Our team exhibits a tremendous wealth of experience and a great depth of knowledge, bringing to bear our combined expertise on every investment decision we make. The team consists of:
Our Team
John Carswell
CFA, President, Chief Investment Officer
John graduated from the Royal Military College with a Bachelor of Arts (Commerce) and served as an Air Force navigator. He then earned an MBA degree from Queen’s University (Dean’s List, Award in Finance) in 1985. John completed the Chartered Financial Analyst program and was awarded a CFA charter in 1988. He began his investment career at Mutual Life of Canada in 1985 where he was an Investment Analyst in the Private Placement and Corporate Debt area. He then moved to TAL Investment Counsel Ltd. in 1988 where he was Vice President, Fixed Income, responsible for credit analysis and specialty fixed income products. In 1992, John then moved to Foyston, Gordon & Payne, where he was the Partner responsible for fixed income and preferred shares. He founded Canso Investment Counsel Ltd. in 1997.
Mike Krygier
Chief Information Security Officer
Mike earned a Master of Science in Information Security from Royal Holloway, University of London, England. He holds several industry certifications, including Certified Information Systems Auditor earned in 2006, Certified Information Systems Security Professional earned in 2009, Certified Information Security Manager earned in 2014, and Google Cloud - Professional Cloud Architect earned in 2020. Mike has over 20 years of information security and technology experience in the public and private sectors. He previously held leadership roles with Mandiant, the City of New York and McCarthy Tétrault. Most recently while at Google, Mike led secure digital transformation programs for Federal, Provincial, and Municipal government customers as their Public Sector Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for Canada. Mike joined Canso in 2022 and leads the cybersecurity program at Canso and its affiliate firms.
Natalie Carswell
CFA, Portfolio Manager
Natalie graduated from Ivey Business School at Western University in 2014 with an Honours Business Administration (HBA). Natalie joined Canso in 2014 as a Research Associate and was awarded her Chartered Investment Manager (CIM) designation in March 2021 and her CFA Charter in February 2022. Natalie has held various roles within the investment team and is currently a Portfolio Manager.
Timothy Hicks
CFA, Portfolio Manager
Tim graduated from Carleton University with a Bachelor of Commerce in 1981 and earned his CFA charter in 1990. He joined General Reinsurance Corporation in Toronto as a facultative underwriter in 1982. In 1987, Tim joined SEI Financial Services as an Account Executive, specializing in portfolio performance evaluation and manager research. Tim then joined the Asset Consulting Group of Towers Perrin in 1989 and spent four years there consulting to institutional clients on manager search and asset allocation policy. Tim joined Russell Investments Canada in 1993 and held a variety of roles including Research Analyst and Portfolio Manager. Tim then served as Chief Investment Officer for Canada and finally as Director of North American Equity in Russell’s head office in Tacoma, Washington. Tim joined Canso in 2009 as a member of the Investment Team where he is a Portfolio Manager. He is also responsible for client servicing and marketing.
Faye Lee
CFA, Portfolio Manager, Head of Investment Research
Faye graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Commerce in 2004 (Chancellor’s Gold Medalist in Commerce, Trinity College). She worked at Deloitte & Touche LLP as a Transfer Pricing Analyst before joining Standard & Poor’s in 2007 where she worked as a Credit Analyst, covering Canadian utility and power companies. She joined Canso as a Research Analyst in 2012 and is currently the Head of Investment Research and is responsible for coordinating all Canso investment research activities. She was awarded her CFA charter in 2014.
Gail Mudie
Portfolio Manager
Gail attended the University of Toronto, graduating with Honours in Microbiology in 1979 and achieving her MBA (Dean’s List) in 1981. She then worked for Procter & Gamble Inc., where she held many positions including Financial Analyst, Treasury Supervisor and Financial Manager until 1985. In 1985 Gail joined the Bank of Montreal through the Management Development Program in corporate banking where after several years she became Director, Investment Analysis, Loan Portfolio Management. Gail joined Canso in 1998 and is responsible for credit analysis and portfolio management.
Shirley Sumsion
CPA, CA, Vice President, Finance and Corporate Operations
Shirley graduated from Concordia University with a BA in Sociology and in 1997 received her Chartered Accountancy designation. She spent approximately three years in a national public accounting firm and then moved to a local public accounting firm in 1995 where she was Partner until 2015. Her focus there was mainly working alongside and advising private businesses in various industries under both IFRS and ASPE. Shirley joined Canso in July 2015 and is currently responsible for Finance and Corporate Operations.
Richard Usher-Jones
Portfolio Manager
Richard attended Queen’s University, graduating with a BA in Sociology. He joined Nesbitt Thomson in 1991 as an Investment Advisor. Richard earned his Canadian Investment Manager (CIM) designation and later became a Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI). Richard joined Trimark Investment Management in 1993 where he was a manager in the pensions area. Richard then joined Russell Investments in 1996 where he worked on product development and was a member of Russell’s Canadian Executive Team. Richard joined Canso in 2009 as a member of Canso’s Investment Team where he is a Portfolio Manager and is responsible for credit analysis. He is also responsible for client servicing and marketing.
