The Board of Directors

Andrew Iacobelli, P.Eng., MBA, graduated with honours from the University of Toronto as a Computer Engineer in 2005 and began his career as an automation and controls specialist, primarily in the industrial sector.

After several years of practice, including contract positions overseas and in the US, Andrew decided to pursue an MBA and graduated in 2010 from the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management as the Valedictorian of his class. He achieved his Professional Engineering designation from the Professional Engineers Ontario licensing body in 2011 and has since shifted his career focus to the Real Estate Development and Construction industries which is his true passion. In 2018, Andrew co-founded Brixen Developments Inc., which he and his co-founder have grown into an award winning firm, developing and constructing mid- and high-rise residential condominiums throughout the GTA. Andrew is an active community member and sits on various committees benefiting local charities including the Humber River Regional Hospital and Mackenzie Health. He is an avid cyclist among his other athletic pursuits and he considers it an honour to have been appointed to this Board of Directors in 2015.

Richard Gambin, B.A, LL.B, was appointed to the Villa Leonardo Gambin Charity Board in 2011, having served as a member of the organizing committee of the Oak Leaf Gala fundraiser since 2005. In 2012, he was appointed to the Charity’s Finance and Operations Sub-Committee and in 2016 was appointed as Vice-Chair of the Charity.  Richard is President of Ricgam Investments Inc., a real estate investment company. He is a member of the Law Society of Ontario and holds a B.A. (Administrative and Commercial Studies) and an LL.B., having acted for a variety of clients, including non-profit organizations and both public and private corporations, with an emphasis on land acquisition, land development and construction financing.  From January 2006 to August 2020, Richard served as a Director of Consolidated HCI Holdings Corporation (CHCI), a public company previously listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and subsequently listed on the NEX, a subset of the TSX Venture Exchange. During his tenure as a Director of CHCI, Richard also served as a member of its Audit and Compensation Committee.

Fern Ginsberg, CPA, CA, has been involved with the charity since she started attending finance meetings in 2004. She brings 20+ years of experience in accounting and finance in the long-term care and retirement sector to the organization and is a truly exceptional addition to our Board. In her spare time, Fern loves to golf, spin, play Bridge and travel.

Following graduation from the University of Toronto, Jerry pursued a career in policing with the Halton Regional Police Service. During his distinguished 20 year career, he was actively involved in the Police Association of Ontario, serving as the Director of the Association for six years in Halton. As Director, Jerry lobbied the Provincial and Federal Government on policing issues on behalf of the Association. As Director, he also developed his expertise in labour issues, especially dealing with collective agreements. Jerry was honoured with O.P.P. Commissioner’s Citation for Bravery. Jerry was also involved with community work during his policing career. He developed and initiated the “Cops Care” program in Halton Region. The Cops Care program focuses on police hospital visitations with elderly and children while in hospital care. After his policing career, Jerry Buligan became Director of Operation Support for Longo’s. During these 15 years, he was responsible for Asset Protection, Food Safety, Environmental Sustainability, Strategic Sourcing and Facilities Maintenance. Jerry was instrumental in starting and leading Longo’s Power Generation and outfitting six Longo’s locations with solar panels. Under his direction, Longo’s was the first Grocery retailer in Canada to have solar power systems.

Dino Bottero, AACI, MRICS, brings 40 years of experience in real estate appraisal/valuation. He graduated from York University in 1974 with a B.A. in Urban Studies. He is an Accredited Appraiser of the Appraisal Institute of Canada (AACI), a Professional Land Economist (PLE), and a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS). His company, D. Bottero & Associates Limited, is a property valuation and realty consulting firm which provides a range of advisory and valuation services to various levels of government, financial institutions, public corporations, and private concerns. Dino is the Founding Chairman and currently a Director of the Italian Canadian Savings & Credit Union and has been a Director of The Vitanova Property Foundation since 1990. He served as Chairman of the City of Vaughan Non-Profit Housing Corporation (1992 to 2010) and was an Industry Member, Ontario New Home Warranty Program, of the Ontario Licence Appeal Tribunal from 1996 to 2006. Dino has been involved with ratepayer groups and has volunteered for and assisted with many local charities.

Rudy Breda,CPA, CA, is a member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario and a graduate Honours Bachelor of Arts in Economics from of York University. Rudy is seasoned financial professional with broad and multi-disciplinary experience in the areas of accounting, finance, legal and IT within the real estate and construction industries. In addition to his work, since 2019 Rudy is a member Director Board of Directors of Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON) and from 2008 to 2013 was a member Board of Governors of the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM). Rudy also volunteered in the 2015 Parapan Games and 2017 Invictus Games.

