Ambassador Program

Community Ambassador Program

A York Regional Police Community Ambassador is a member of the community that will promote York Regional Polices initiatives and activities, and answer questions or receive feedback on behalf of the organization.

Members of the District Community Liaison Committee, the Community Ambassadors have received additional training on public speaking, familiarization with Crime Prevention techniques and programs, and an in-depth knowledge of the community concerns of the area in which they are assigned.

A vital part of our community safety initiatives, community ambassadors are required to have been referred to the program and complete all the basic requirements of any YRP volunteer.

For more information or to apply or nominate someone email us at: info@iscac.ca

Retired Past Co-Chair of ISCAC

York Regional Police Superintendent Duncan MacIntyre has been serving the residents of York Region for over 36 years.

Duncan has worked in various areas of the organization including 1,2 and 4 Districts, Intelligence Bureau, Guns and Gangs and Organized Crime and Intelligence Services. Early in his career Duncan recognized the need to engage communities and develop partnerships within the community to reduce crime, making York Region one of the safest communities in Canada. As Co-Chair of ISCAC Duncan worked collaboratively with a broad range of community representatives from private, public and diverse community sectors in York Region to develop sustainable solutions to crime and innovative crime prevention strategies.  

Retired Past Co-Chair of ISCAC

York Regional Police Superintendent Duncan MacIntyre has been serving the residents of York Region for over 36 years.

Duncan has worked in various areas of the organization including 1,2 and 4 Districts, Intelligence Bureau, Guns and Gangs and Organized Crime and Intelligence Services. Early in his career Duncan recognized the need to engage communities and develop partnerships within the community to reduce crime, making York Region one of the safest communities in Canada. As Co-Chair of ISCAC Duncan worked collaboratively with a broad range of community representatives from private, public and diverse community sectors in York Region to develop sustainable solutions to crime and innovative crime prevention strategies.  

Ryan Hogan

York Regional Police Superintendent Ryan Hogan has been serving the residents of York Region for the past 25 years and is currently assigned to Organized Crime and Intelligence Services. Ryan has worked in various areas of the organization including front-line policing, C.I.B., the Guns, Gangs and Drug Enforcement Unit, Hold-Up Unit, High-Risk Offenders Unit, Traffic Enforcement Unit, Professional Standards Bureau and Community Services. Prior to joining York Regional Police, Ryan worked with the Niagara Parks Police Service and the Metropolitan Toronto Housing Authority. Ryan has been an advocate for community-based policing initiatives, striving to create community partnerships and programs aimed at reducing crime and building stronger resilient communities.

Dieter Boheim

Dieter Boeheim serves as a Managing Partner at SOTERA Investigative Group Canada. Prior to joining SOTERA Investigative Group LLC, Dieter provided 35 years of exemplary service with York Regional Police (YRP). He retired at the rank of Inspector, Dieter led and provided strategic oversight to the YRP Intelligence Bureau. He was responsible for all strategic intelligence operations for YRP combating organized crime, terrorism and extremism. Dieter represented YRP on the Joint Management Teams of the Greater Toronto Area Integrated National Security Enforcement Team, the RCMP led Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit, the Provincial Anti-Terrorism Section, YYZ Airport Intelligence and the Greater Toronto Area Organized Crime Intelligence Group.

Dieter's policing career included serving 17 Years on the YRP Emergency Response Unit as a tactical team leader and operator dealing with high-risk situations involving hostage takings, weapons calls, and the execution of high-risk search warrants. Dieter combated controlled drugs and substances importation, production, trafficking and human trafficking as an investigator and commander of the YRP Drugs and Vice Enforcement Unit. After his retirement, Dieter started his own Consulting Business(D B Security Consulting) providing strategic intelligence and security to Private Sector Entities and Not for Profit Organizations.  

Dieter continues to work tirelessly to strengthen community partnerships working closely with community organizations. He holds a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Economics and Sociology from the University of Toronto. Dieter is the recipient of the 20 Year Police Exemplary Service Medal and 30 Year Bar. 

Benn Spiegel

Benn Spiegel is the President of Active Buildings Inc. and Active Group of Companies Inc. With a vast experience in Real Estate - specifically the Commerical Real Estate market sectors that include large scale single use properties in both Canada and the US. He has been on previous boards such as: MUKIBAUM TREATMENT CENTRE, REENA, APTUS, Northgate Properties Inc. and current serves on boards for: Crawmet Metals Corp, Allied Crawford Steel and Coreslab Structures.