Heather Mason-Wood
CFA, Chief Strategy and Operating Officer
Heather attended the University of Toronto, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics in 1983. She graduated from the McMaster MBA program with a specialization in Finance in 1985 and in 2005 was awarded the CFA charter. Heather began her investment career working as a representative for Investors Group for two years before joining The Bank of Nova Scotia in 1988. She held many positions in Corporate and Commercial Banking as well as Risk Management in her 15-year career with the bank. Heather joined Canso in February 2003 in credit research and portfolio management and until mid-2019, Heather was responsible for client service and marketing and was the Chief Compliance Officer. As Chief Strategy and Operating Officer, Heather continues to be involved in portfolio management and credit analysis and is also responsible for all non-investment related activities for Canso.
Jason Bell
CFA, Portfolio Manager
Jason graduated from York University with a Bachelor of Arts (Finance) in 2011. Prior to joining Canso, he worked as a Business Development Associate with Macquarie Private Wealth. Jason joined Canso in April 2011 as a Trading Assistant. He earned his CFA designation in May 2015. Jason is a Portfolio Manager and oversees the trading team.
Jason Davis
CFA, Portfolio Manager
Jason graduated from the University of Toronto in 2011 with a Bachelor of Commerce, Finance Specialist. Prior to joining Canso, he worked as a Sales Assistant at CIBC Wood Gundy. Jason joined Canso in November 2012 and was awarded his CFA charter in 2015. Since joining Canso, Jason has worked as a Research Analyst, Portfolio Analyst and Associate Portfolio Manager. He was promoted to Portfolio Manager in November 2019.
Steffan Kelly
CFA, Portfolio Manager
Steffan graduated from McMaster University in 2012 with a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours). Steffan joined Canso in June 2013 as a Research Associate and was awarded his CFA charter in 2017. Since joining Canso, Steffan has worked as a Portfolio Analyst as well as a Trader. He was promoted to Portfolio Manager in November 2019.
Patrick McCalmont
CFA, Portfolio Manager
Patrick attended Queen’s University graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (Political Studies) in 2007. In 2009, he earned a Master of Philosophy from the University of Dublin, Trinity College specializing in International Politics. Patrick joined Canso in 2010 and in 2015 he was awarded his CFA charter. Patrick is currently a Portfolio Manager and heads the client service and marketing team.
Mark Shi
CFA, Portfolio Manager
Mark graduated from the McGill University with a First Class Honours Bachelor of Arts in Probability and Statistics, and a minor in Economics in 2007. He then attended Columbia University in the City of New York, where he graduated from the Master of Science in Financial Engineering program in 2008. Mark joined Canso in 2009 as a Research Associate and is now a Portfolio Manager. He became a CFA charterholder in 2013.
Jacqueline Szeto
Director, Investment Programs
Jacqueline graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Commerce degree. She has over 24 years of experience in capital markets in Asia and North America. Jacqueline worked at TD Securities for 20 years and was Vice President Director in Debt Capital Markets, Institutional Fixed Income Sales. She also served as a board member and former president of Women in Capital Markets, chaired its Benchmarking study and Managing Motherhood. Since 2012 Jacqueline served on the Board of Governors of Branksome Hall. Jacqueline joined Canso Investment Counsel in 2013 and is currently Director of Investment Programs. She earned her Canadian Investment Manager (CIM) designation in 2014. Jacqueline serves as a Director at the Canadian Bond Investors Association (CBIA).
Vivek Verma
CFA, Portfolio Manager
Vivek attended the University of New Delhi, graduating with a Masters in Economics in 1994. In 1997 he completed the MBA program at University of Manchester. Vivek then worked as a Senior Analyst, Credit Rating at ICRA, Moody’s Indian affiliate for three years. He then moved to HCL Technologies as Manager of Investor Relations for two years. He joined Canso in 2002 as a Research Analyst. Vivek was awarded his CFA charter in 2004 and is now a Portfolio Manager with Canso.
Jeff Carter
CFA, Portfolio Manager, Chief Compliance Officer
Jeff graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a BA Economics in 1997 and joined Merrill Lynch in Toronto that year. Jeff spent over 17 years at Bank of America Merrill Lynch in a variety of trading roles within their Fixed Income division in Toronto and New York, most recently as the Canadian Head of Credit and Mortgage Trading. In addition to his trading roles at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Jeff was also responsible for the bank’s Canadian Commercial Real Estate securitization functions including warehouse hedging and securitization pricing. Jeff received his CFA charter in 2003 and joined Canso as a member of the Investment Team in 2015, focusing on investment research and strategy. In May 2019, Jeff assumed the responsibilities of Chief Compliance Officer.
Brian Carney
Portfolio Manager
Brian attended the University of Notre Dame graduating with a degree in Government and International Studies in 1990. Brian then joined the Credit Department of Goldman Sachs & Co. working in the firm’s New York, London and Toronto offices. In 1997 Brian moved to Merrill Lynch Canada Inc. and over the next 11 years held a variety of positions in Corporate Bond Research, High Yield and Corporate Bond Trading, Syndication and Proprietary Trading. In 2009 Brian earned his Canadian Investment Manager (CIM) designation and started Big Rock Capital Management Inc. an investment management firm focused on the high yield segment of the fixed income market. In 2012 Brian joined Canso as a member of the Investment Team where he is a Portfolio Manager and also contributes to client servicing and marketing.
