AOF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & FOUNDER
Michelle Planche, CMP
Executive Director, Paradigm Events Inc.
Michelle Planche founded the Art of Fashion in 1998 with a passion to showcase the emerging talent of Canadian fashion designers by providing them with opportunities for exposure. Since 1998 The Art of Fashion has helped hundreds of designers across Canada reach consumers, media and the fashion industry.
With a unique flare for fashion and passion for helping entrepreneurs Michelle has successfully grown the Art of Fashion into one of Canada’s leading fashion platforms.
President of Paradigm Events Inc and winner of the 2005 Canadian Event Producer of the Year Award, & 2006, 2007 Canadian Event Producer of the Year Nominee, Michelle is an accomplished event specialist who has built a name for her self in the event planning industry. Planche started Paradigm Events Inc. in 1996 and specializes in conference and special event planning with a creative and unique flare. Paradigm Events is based in Toronto but has organized events across the globe. In 2005 Paradigm Events launched a satellite office in Muskoka, Ontario serving clients in the Muskoka region.
In 2003 Michelle was the executive producer of a television series titled “Source” that highlighted the struggles and successes of an entrepreneur. Michelle plays an active role in the event and fashion industry, as a volunteer in industry associations, Event Chair of Fashion Group International and a teacher in the Special Events department at George Brown College.
VICE CHAIR & CORPORATE SECRETARY
Amy Morrell, CAAP, BSc.
Marketing Director, LCBO Vintages
Amy is a seasoned marketing communications professional with over 12 years of experience. She has marketed everything from ski & golf apparel (Descente) to tools/ lawn care/ auto parts/paint (Canadian Tire), and now the world’s finest wines and spirits (Vintages). In addition to being passionate about fashion, Amy loves to golf, snowboard and organize things (especially closets). Amy has been involved with the Art of Fashion since 2000. As Vice-Chair, she provides strategic counsel and marketing direction for Art of Fashion.
CHAIRMAN
Richard B. Thompson, CFRE
Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Immunodeficiency Society (CI Society)
Richard obtained his Certified Fundraising Executive designation in 1996 from the Association of Fundraising Professionals. He subscribes to and upholds the Code of Ethics of the Association. During his 20 plus year career in the non-profit sector, he has worked for both national and regional health organizations, operated a successful consulting firm and has volunteered with numerous local organizations. On March 1, 2006, he joined the Canadian Immunodeficiency Society as Executive Director.
BOARD MEMBERS
Gregory Donovan, FINANCE MANAGER
RBC
Gregory has held various financial leadership positions on numerous not-for-profit organizations since 2003. Currently, Gregory sits on two other not-for-profit boards in the West end of Toronto. Gregory has an educational background in accounting and finance, and brings experience in international banking from his time spent working and living abroad.
Stacy Anderson
Carrie Hayes
Carrie Hayes is a fashion designer with 10 years of experience. She is a member of Fashion Group International and a resident alumni of the Toronto Fashion Incubator. Her work has been featured in Flare, FASHION, Clin D’Oeil and Elle Canada. She has been featured on Inside Fashion Television and has appeared as a designer personality on the Slice network. Upon the launch of her first collection she was awarded the Lulu B. Fashion award and was given a studio at Toronto Fashion Incubator. She is an honours graduate of the Fashion Design program at IAOD.
Lisa Kisber
