BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Ken Newport
EXECUTIVE CHAIR
A Chartered Accountant by training, Ken Newport is an entrepreneur and business executive with a focus on life sciences. In the mid-1990s, Ken co-founded CroMedica Global Inc., a contract research organization, and grew it to over 600 employees in just six years, eventually reaching 2,600 employees with 13 offices in nine countries. After the merger of CroMedica and PRA International Inc. in 2005, Ken moved on to found and lead several other successful life sciences businesses. He has earned the ICD.D designation and serves or has served on several corporate boards.
Ken has also lent his expertise to volunteer boards, including the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute. He currently serves as Chair of BioCanRx, Canada’s National Centre of Excellence for Immunotherapy Cancer Research.
Wendy Jocko
DIRECTOR
Wendy Jocko is a leader and champion of Indigenous rights. She served as Chief of her First Nation, the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn, and is a member of the Assembly of First Nations Veterans Council. Wendy is passionate about furthering reconciliation and holding governments accountable for their commitments.
In 2023, Wendy’s dedication was recognized by Algonquin College with the conveyance of an honourary degree at the Spring Convocation.
As the Indigenous Liaison for Innovation7, Wendy works to help advance reconciliation through education, equitable partnerships, and socioeconomic growth.
John MacBeth
FOUNDER, TryCycle Data Systems
Holding a bachelor’s degree from Carleton University and a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from The Graduate Institute in Connecticut, John MacBeth is the very definition of a “serial entrepreneur.” Over the past 25+ years, John has founded several companies that have leveraged technology to improve the lives of thousands of people. He is a committed advocate and ally for Indigenous People and Canadian Veterans.
John has built partnerships with Indigenous leaders and Nations. The impact of TryCycle’s innovative approaches to providing care has been felt in First Nations throughout Saskatchewan, with other Provinces now appreciating the potential and seeking partnerships.
Presently, John is pursuing a PhD in Canadian Studies from Carleton and Trent Universities.
Jonathan Mayhew
DIRECTOR
Jonathan Mayhew has an extensive track record of success in the health and insurance industries. Currently, he is the Executive Vice President, Group Benefits for Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (Guardian) where he oversees Group Benefits strategy and growth across all markets. He has previously held senior executive leadership positions at Ontrak, CVS Health, Aetna, Freedom Disability, and Cigna.
Jonathan is a graduate of Providence College. He currently serves on the board of Strong Center, a non-profit organization that empowers youth to maximize their talents through athletics and education.
Brett Merriman
CEO, TryCycle Data Systems
Brett has a broad range of executive experience over the past 15 years helping growing companies in variety of industries, including Commercial Real Estate, Oceanography, Security, Video Management (SaaS), and Amusement. Brett graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce from Carleton University and obtained his Chartered Accountant designation (CPA, CA) in 2010.