Nicolas Desjardins
CFA, Portfolio Manager
Nicolas graduated from the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario with a Bachelor of Science degree (Honours Physics and Space Science) in 2002, and later with a Master of Science degree (Physics) in 2006. Nicolas served as an Aerospace Engineer with 14 Air Maintenance Squadron in Greenwood, Nova Scotia and as an Operations Engineer/Robotics Instructor at the Canadian Space Agency – Canadian Forces Detachment. Nicolas then attended Université de Sherbrooke graduating in 2010 with a Master of Science degree in Finance and was awarded a CFA charter in 2015. Nicolas joined Canso in 2011 as a Portfolio and Risk Analyst and is now a Portfolio Manager.
John Laing
CFA, Portfolio Manager
John graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a Bachelor of Administration and Commercial Studies (Finance and Economics) in 2004. Prior to joining Canso, John spent four years in a variety of roles at TD Bank Financial Group where he completed the Canadian Securities Course and the Derivatives Fundamentals and Option Licensing courses. John completed Level 3 of the Chartered Financial Analyst program in June 2009 and was awarded his CFA charter in 2012. John joined Canso in March 2009 as a Portfolio Assistant and is currently a Portfolio Manager at Canso.
Joe Morin
CFA, Portfolio Manager
Joe Morin graduated from the Royal Military College with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours Economics and Commerce) in 1986 and served as an officer in the Canadian Navy. He subsequently earned an MBA degree from the University of British Columbia in 1995. Joe has held various positions in private lending, credit management and credit research in the past number of years including Export Development Canada, Nortel Networks, and Standard & Poor’s. Prior to joining Canso, Joe was a Director of Corporate Debt Research at BMO Capital Markets responsible for covering the Canadian telecom, cable, media, retail, real estate and credit card ABS sectors. Joe joined Canso in May 2009 and was Director of Investment Research until May 2019. Currently, Joe’s responsibilities are focused exclusively on research and portfolio management.
Elizabeth Sit
Director, Securities Operations
Liz worked in the banking and securities industry for many years, specializing in system analysis and operations. She then joined FRI, a financial systems company, as a Client Support Specialist. Subsequently, she joined Foyston, Gordon & Payne, an investment counseling firm, as a Systems Analyst and Portfolio Administrator. She then moved to JR Senecal, another investment counselor, in investment administration. Later, Liz worked for Goodman and Company, where she was a Performance Measurement Specialist, and assisted in the trading operation. Liz joined Canso in 2000 as an Investment Analyst eventually assuming responsibility for the Securities Operations area. In 2009, Liz completed the Partners, Directors and Senior Officers Course. She was most recently Vice President, Securities Operations until late 2019 when she became a Director. Liz now provides oversight of Securities Operations and also contributes to various initiatives for the Canso group of companies.
Jeff Tang
CFA, Portfolio Manager, Compliance Manager
Jeff graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1999 and completed a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in 2002. He then worked as a Financial Service Representative with CIBC, a Mutual Fund Representative with CIBC Securities, and an Investment Accountant with State Street. Jeff joined Canso in 2008 as an Investment Assistant and was awarded his CFA charter in 2009. Jeff has held various roles with Canso within the investment team and compliance, and today serves as Portfolio Manager and Compliance Manager.
Harold Won
Vice President, Securities Operations
Harold graduated from York University with a BA Economics in 2000. He then joined CIBC Mellon in Toronto, in their Client Advisor Services Group, as a Cash Specialist and then as a Team Leader. In 2002 Harold joined KBSH Capital Management Inc., where he held positions as an Institutional Portfolio Administrator and Performance Measurement Analyst. Harold joined Canso in 2010, and is currently responsible for Securities Operations.
John Carswell
CFA, President, Chief Investment Officer
John graduated from the Royal Military College with a Bachelor of Arts (Commerce) and served as an Air Force navigator. He then earned an MBA degree from Queen’s University (Dean’s List, Award in Finance) in 1985. John completed the Chartered Financial Analyst program and was awarded a CFA charter in 1988. He began his investment career at Mutual Life of Canada in 1985 where he was an Investment Analyst in the Private Placement and Corporate Debt area. He then moved to TAL Investment Counsel Ltd. in 1988 where he was Vice President, Fixed Income, responsible for credit analysis and specialty fixed income products. In 1992, John then moved to Foyston, Gordon & Payne, where he was the Partner responsible for fixed income and preferred shares. He founded Canso Investment Counsel Ltd. in 1997.
Jeff Carter
CFA, Portfolio Manager, Chief Compliance Officer
Jeff graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a BA Economics in 1997 and joined Merrill Lynch in Toronto that year. Jeff spent over 17 years at Bank of America Merrill Lynch in a variety of trading roles within their Fixed Income division in Toronto and New York, most recently as the Canadian Head of Credit and Mortgage Trading. In addition to his trading roles at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Jeff was also responsible for the bank’s Canadian Commercial Real Estate securitization functions including warehouse hedging and securitization pricing. Jeff received his CFA charter in 2003 and joined Canso as a member of the Investment Team in 2015, focusing on investment research and strategy. In May 2019, Jeff assumed the responsibilities of Chief Compliance Officer.