Larry Eisen

Larry is the son of world-renowned Holocaust Survivor, speaker and author Max Eisen, after whom YRP has names facilities. He is the president of E B Image Products which has a record of success and is the driving force behind the marketing and sales of its products to the Canadian marketplace. With career experience in manufacturing, supply management, graphic arts, marketing and sales, Larry has the skills to win the business of a diverse client group of national organizations.

Yalda Riahi

Yalda Riahi has extensive experience in corporate law, commercial leasing, commercial litigation and employment matters. In addition to her legal career, Yalda is an entrepreneur, co-owner and member of the boards of directors of various private enterprises that are active in a range of industries including real estate and pharmaceuticals.

Yalda has consistently been an active member of the community, where she has volunteered her time and expertise in support of hospitals, schools, community centers and the legal community. She is currently serving as a volunteer member of the Board of Directors of the Mackenzie Health Foundation, ventureLAB and CILAC Pro-Bono Legal Clinic.

Yalda is an alumna of the University of Toronto (EMBA), University of Windsor (LL.B.), University of Detroit Mercy (J.D.), York University (B.A., Hons) and Ryerson University (B.Comm.).

Costas Menegakis

Costas Menegakis is a businessman and entrepreneur and is the President and CEO of a national marketing and logistics company. Costas was elected to Canada’s Parliament in 2011 and served as the Member of Parliament for Richmond Hill and as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. He was as a member of the House of Commons Standing Committees for Citizenship and Immigration, Procedure and House Affairs, Official Languages and Government Affairs and Estimates. Costas was instrumental in the passage of the Justice for Animals in Service Act (Quanto’s Law). Costas firmly believes in building strong communities serving in various volunteer capacities for several non-profit organizations over the past 30 years. He is an ardent supporter of programs that offer services to families particularly to our youth and elderly.

Jackie Cousins

Jackie Cousins is President and CEO of JDC Management Services Ltd., a public relations and strategic communications consulting firm based in York Region. For over 30 years she has provided professional, timely, and intuitive communication services for a variety of clients including CEOs of local and national companies, elected politicians, government entities, and non-profit organizations.

She holds a Certified in Management (CIM) degree, from the University of Toronto, a recognized designation in management and leadership.

A long-time advocate for families and community, her volunteer work includes; co-chair of Ontario provincial Policy Advisory Councils for Community and Social Services and Citizenship and Immigration, communications chair for York Regional Police Appreciation Night, member of the United Way of York Region Financial Review Committee, and Director of the Career Foundation. She is a recipient of Her Majesty the Queen’s Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals for volunteer work.

Spider Jones

Born into poverty, violence and bigotry, Spider rose from the gang infested treacherous streets of Detroit to become one of the most inspiring speakers of our time. Determined to leave his tumultuous lifestyle behind, 22 year old Spider abandoned gang life and moved to Toronto. At the age of 30, Spider finally decided to pursue his youthful dream to become a broadcaster and returned to school. Amazingly four years later he made the Dean’s list and graduated from Seneca College with honors in the Broadcast Journalism field. He was also honored with two literary scholarships and the Board of Governor’s Award. In 2001 he became the recipient of the prestigious Premier’s Award honoring him
for his countless contributions in the field of youth motivation Upon graduating Spider began to pursue his dream to become a radio personality. A few years later, he landed a gig hosting a syndicated TV series called “Famous Knockouts.” The show’s enormous popularity led to radio shows on CHWO Oakville, the Fan 590 and Talk 640/Mojo before switching to CFRB where he had his own show for about 10 years. Spider is now focused on motivating/inspiring our youth to stay in school and reach for their dreams.  

Spider is also very busy with his after school program called “The Spider's Web Youth Empowerment Centre” which is located at 160 Chalfarm Dr. a very high risk area for our youth (Jane & Wilson).  We have a program there that facilitates about 70 children from about 7 - 16 every day.  We also have a Mon. – Fri. - 9-5 spring & summer camp. There is a meal component, homework, computer clinic, drama, music and mentorship programs. Spider’s biography, “Out of the Darkness,” is currently one of the hottest sellers on the market and is in the process of becoming a full length motion picture!! His next book called "The Predator Within" should hit the stands early next spring.

Spider's overwhelming success has made him one of the hottest sought-after
motivational speakers in North America. In March 2020 Spider was awarded with the prestigious “Order of Ontario”

Kiu Rezvanifar

Kiumars (Kiu) Rezvanifar is the founder of KVC Communications Group specializing in communications and broad casting where he is the Executive Producer of two weekly television programs on OMNITV since 1993. He is also the publisher of Persian Tribune Magazine, the first English language publication targeted toward the second generation of Iranian Canadians. Kiu has been aboard member of the Canadian Ethnic Media Association since 1996,where he currently serves as a President.

