Executive Management

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Executive Management

Harris Jones is the Interim CEO for Advocis, The Financial Advisors Association of Canada. He applies a unique and diverse set of skills and experience to guide Canadian family business owners toward a clear path to financial security for themselves, their families, and their businesses.

Harris gives back to his profession by serving on the Board of Directors of the Toronto branch of STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) Canada. In June 2020, Harris was recognized as the STEP Toronto 2019 Volunteer of the Year. He is also a member of the Audit & Finance Committee of The Financial Advisors Association of Canada (Advocis). Harris is respected as a “pillar and mentor” within the tax, trust, estate, financial, business succession and insurance communities in Ontario and across Canada. He speaks to young adults about financial literacy on behalf of CPA Canada.

The empathy and drive towards excellence characteristic of Harris’ work are also reflected in his extensive community service, past and present. In his teen years, Harris became a Queen’s Scout – the top grade and honour in Boy Scout training. He was also a certified National Lifeguard and Water Safety Instructor.

As an adult, Harris served on the Board of Directors of North Toronto Community Housing, and West Toronto Community Legal Services. He has contributed to youth sports as an accredited Scout leader, and hockey coach and trainer. For the past 10 years, Harris has brought smiles to countless children as a Celebrity Clown in the annual Toronto Santa Claus Parade. These are just a few examples of Harris’ many volunteer activities over the years.

Julie Martini is Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Advocis, The Financial Advisors Association of Canada. With two decades of experience in the financial services sector, Julie combines her professional background and education in cultural anthropology to form a unique understanding of the challenges, opportunities and human behaviours that are driving transitions in the industry. In her role as COO, Julie is responsible for day-to-day operations of the association and ensuring that all of the systems, resources, and people are in place to support its members, partners and clients.

Julie is a graduate of McGill University, a Professional Certified Marketer (PCM®) and Certified Digital Marketing Professional (CDMP®), and holds a Certificate in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University.

When she isn’t passionately advocating on behalf of Advocis members and financial literacy, Julie is a proud mom of two, community volunteer, and veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Barbara Riddell, CFP® is Vice-President of Learning and Development at Advocis, The Financial Advisors Association of Canada. She is primarily responsible for leadership and strategic direction in designation and certificate credentials, standards, continuing education, and e-learning services.

More than 25 years of effective leadership experience in financial services in product development, marketing and communications, training, and coaching have given Barbara the skills, knowledge, and perceptiveness to position the value of professional membership in the association and Advocis as the industry standard in education.

A firm believer in the importance of giving back, Barbara is an advocate for mentorship, volunteerism and contributes to several charities.

Geoff Le Quelenec is Vice-President, Technology & Innovation at Advocis. Geoff has an extensive set of strategic, management and technology skills honed by over 25 years of experience. These skills are complemented by a deep understanding of business issues and backed by proven field experience.

He is a graduate of the Royal Roads University MBA program and holds certifications in Business Analysis, Negotiation and IT Risk Management. Geoff has also studied Global Issues and Strategic Management at Grenoble Ecole de Management in Grenoble, France.

Jack Mazakian is the principal broker and responsible for management of all facets of Advocis Broker Services’ national operations, supporting and executing strategic objectives while maintaining all relationships with partner organizations. He oversees and manages the day-to-day operations of the Advocis sponsored Advisor Insurance Protection program. Jack is an active member of The Financial Advisors Association of Canada’s (Advocis) Executive Management Team.

A successful career in establishing and growing insurance business in Canada, Jack has a professional background in Accounting & Financial Management, and is a licensed Property & Casualty Broker across the country.