Jason Bell
CFA, Portfolio Manager
Jason graduated from York University with a Bachelor of Arts (Finance) in 2011. Prior to joining Canso, he worked as a Business Development Associate with Macquarie Private Wealth. Jason joined Canso in April 2011 as a Trading Assistant. He earned his CFA designation in May 2015. Jason is a Portfolio Manager and oversees the trading team.
Natalie Carswell
CFA, Portfolio Manager
Natalie graduated from Ivey Business School at Western University in 2014 with an Honours Business Administration (HBA). Natalie joined Canso in 2014 as a Research Associate and was awarded her Chartered Investment Manager (CIM) designation in March 2021 and her CFA Charter in February 2022. Natalie has held various roles within the investment team and is currently a Portfolio Manager.
Nicolas Desjardins
CFA, Portfolio Manager
Nicolas graduated from the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario with a Bachelor of Science degree (Honours Physics and Space Science) in 2002, and later with a Master of Science degree (Physics) in 2006. Nicolas served as an Aerospace Engineer with 14 Air Maintenance Squadron in Greenwood, Nova Scotia and as an Operations Engineer/Robotics Instructor at the Canadian Space Agency – Canadian Forces Detachment. Nicolas then attended Université de Sherbrooke graduating in 2010 with a Master of Science degree in Finance and was awarded a CFA charter in 2015. Nicolas joined Canso in 2011 as a Portfolio and Risk Analyst and is now a Portfolio Manager.
Steffan Kelly
CFA, Portfolio Manager
Steffan graduated from McMaster University in 2012 with a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours). Steffan joined Canso in June 2013 as a Research Associate and was awarded his CFA charter in 2017. Since joining Canso, Steffan has worked as a Portfolio Analyst as well as a Trader. He was promoted to Portfolio Manager in November 2019.
Faye Lee
CFA, Portfolio Manager, Head of Investment Research
Faye graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Commerce in 2004 (Chancellor’s Gold Medalist in Commerce, Trinity College). She worked at Deloitte & Touche LLP as a Transfer Pricing Analyst before joining Standard & Poor’s in 2007 where she worked as a Credit Analyst, covering Canadian utility and power companies. She joined Canso as a Research Analyst in 2012 and is currently the Head of Investment Research and is responsible for coordinating all Canso investment research activities. She was awarded her CFA charter in 2014.
Joe Morin
CFA, Portfolio Manager
Joe Morin graduated from the Royal Military College with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours Economics and Commerce) in 1986 and served as an officer in the Canadian Navy. He subsequently earned an MBA degree from the University of British Columbia in 1995. Joe has held various positions in private lending, credit management and credit research in the past number of years including Export Development Canada, Nortel Networks, and Standard & Poor’s. Prior to joining Canso, Joe was a Director of Corporate Debt Research at BMO Capital Markets responsible for covering the Canadian telecom, cable, media, retail, real estate and credit card ABS sectors. Joe joined Canso in May 2009 and was Director of Investment Research until May 2019. Currently, Joe’s responsibilities are focused exclusively on research and portfolio management.
Mark Shi
CFA, Portfolio Manager
Mark graduated from the McGill University with a First Class Honours Bachelor of Arts in Probability and Statistics, and a minor in Economics in 2007. He then attended Columbia University in the City of New York, where he graduated from the Master of Science in Financial Engineering program in 2008. Mark joined Canso in 2009 as a Research Associate and is now a Portfolio Manager. He became a CFA charterholder in 2013.
Shirley Sumsion
CPA, CA, Vice President, Finance and Corporate Operations
Shirley graduated from Concordia University with a BA in Sociology and in 1997 received her Chartered Accountancy designation. She spent approximately three years in a national public accounting firm and then moved to a local public accounting firm in 1995 where she was Partner until 2015. Her focus there was mainly working alongside and advising private businesses in various industries under both IFRS and ASPE. Shirley joined Canso in July 2015 and is currently responsible for Finance and Corporate Operations.
Jeff Tang
CFA, Portfolio Manager, Compliance Manager
Jeff graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1999 and completed a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in 2002. He then worked as a Financial Service Representative with CIBC, a Mutual Fund Representative with CIBC Securities, and an Investment Accountant with State Street. Jeff joined Canso in 2008 as an Investment Assistant and was awarded his CFA charter in 2009. Jeff has held various roles with Canso within the investment team and compliance, and today serves as Portfolio Manager and Compliance Manager.
Vivek Verma
CFA, Portfolio Manager
Vivek attended the University of New Delhi, graduating with a Masters in Economics in 1994. In 1997 he completed the MBA program at University of Manchester. Vivek then worked as a Senior Analyst, Credit Rating at ICRA, Moody’s Indian affiliate for three years. He then moved to HCL Technologies as Manager of Investor Relations for two years. He joined Canso in 2002 as a Research Analyst. Vivek was awarded his CFA charter in 2004 and is now a Portfolio Manager with Canso.
Heather Mason-Wood
CFA, Chief Strategy and Operating Officer
Heather attended the University of Toronto, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics in 1983. She graduated from the McMaster MBA program with a specialization in Finance in 1985 and in 2005 was awarded the CFA charter. Heather began her investment career working as a representative for Investors Group for two years before joining The Bank of Nova Scotia in 1988. She held many positions in Corporate and Commercial Banking as well as Risk Management in her 15-year career with the bank. Heather joined Canso in February 2003 in credit research and portfolio management and until mid-2019, Heather was responsible for client service and marketing and was the Chief Compliance Officer. As Chief Strategy and Operating Officer, Heather continues to be involved in portfolio management and credit analysis and is also responsible for all non-investment related activities for Canso.