Gianni’s passion for the culinary arts began at an early age in his mother’s kitchen in Friuli.
He received his formal training at the Scuola Alberghiera (Trieste) and worked for a number of the best hotels and restaurants in Europe including the Hotel Fonzari (Grado). Gianni brought that passion to Canada and founded Country Kitchen Catering in 1986 and since 1999, is owner/operator of the Culinary Studio. Gianni’s true inspiration lies in his desire to teach and inspire others to cook with passion and ease. Since arriving in Canada in 1979, he has also been an active member of the Furlan community. Gianni has not only worked at the Famèe Furlane as Head Chef but has also served as a member of the House Committee and eventually part of the Board of Directors from 1990-2004. His commitment to the Furlan community continues with his work as a Board member of the Villa Leonardo Gambin Charity.

Ralph Chiodo’s, CM, O.ONT, business experience and knowledge spans five decades. He is the founder and President of Active Green + Ross Tire & Automotive Centres, an automotive service and repair franchise with over 70 locations throughout the province of Ontario. Ralph is also the President of R. Chiodo Construction and the sole owner of Peel Chrysler Jeep Dodge Fiat automobile dealership.
 In addition, Ralph’s community involvement is extensive and includes both the Italian-Canadian community and the community at large. He has chaired and served on numerous boards and committees including Trillium Health Centre Foundation, Canadian Museum of Immigration, Pier 21, the Rotary Club of Etobicoke, and Humber Memorial Hospital to name just a few.
 Ralph has been recognized for his business and philanthropic leadership with prestigious awards including: President’s Award, Canadian Italian Business and Professional Association, Ordine al Merito, National Congress of Italian Canadians Toronto District, Business Person of the Year, Etobicoke Chamber of Commerce, Volunteer Award, City of Toronto and the Volunteer Service, Province of Ontario and was appointed as member of the Order of Canada.
 Ralph has been a member of the Villa Leonardo Gambin Charity Board since 2005.

Christopher Citrullo, CPA, CA, As a Partner in Segal GCSE LLP’s assurance and advisory practice, Chris delivers exceptional accounting, assurance, tax, and advisory services. He demonstrates unparalleled commitment to his clients, helping them navigate both industry challenges and growth opportunities. Chris supports clients across a broad range of sectors including real estate development and asset management, professionals and professional service firms, construction, contracting, financial services, wholesale and manufacturing. He also provides insight to owner-managed businesses on how to plan for and navigate succession planning. A dedicated and proven leader both within Segal GCSE and externally, Chris mentors and coaches several of the firm’s CPA students and is also involved with his former high school as a mentor and guest speaker.

Michael Volpatti’s, B.A.S.c., M.A.S.c., L.L.B., L.L.M., practice includes all aspect of commercial real estate acquisitions, dispositions, financing, leasing, syndication with a strong focus on condominium development and commercial real estate lending. Michael has advised both entrepreneurial clients, as well as, institutions on all aspect of commercial real estate and has participated in advising purchasers, vendors and lenders in multi-hundred million dollar transactions, including syndicated loan transactions. Michael is involved in the Greater Toronto Area’s BILD Association, as well as, contributing as lecturer for various continuing legal education programs relating to many aspects of commercial real estate. He is a member of the Canadian Bar association.

Jens Zentil, B.A, B.C.L./LL.B., is the Vice President of Zentil Property Management Inc., a fully integrated real estate management and development company that oversees the day-to-day operations of various Greater Toronto Area commercial real estate investments across all market segments. Prior to this Jens completed his articles with a sole practitioner in midtown Toronto, focusing on real estate and corporate/commercial law. Jens is now a non-practicing lawyer and member of the Law Society of Ontario. He holds a B.A. from Williams College, a joint BCL/LLB from McGill University’s Faculty of Law and is currently a part-time MBA candidate at York University’s Schulich School of Business. Jens is honoured to have been elected to the Board as of January 2021 and looks forward to pursuing continued philanthropic work in his community.

Nancy Mercanti is a business executive with the Bot Construction Group and is one of the principals and owners of the family-run corporation working in the road and bridge construction sector. As VP, HR & Organizational Development, she works closely with the company’s 100+ employees and is actively engaged in the operational HR processes for a unionized and non-unionized environment. In addition, she serves as president of the Silvio Bot Charitable Foundation and oversees its business philanthropy. Nancy received a bachelor’s degree in economics from Laurentian University and holds a certificate in executive leadership from the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management.

Joe has been a long-standing member of the FFT and has served on the board for the past 10 years. He has also functioned as past chair of the Villa Leonardo Gambin Oak Leaf Gala. Joe has, and continues to be, philanthropic within the FFT Campus and remains committed to preserving the Furlan culture and traditions for current and future generations to enjoy. Always the visionary and recognizing the challenges facing his beloved FFT, and the need for change, Joe has been actively working towards creating a new and vibrant future for the benefit of its members.