He serves as a Community Liaison Advisor to Toronto Police Services and he has also served as aboard member with various organizations such as United Way of York Region, Ontario Creates, Iranian Canadian Cultural Fellowship, York Region Police Integrated Strategic Community Advisory Council, United Nations Association of Canada in Toronto, and Canadian Journalists for Free Expression.

Kiuhas been the recipient of many awards including Queen Elizabeth LL Golden Jubilee Medal and the Queen Elizabeth ll Diamond Jubilee Medal for his contributions to his community and Canada.

Dan MacPherson

Dan is a Senior Marketing and Business Engagement Specialist with multiple years’ experience in our community. With a Master’s Degree from Linköping University Sweden he helps to develop systems and strategies that lessen the stress for the teams he is a part of. He has helped to generate revenue and support for thousands of businesses large and small in his near2-decade career and continues to provide support to ISCAC since joining in 2016. Moving out of the Marketing space he now works with families, administration and logistical projects pertaining to the funeral services industry. Raised in Newmarket, Dan has always been a community minded volunteer supporting many not-for-profit organizations and is currently on the Board of York Region Police Integrated Strategic Community Advisory Council. He loves travel, music, and spends most of his time with his wife Shannon, stepdaughter Nicki and twins Benny and Lucy.

Andrea Racine

Andrea Racine is a Crown Prosecutor with the Region of Durham, formerly with York Region and a Volunteer Fire Fighter for the Municipality of Port Hope. She is a married mother of two children, a youth hockey coach, competitive hockey player and currently training for competitive power lifting competitions.

Igor Toutchinski

Igor Toutchinski, Chief Editor of Russian Canadian Broadcasting. He was born in Ukraine. In 1979 Igor Graduated from the Faculty of Journalism of Lviv University. He worked on radio and television in Ukraine. In 1991 he immigrated with his family to Canada, where in 1994, he became one of the founders of Russian Canadian Broadcasting, a media company actively involved in the life of the Russian-speaking community in Canada. Igor does a lot of public work, being a member of the board of directors of the New Canadian Family Alliance, which is involved in helping new immigrants adapt to Canada. Igor Toutchinski has been a member of ISCAC since 2016. Igor Toutchinski is the recipient of The Queen Elizabeth Jubilee Medal. Igor has two daughters and four grand daughters.

Howie Gold

Founder and CEO of the Butterfly Cares a cause marketing initiative focused on raising funds and awareness for Brain and Mind Health.

Mark Falbo

Mark Falbo, BA, LL. B., M.B.A is a York Region business executive and a community contributor. He is the CEO of Mircom Technologies Ltd, a Canada's Best Managed platinum member specializing in smart building and security systems. His community involvement has included senior board and advisory positions with the City of Vaughan smart cities and international commercialization initiatives, the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce, the University of Toronto and most recently as Board Chair Mackenzie Health hospital.

Julius Suraski

Julius Suraski is the Licensing Manager for Ace Collision Centres responsible for the supervision of 38independently owned collision repair shops. Mr. Suraski is a retired insurance broker with an extensive background in accounting, claims management and dispute resolution; a graduate of the University of Toronto (Bachelor of Commerce degree in 1972), the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants in 1974, and York University in 1988 holding a Certificate in Dispute Resolution. He isa co-founder of the Automobile Repair Reform Council (ARRC)an organization promoting safe repair standards, ethical business practices and effective licensing.

Mr. Suraski served as a part-time member of the Ontario Rental Housing Tribunal from 2000 until2006,and in 2020wasappointed as a member of the Board of the OMVIC Compensation Fund. He is committed to community service and has been recognized for his contribution of more than4,000 hours of volunteer service at the Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care in Toronto.

Gregory Hong

Gregory Kun-Sik Hong has diverse experience from working in a corporate setting, to running businesses and even partaking in community work for the Korean Community in Toronto, Calgary, Fort McMurray and Vancouver. He has also been an active member of the B’nai B’rith Canada–Special Advisory

Herbert Moon

Herbert Moon was born in Hong Kong and finished his university degree in Louisiana at State University(LSU) in the United States. Herbert Moon immigrated to Toronto, Canada in 1978.Hestarted working in the Chinese newspaper media from 1981 to present. He is now the Publisher of Today Commercial News, a free Chinese newspaper distributed in the Greater Toronto Area. He has been invited to be a member in the advisory committee of Bank of Montreal for the Asian market.