Mike Krygier
Chief Information Security Officer
Mike earned a Master of Science in Information Security from Royal Holloway, University of London, England. He holds several industry certifications, including Certified Information Systems Auditor earned in 2006, Certified Information Systems Security Professional earned in 2009, Certified Information Security Manager earned in 2014, and Google Cloud - Professional Cloud Architect earned in 2020. Mike has over 20 years of information security and technology experience in the public and private sectors. He previously held leadership roles with Mandiant, the City of New York and McCarthy Tétrault. Most recently while at Google, Mike led secure digital transformation programs for Federal, Provincial, and Municipal government customers as their Public Sector Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for Canada. Mike joined Canso in 2022 and leads the cybersecurity program at Canso and its affiliate firms.
Brian Carney
Portfolio Manager
Brian attended the University of Notre Dame graduating with a degree in Government and International Studies in 1990. Brian then joined the Credit Department of Goldman Sachs & Co. working in the firm’s New York, London and Toronto offices. In 1997 Brian moved to Merrill Lynch Canada Inc. and over the next 11 years held a variety of positions in Corporate Bond Research, High Yield and Corporate Bond Trading, Syndication and Proprietary Trading. In 2009 Brian earned his Canadian Investment Manager (CIM) designation and started Big Rock Capital Management Inc. an investment management firm focused on the high yield segment of the fixed income market. In 2012 Brian joined Canso as a member of the Investment Team where he is a Portfolio Manager and also contributes to client servicing and marketing.
Jason Davis
CFA, Portfolio Manager
Jason graduated from the University of Toronto in 2011 with a Bachelor of Commerce, Finance Specialist. Prior to joining Canso, he worked as a Sales Assistant at CIBC Wood Gundy. Jason joined Canso in November 2012 and was awarded his CFA charter in 2015. Since joining Canso, Jason has worked as a Research Analyst, Portfolio Analyst and Associate Portfolio Manager. He was promoted to Portfolio Manager in November 2019.
Timothy Hicks
CFA, Portfolio Manager
Tim graduated from Carleton University with a Bachelor of Commerce in 1981 and earned his CFA charter in 1990. He joined General Reinsurance Corporation in Toronto as a facultative underwriter in 1982. In 1987, Tim joined SEI Financial Services as an Account Executive, specializing in portfolio performance evaluation and manager research. Tim then joined the Asset Consulting Group of Towers Perrin in 1989 and spent four years there consulting to institutional clients on manager search and asset allocation policy. Tim joined Russell Investments Canada in 1993 and held a variety of roles including Research Analyst and Portfolio Manager. Tim then served as Chief Investment Officer for Canada and finally as Director of North American Equity in Russell’s head office in Tacoma, Washington. Tim joined Canso in 2009 as a member of the Investment Team where he is a Portfolio Manager. He is also responsible for client servicing and marketing.
John Laing
CFA, Portfolio Manager
John graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a Bachelor of Administration and Commercial Studies (Finance and Economics) in 2004. Prior to joining Canso, John spent four years in a variety of roles at TD Bank Financial Group where he completed the Canadian Securities Course and the Derivatives Fundamentals and Option Licensing courses. John completed Level 3 of the Chartered Financial Analyst program in June 2009 and was awarded his CFA charter in 2012. John joined Canso in March 2009 as a Portfolio Assistant and is currently a Portfolio Manager at Canso.
Patrick McCalmont
CFA, Portfolio Manager
Patrick attended Queen’s University graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (Political Studies) in 2007. In 2009, he earned a Master of Philosophy from the University of Dublin, Trinity College specializing in International Politics. Patrick joined Canso in 2010 and in 2015 he was awarded his CFA charter. Patrick is currently a Portfolio Manager and heads the client service and marketing team.
Gail Mudie
Portfolio Manager
Gail attended the University of Toronto, graduating with Honours in Microbiology in 1979 and achieving her MBA (Dean’s List) in 1981. She then worked for Procter & Gamble Inc., where she held many positions including Financial Analyst, Treasury Supervisor and Financial Manager until 1985. In 1985 Gail joined the Bank of Montreal through the Management Development Program in corporate banking where after several years she became Director, Investment Analysis, Loan Portfolio Management. Gail joined Canso in 1998 and is responsible for credit analysis and portfolio management.
Elizabeth Sit
Director, Securities Operations
Liz worked in the banking and securities industry for many years, specializing in system analysis and operations. She then joined FRI, a financial systems company, as a Client Support Specialist. Subsequently, she joined Foyston, Gordon & Payne, an investment counseling firm, as a Systems Analyst and Portfolio Administrator. She then moved to JR Senecal, another investment counselor, in investment administration. Later, Liz worked for Goodman and Company, where she was a Performance Measurement Specialist, and assisted in the trading operation. Liz joined Canso in 2000 as an Investment Analyst eventually assuming responsibility for the Securities Operations area. In 2009, Liz completed the Partners, Directors and Senior Officers Course. She was most recently Vice President, Securities Operations until late 2019 when she became a Director. Liz now provides oversight of Securities Operations and also contributes to various initiatives for the Canso group of companies.
