs. His research and publications have covered a wide range of topics, including transportation, infrastructure, energy, regulatory, labour, and housing policy. He is the author of a book on Canadian municipal policy.
From 2018 to 2019, he stepped away from the C. D. Howe Institute to work as the director of policy, budget and fiscal planning for the premier of Ontario. He was part of the Ontario government’s leadership team that developed a number of policies, including the Housing Supply Action Plan, the 2018 Fall Economic Statement and the 2019 Budget. He was also a part-time lecturer at Toronto Metropolitan University from 2021 to 2024 on municipal finance.
Benjamin has BA and MA degrees in economics from the University of Toronto, and an MSc in regional science (the application of economics to regions) from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Ari Laskin

Ari Laskin is a seasoned strategist with a strong background in advocacy, strategic planning, communications and leadership. Before transitioning to the private sector, he held senior roles within the Ontario government, advising ministers and key decision makers on policy, strategy and communications.
As a consultant, Ari helps organizations, corporations and post-secondary institutions develop innovative, strategic solutions to their most pressing challenges. His expertise spans bridging policy gaps, enhancing organizational positioning, and guiding clients toward becoming recognized leaders in their respective sectors.
Ari holds a bachelor of arts in political science from the University of Western Ontario and a master’s degree in intelligence and international security from King’s College London, UK.
Kyle Wilson

Dr. Kyle Wilson is the Director of Information Systems and Chief Privacy Officer at Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health, and he resides in Halton Hills. Previously, Dr. Wilson managed the Research and IT Infrastructure departments at Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (K–12). He has provided in-person and online instruction for over 10 years at Mohawk College, Lambton College and the University of Guelph. His education includes an honours B.Sc. degree and a Ph.D. degree from McMaster University and a M.Sc. degree from Western University. Dr. Wilson’s community involvement includes the German International School in Toronto, Burlington Tennis Club, Alpine Ski Club in Collingwood and YMCA.
Dan Koenig, Chief Executive Officer

Dan Koenig has served in the former Metro Separate School Board (MSSB) and the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) in a number of roles, including as a teacher, principal, superintendent of curriculum and accountability, superintendent of schools, superintendent of human resources and labour relations, and, most recently, as associate director of academic affairs and chief operating officer.
With more than 37 years of public service in education, Dan is a highly respected educator and a key member of the TCDSB’s senior leadership team. While serving as principal of St. Brendan C.S. in 2007, Dan was selected as one of Canada’s Outstanding Principals. His record of professional experience demonstrates his passion for public education with a student-centric focus, his comprehensive knowledge of the sector and his innovative leadership skills.
Dan obtained his bachelor’s and master of education degrees from the University of Toronto.
Board Policy: Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest
The Board commits itself and its members to ethical, professional, and lawful conduct, including proper use of authority and appropriate decorum when acting as Board members.
Conflict of Interest Framework
When it was established, EQAO instituted conflict of interest policies and practices, including those articulated in Bylaw No. 1, 1997, and the board of directors’ governance policy regarding code of conduct and conflict of interest.