Herbert Moon is also a volunteer and advisor to many charitable and non-profit organizations. He received an Ontario Volunteer Service Award in 2014 for 15 years of volunteerism, Humanitarian Service Award for COVID 19 in2021, and The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Award 2022.Herbert is a founding member of the B’nai Brith Canada-Special Advisory Council to the League for Human Rights and the YRP ISCAC project.

Serge Bourenkov

Serge Bourenkov is an experienced technology leader who has led software engineering teams up to350 people strong. Since 2020 he is advising JVL on the expansion of their successful portfolio of land based casino games into the online realm, helping the JVL team to deal with all aspects of product, technology and regulatory challenges.

From 2011 to 2019 he was in charge of the PYR Software, which is a technology development / technical subsidiary of the Stars Group best known for such brands as PokerStars and Full Tilt. Responsible for all aspects of PYR Software, from budget to technology roadmap, Serge oversaw successful growth of the organization from 60 people in 2011 to over 300 in 2019. In 2016 PYR Software placed 7thon the Best Place to Work in Canada list.

Prior to that, Serge has co-founded fintech start-up Globus Solutions and actively participated in the early stages of the esports start-up Groove Media. Earlier, in 1996 he became one of the first employees of the Internet gambling pioneer Crypto Logic Inc, eventually becoming vice president of System Architecture during his10-yeartenure there.

Serge has a background in physics, having obtained PhD in 1992 with over 20 papers published in peer reviewed magazines. He is also an author of multiple patents and is certified as casino principal by New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement and Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.

Howard Shearer

Son of former Prime Minister of Jamaican Hugh Shearer, Howard was Hitachi Canada's first non-Japanese president. After joining Hitachi Canada Ltd. in 1984, he rose through the ranks to the position of President and Chief Executive Officer of Hitachi Canada Ltd. (2001-2012) and also served as a member of the board of directors of Hitachi Canada Ltd, a position to which he was appointed in 1999. He is a change agent while being adept at strategy development, mobilizing, motivating, and inspiring multi-discipline, internal and external executive level teams to major success. His career spans 39 years in both the High Tech as well as Energy and Industrial sectors resulting in the accumulation of knowledge and experience in the areas of Semiconductors, Optical transmission, Power Generation (Coal, Gas, Nuclear, Renewables and Project Execution), Transmission & Distribution, Consumer (wholesale, retail),Rail Transportation, Medical Healthcare, IoT (Big Data Analytics) as it relates to Physical Security, Cyber Security, Maintenance (Predictive, Prescriptive, Preventive), Military and other industrial sectors. He has served on Private and Public Sector boards. with an understanding of Regulatory, Compliance and Governance requirements in multiple verticals. He was received numerous awards including: McMaster

University: L.W.Shemilt Distinguished Engineering Alumni award (2016) and University of Toronto: Arbor Award (2003).

Dhaman Kissoon

Dhaman Kissoon is a lawyer with more than 30 years of experience. He has been an Adjunct Professor at Queen’s Faculty of Law since 1990.Dhaman sits on the Boards of many Charitable and Community organizations. He is one of the founding members of ISCAC.

George Sweny

George Sweny is the Vice President, Regulatory Affairs at Flutter International, one of the worlds biggest online gaming companies. He has held a wide range of senior executive roles in the gambling industry, within both the public and private sectors. George is a current member of the board of directors of both the Responsible Gambling Council and the Canadian Gaming Association. He is an Advisory Board member of the National Council for Problem Gambling

Phil Ber

Philip Ber is a Commercial Insurance Broker. His insurance practice is focused on Cyber/Network &Privacy Breach Liability and Directors and Officers Insurance for Public, Private and Not for Profit organizations. He has held several senior executive positions in the high-tech sector. He was the Founder and President of Precision Information Technologies Inc. In 2002 he sold the company. He is the past Chair of a Not-For-Profit Children’s Camping Organization

Debra Zidenberg

Debra is a founding member of ISCAC for 8 years and the Advisory Council to the League for Human Rights of BBC since 2004. She is a35-yearsenior marketing executive in the internationally regulated and licensed gaming industry. Recipient of numerous awards and recognition for her community work. Happily married for 38 years, a mother and grandmother.

Dr Aubrey Zidenberg B.A., LL.D

Founder and Co-Chair of the Integrated Strategic Community Advisory Council that works with YorkRegional Police to discuss and create community initiatives to assist YRPregardingtheir communitypolicing. Aubrey has been a volunteer with YRP for 19 years. He is also founder and National Chair of theB’nai Brith Canada, Special Advisory Council to the League for Human Rights with liaisons to over 25diverse multicultural communities. Recipient of the Queen Elizabeth ll Golden Jubilee and DiamondJubilee Medals and Knighted Chevalier de France for his Lifetime Human Rights work