Jacqueline Szeto
Director, Investment Programs
Jacqueline graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Commerce degree. She has over 24 years of experience in capital markets in Asia and North America. Jacqueline worked at TD Securities for 20 years and was Vice President Director in Debt Capital Markets, Institutional Fixed Income Sales. She also served as a board member and former president of Women in Capital Markets, chaired its Benchmarking study and Managing Motherhood. Since 2012 Jacqueline served on the Board of Governors of Branksome Hall. Jacqueline joined Canso Investment Counsel in 2013 and is currently Director of Investment Programs. She earned her Canadian Investment Manager (CIM) designation in 2014. Jacqueline serves as a Director at the Canadian Bond Investors Association (CBIA).
Richard Usher-Jones
Portfolio Manager
Richard attended Queen’s University, graduating with a BA in Sociology. He joined Nesbitt Thomson in 1991 as an Investment Advisor. Richard earned his Canadian Investment Manager (CIM) designation and later became a Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI). Richard joined Trimark Investment Management in 1993 where he was a manager in the pensions area. Richard then joined Russell Investments in 1996 where he worked on product development and was a member of Russell’s Canadian Executive Team. Richard joined Canso in 2009 as a member of Canso’s Investment Team where he is a Portfolio Manager and is responsible for credit analysis. He is also responsible for client servicing and marketing.
Harold Won
Vice President, Securities Operations
Harold graduated from York University with a BA Economics in 2000. He then joined CIBC Mellon in Toronto, in their Client Advisor Services Group, as a Cash Specialist and then as a Team Leader. In 2002 Harold joined KBSH Capital Management Inc., where he held positions as an Institutional Portfolio Administrator and Performance Measurement Analyst. Harold joined Canso in 2010, and is currently responsible for Securities Operations.
John Carswell
CFA, President, Chief Investment Officer
John graduated from the Royal Military College with a Bachelor of Arts (Commerce) and served as an Air Force navigator. He then earned an MBA degree from Queen’s University (Dean’s List, Award in Finance) in 1985. John completed the Chartered Financial Analyst program and was awarded a CFA charter in 1988. He began his investment career at Mutual Life of Canada in 1985 where he was an Investment Analyst in the Private Placement and Corporate Debt area. He then moved to TAL Investment Counsel Ltd. in 1988 where he was Vice President, Fixed Income, responsible for credit analysis and specialty fixed income products. In 1992, John then moved to Foyston, Gordon & Payne, where he was the Partner responsible for fixed income and preferred shares. He founded Canso Investment Counsel Ltd. in 1997.
Heather Mason-Wood
CFA, Chief Strategy and Operating Officer
Heather attended the University of Toronto, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics in 1983. She graduated from the McMaster MBA program with a specialization in Finance in 1985 and in 2005 was awarded the CFA charter. Heather began her investment career working as a representative for Investors Group for two years before joining The Bank of Nova Scotia in 1988. She held many positions in Corporate and Commercial Banking as well as Risk Management in her 15-year career with the bank. Heather joined Canso in February 2003 in credit research and portfolio management and until mid-2019, Heather was responsible for client service and marketing and was the Chief Compliance Officer. As Chief Strategy and Operating Officer, Heather continues to be involved in portfolio management and credit analysis and is also responsible for all non-investment related activities for Canso.
Jeff Carter
CFA, Portfolio Manager, Chief Compliance Officer
Jeff graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a BA Economics in 1997 and joined Merrill Lynch in Toronto that year. Jeff spent over 17 years at Bank of America Merrill Lynch in a variety of trading roles within their Fixed Income division in Toronto and New York, most recently as the Canadian Head of Credit and Mortgage Trading. In addition to his trading roles at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Jeff was also responsible for the bank’s Canadian Commercial Real Estate securitization functions including warehouse hedging and securitization pricing. Jeff received his CFA charter in 2003 and joined Canso as a member of the Investment Team in 2015, focusing on investment research and strategy. In May 2019, Jeff assumed the responsibilities of Chief Compliance Officer.
Mike Krygier
Chief Information Security Officer
Mike earned a Master of Science in Information Security from Royal Holloway, University of London, England. He holds several industry certifications, including Certified Information Systems Auditor earned in 2006, Certified Information Systems Security Professional earned in 2009, Certified Information Security Manager earned in 2014, and Google Cloud - Professional Cloud Architect earned in 2020. Mike has over 20 years of information security and technology experience in the public and private sectors. He previously held leadership roles with Mandiant, the City of New York and McCarthy Tétrault. Most recently while at Google, Mike led secure digital transformation programs for Federal, Provincial, and Municipal government customers as their Public Sector Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for Canada. Mike joined Canso in 2022 and leads the cybersecurity program at Canso and its affiliate firms.
Jason Bell
CFA, Portfolio Manager
Jason graduated from York University with a Bachelor of Arts (Finance) in 2011. Prior to joining Canso, he worked as a Business Development Associate with Macquarie Private Wealth. Jason joined Canso in April 2011 as a Trading Assistant. He earned his CFA designation in May 2015. Jason is a Portfolio Manager and oversees the trading team.
