BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Our Board provides the strategic leadership and governance needed to advance our vision of ensuring every Canadian child has the means to advocate for themselves and their community. It includes members of the McLeese family, whose private McLeese Debate Foundation has supported debating for decades. Collectively, our directors bring expertise in accounting, law, and non-profit management, along with
extensive personal experience in debate.
Robert McLeese
Founder & Chair
Robert, Founder and President of Access Capital Corp., leads a Toronto-based advisory firm specializing in financing and developing independent power projects. His late father, Willis S. McLeese, founded the McLeese Debate in 2002 to expand debate in schools and strengthen democratic participation. Robert inherited the program and, with the McLeese Debate Advisory Council, launched the Speech & Debate Canada Foundation in 2017 to ensure debate continues to thrive nationwide.
Lisa McLeese
Vice-Chair
Lisa, a former elementary school teacher with the DCDSB, taught grades 1–8 FI before resigning to raise her young family. A graduate of the University of Toronto (B.Ed.) and Brock University (B.Phys.Ed.), she was introduced to debate through conversations with Willis McLeese and attended the 2015 CSDF National Seminar in Victoria. Inspired, she launched a debate club at St. Patrick C.S. in Ajax, running for three years. Lisa now brings her passion to the organization, believing all students should have access to debate.
James Garner
Treasurer - McLeese Award (2017)
Jim, Corporate Director and Independent Consultant, was a founding board member of the Speech and Debate Canada Foundation. Recently retired, he brings extensive executive and board experience across finance, healthcare, life sciences, and education. A CPA/CA, Chartered Business Valuator, and ICD.D, Jim has served with public companies, not-for-profits, and public sector organizations. He holds an MBA from IMD and a B.Comm. from Queen’s University.
Paul McLeese
Director
Paul has been a lifelong advocate for debate in Canada, attending the World Affairs Conference throughout high school and supporting the activity ever since. For the past two years, he has been actively involved with the Speech and Debate Canada Foundation, bringing his passion and communication skills to the organization. Paul believes strongly that politicians would serve the country better if they entered public life with a deeper understanding of debate.
Nikhil Gowd
Director - McLeese Award 2024
Nikhil joined the Speech and Debate Canada Foundation in 2017 as its first instructor, having competed at nationals and represented Canada at the World Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championship. He was instrumental in shaping the direction of the organization’s programs. Now a public policy analyst and researcher focused on systems change, climate policy, and democracy, Nikhil holds an M.Sc. in International Development from Oxford and an HBA from Ivey, with fellowships and nonprofit experience.
Scott Stirrett
Director - McLeese Award 2025
Scott is the Founder and CEO of Venture for Canada (VFC), a national charity building entrepreneurial skills in young Canadians through programs with startups and SMEs. With a $15M budget, 35 staff, and over 3,600 youth served annually, VFC is supported by major funders including ESDC, RBC, and TD. A Georgetown graduate and former Goldman Sachs analyst, Scott has been recognized as a Telus LGBTQ Innovator, Globe and Mail Changemaker, Action Canada Fellow, and Emerging Leader by The Peak.
Vinayak Mishra
Director
Vinayak is a lawyer at TAP Law, a Toronto boutique litigation firm representing individuals, businesses, and nonprofits in civil and commercial disputes. His practice spans corporate and commercial litigation, shareholder disputes, and public law. A Dalhousie graduate (B.Sc., J.D.), Vinayak was first introduced to debate in junior high and has remained deeply engaged ever since, serving as a participant, judge, coach, and volunteer in the Canadian high school debate community.
Daniel Svirsky
Director
Daniel is a JD/HBA candidate at Western Law and Ivey Business School with experience at start-ups, Questrade, and currently at Blake Cassels & Graydon LLP. Active in debate since 2018, he served as President of both the Canadian University Society for Intercollegiate Debate and the University of Western Ontario Debate Society, leading major initiatives and large budgets. A three-time national champion, Daniel has reached elimination rounds at over 35 tournaments worldwide, including Yale and Cornell.
Chris George
Director - CSDF Liason - McLeese Award (2017)
Chris George, President of the Canadian Student Debating Federation (CSDF), is a longtime schoolteacher at Lower Canada College in Montreal. A former board member of OSDU and QSDA, he has convened and hosted numerous national championships and debate events over the past 30 years. With decades of experience as both coach and organizer, Chris has been a cornerstone of Canada’s debate community, dedicated to fostering competitive debate programs nationwide.