June 26, 2025 – Toronto, ON – Following the conclusion of the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto’s (CAST) 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday, June 25, we are pleased to officially welcome the newest members to our Board of Directors.
Iqbal Ali returns to the Board, bringing with him a deep understanding of CAST and a continued commitment to our mission. Joining him are Bessy Leung, Sabah Mirza, Lynn Strangway and Herman Ng. Each of these individuals brings valuable expertise, experience and a strong dedication to supporting children, youth and families across Toronto.

Eugene Choi, Shruti Paul and Julie Mahfouz Rezvani have renewed their terms on the Board and we extend our sincere thanks for their ongoing leadership and service and look forward to another term of their support and efforts.

Salim Zulfikar Somani continues into the second year of his term as Board Chair. A long-serving Board member and respected community leader, Salim’s steady leadership continues to help guide CAST through key strategic priorities and sector advocacy efforts.

The Board’s Executive Committee will also continue for the 2025–26 fiscal year: Salim Zulfikar Somani, Chair, Gerald Mak, Vice Chair, Karen Sihra, 2nd Vice Chair, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Andrew Bedeau, Treasurer and Eugene Choi, Secretary.

“To our new and returning Board members, welcome and welcome back. I look forward to the important work we will do together,” said Lisa Tomlinson, Chief Executive Officer, CAST. “A big thank you to our Board Chair, Salim, the Executive Committee and all Board members for the work they have led and supported over the last year. I look forward to our continued work together focused on Service excellence, financial sustainability, and community collaboration and partnerships.”

Also, this year’s AGM included the introduction of key elements from CAST’s new five-year Strategic Plan. Developed through extensive engagement with staff, Service Users, partners and the community, the plan outlines our strategic directions and priorities for the years ahead. The full plan will be launched this fall, and reflects our commitment to Service excellence, equity, organizational sustainability and meaningful collaboration.

To learn more about CAST’s Board of Directors and leadership team, please visit our Leadership page here.