Brian Carney
Portfolio Manager
Brian attended the University of Notre Dame graduating with a degree in Government and International Studies in 1990. Brian then joined the Credit Department of Goldman Sachs & Co. working in the firm’s New York, London and Toronto offices. In 1997 Brian moved to Merrill Lynch Canada Inc. and over the next 11 years held a variety of positions in Corporate Bond Research, High Yield and Corporate Bond Trading, Syndication and Proprietary Trading. In 2009 Brian earned his Canadian Investment Manager (CIM) designation and started Big Rock Capital Management Inc. an investment management firm focused on the high yield segment of the fixed income market. In 2012 Brian joined Canso as a member of the Investment Team where he is a Portfolio Manager and also contributes to client servicing and marketing.
Natalie Carswell
CFA, Portfolio Manager
Natalie graduated from Ivey Business School at Western University in 2014 with an Honours Business Administration (HBA). Natalie joined Canso in 2014 as a Research Associate and was awarded her Chartered Investment Manager (CIM) designation in March 2021 and her CFA Charter in February 2022. Natalie has held various roles within the investment team and is currently a Portfolio Manager.
Jason Davis
CFA, Portfolio Manager
Jason graduated from the University of Toronto in 2011 with a Bachelor of Commerce, Finance Specialist. Prior to joining Canso, he worked as a Sales Assistant at CIBC Wood Gundy. Jason joined Canso in November 2012 and was awarded his CFA charter in 2015. Since joining Canso, Jason has worked as a Research Analyst, Portfolio Analyst and Associate Portfolio Manager. He was promoted to Portfolio Manager in November 2019.
Nicolas Desjardins
CFA, Portfolio Manager
Nicolas graduated from the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario with a Bachelor of Science degree (Honours Physics and Space Science) in 2002, and later with a Master of Science degree (Physics) in 2006. Nicolas served as an Aerospace Engineer with 14 Air Maintenance Squadron in Greenwood, Nova Scotia and as an Operations Engineer/Robotics Instructor at the Canadian Space Agency – Canadian Forces Detachment. Nicolas then attended Université de Sherbrooke graduating in 2010 with a Master of Science degree in Finance and was awarded a CFA charter in 2015. Nicolas joined Canso in 2011 as a Portfolio and Risk Analyst and is now a Portfolio Manager.
Timothy Hicks
CFA, Portfolio Manager
Tim graduated from Carleton University with a Bachelor of Commerce in 1981 and earned his CFA charter in 1990. He joined General Reinsurance Corporation in Toronto as a facultative underwriter in 1982. In 1987, Tim joined SEI Financial Services as an Account Executive, specializing in portfolio performance evaluation and manager research. Tim then joined the Asset Consulting Group of Towers Perrin in 1989 and spent four years there consulting to institutional clients on manager search and asset allocation policy. Tim joined Russell Investments Canada in 1993 and held a variety of roles including Research Analyst and Portfolio Manager. Tim then served as Chief Investment Officer for Canada and finally as Director of North American Equity in Russell’s head office in Tacoma, Washington. Tim joined Canso in 2009 as a member of the Investment Team where he is a Portfolio Manager. He is also responsible for client servicing and marketing.
Steffan Kelly
CFA, Portfolio Manager
Steffan graduated from McMaster University in 2012 with a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours). Steffan joined Canso in June 2013 as a Research Associate and was awarded his CFA charter in 2017. Since joining Canso, Steffan has worked as a Portfolio Analyst as well as a Trader. He was promoted to Portfolio Manager in November 2019.
John Laing
CFA, Portfolio Manager
John graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a Bachelor of Administration and Commercial Studies (Finance and Economics) in 2004. Prior to joining Canso, John spent four years in a variety of roles at TD Bank Financial Group where he completed the Canadian Securities Course and the Derivatives Fundamentals and Option Licensing courses. John completed Level 3 of the Chartered Financial Analyst program in June 2009 and was awarded his CFA charter in 2012. John joined Canso in March 2009 as a Portfolio Assistant and is currently a Portfolio Manager at Canso.
Faye Lee
CFA, Portfolio Manager, Head of Investment Research
Faye graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Commerce in 2004 (Chancellor’s Gold Medalist in Commerce, Trinity College). She worked at Deloitte & Touche LLP as a Transfer Pricing Analyst before joining Standard & Poor’s in 2007 where she worked as a Credit Analyst, covering Canadian utility and power companies. She joined Canso as a Research Analyst in 2012 and is currently the Head of Investment Research and is responsible for coordinating all Canso investment research activities. She was awarded her CFA charter in 2014.
Patrick McCalmont
CFA, Portfolio Manager
Patrick attended Queen’s University graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (Political Studies) in 2007. In 2009, he earned a Master of Philosophy from the University of Dublin, Trinity College specializing in International Politics. Patrick joined Canso in 2010 and in 2015 he was awarded his CFA charter. Patrick is currently a Portfolio Manager and heads the client service and marketing team.
Joe Morin
CFA, Portfolio Manager
Joe Morin graduated from the Royal Military College with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours Economics and Commerce) in 1986 and served as an officer in the Canadian Navy. He subsequently earned an MBA degree from the University of British Columbia in 1995. Joe has held various positions in private lending, credit management and credit research in the past number of years including Export Development Canada, Nortel Networks, and Standard & Poor’s. Prior to joining Canso, Joe was a Director of Corporate Debt Research at BMO Capital Markets responsible for covering the Canadian telecom, cable, media, retail, real estate and credit card ABS sectors. Joe joined Canso in May 2009 and was Director of Investment Research until May 2019. Currently, Joe’s responsibilities are focused exclusively on research and portfolio management.
Gail Mudie
Portfolio Manager
Gail attended the University of Toronto, graduating with Honours in Microbiology in 1979 and achieving her MBA (Dean’s List) in 1981. She then worked for Procter & Gamble Inc., where she held many positions including Financial Analyst, Treasury Supervisor and Financial Manager until 1985. In 1985 Gail joined the Bank of Montreal through the Management Development Program in corporate banking where after several years she became Director, Investment Analysis, Loan Portfolio Management. Gail joined Canso in 1998 and is responsible for credit analysis and portfolio management.
Mark Shi
CFA, Portfolio Manager
Mark graduated from the McGill University with a First Class Honours Bachelor of Arts in Probability and Statistics, and a minor in Economics in 2007. He then attended Columbia University in the City of New York, where he graduated from the Master of Science in Financial Engineering program in 2008. Mark joined Canso in 2009 as a Research Associate and is now a Portfolio Manager. He became a CFA charterholder in 2013.
Elizabeth Sit
Director, Securities Operations
Liz worked in the banking and securities industry for many years, specializing in system analysis and operations. She then joined FRI, a financial systems company, as a Client Support Specialist. Subsequently, she joined Foyston, Gordon & Payne, an investment counseling firm, as a Systems Analyst and Portfolio Administrator. She then moved to JR Senecal, another investment counselor, in investment administration. Later, Liz worked for Goodman and Company, where she was a Performance Measurement Specialist, and assisted in the trading operation. Liz joined Canso in 2000 as an Investment Analyst eventually assuming responsibility for the Securities Operations area. In 2009, Liz completed the Partners, Directors and Senior Officers Course. She was most recently Vice President, Securities Operations until late 2019 when she became a Director. Liz now provides oversight of Securities Operations and also contributes to various initiatives for the Canso group of companies.
Shirley Sumsion
CPA, CA, Vice President, Finance and Corporate Operations
Shirley graduated from Concordia University with a BA in Sociology and in 1997 received her Chartered Accountancy designation. She spent approximately three years in a national public accounting firm and then moved to a local public accounting firm in 1995 where she was Partner until 2015. Her focus there was mainly working alongside and advising private businesses in various industries under both IFRS and ASPE. Shirley joined Canso in July 2015 and is currently responsible for Finance and Corporate Operations.
Jacqueline Szeto
Director, Investment Programs
Jacqueline graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Commerce degree. She has over 24 years of experience in capital markets in Asia and North America. Jacqueline worked at TD Securities for 20 years and was Vice President Director in Debt Capital Markets, Institutional Fixed Income Sales. She also served as a board member and former president of Women in Capital Markets, chaired its Benchmarking study and Managing Motherhood. Since 2012 Jacqueline served on the Board of Governors of Branksome Hall. Jacqueline joined Canso Investment Counsel in 2013 and is currently Director of Investment Programs. She earned her Canadian Investment Manager (CIM) designation in 2014. Jacqueline serves as a Director at the Canadian Bond Investors Association (CBIA).
Jeff Tang
CFA, Portfolio Manager, Compliance Manager
Jeff graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1999 and completed a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in 2002. He then worked as a Financial Service Representative with CIBC, a Mutual Fund Representative with CIBC Securities, and an Investment Accountant with State Street. Jeff joined Canso in 2008 as an Investment Assistant and was awarded his CFA charter in 2009. Jeff has held various roles with Canso within the investment team and compliance, and today serves as Portfolio Manager and Compliance Manager.
Richard Usher-Jones
Portfolio Manager
Richard attended Queen’s University, graduating with a BA in Sociology. He joined Nesbitt Thomson in 1991 as an Investment Advisor. Richard earned his Canadian Investment Manager (CIM) designation and later became a Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI). Richard joined Trimark Investment Management in 1993 where he was a manager in the pensions area. Richard then joined Russell Investments in 1996 where he worked on product development and was a member of Russell’s Canadian Executive Team. Richard joined Canso in 2009 as a member of Canso’s Investment Team where he is a Portfolio Manager and is responsible for credit analysis. He is also responsible for client servicing and marketing.
Vivek Verma
CFA, Portfolio Manager
Vivek attended the University of New Delhi, graduating with a Masters in Economics in 1994. In 1997 he completed the MBA program at University of Manchester. Vivek then worked as a Senior Analyst, Credit Rating at ICRA, Moody’s Indian affiliate for three years. He then moved to HCL Technologies as Manager of Investor Relations for two years. He joined Canso in 2002 as a Research Analyst. Vivek was awarded his CFA charter in 2004 and is now a Portfolio Manager with Canso.
Harold Won
Vice President, Securities Operations
Harold graduated from York University with a BA Economics in 2000. He then joined CIBC Mellon in Toronto, in their Client Advisor Services Group, as a Cash Specialist and then as a Team Leader. In 2002 Harold joined KBSH Capital Management Inc., where he held positions as an Institutional Portfolio Administrator and Performance Measurement Analyst. Harold joined Canso in 2010, and is currently responsible for Securities Operations.