The VBM
Board of Directors

Ugo Dionne

President

Ugo Dionne, who holds a law degree from the Université de Montréal (1994), has been an entrepreneur for nearly 25 years. He has led various companies, including Les Contrôles véhiculaires Protek (Quebec) and Mobile Power Solutions (Ontario), both specializing in the design and installation of electrical and electronic systems for utility, service, and emergency vehicles.

From 1998 to 2016, he served as president and co-owner of Groupe Synesis, which included Versalys Formation, Groupe CFC, Novaconcept, and Documens Traduction. In 2006, he co-founded Bénévoles d’affaires, later transferred to the CABM in 2019.

“I have never stopped getting involved: it’s my way of contributing to a collective project and giving back to the community. I have been a volunteer since the age of 14, and I am proud to join the CABM, which for over 85 years has offered everyone a concrete way to be useful, to find meaning, and to engage.”

Claude Noiseux

Secretary

Claude is an operations and project manager specializing in information technologies with over 30 years of experience. He has volunteered in school and sports activities in the Lanaudière region for more than 15 years. He first got involved with the VBM as a skills-based volunteer in 2019, then joined the Board of Directors in 2020.

Vicky Gagnon

Treasurer

Vicky Gagnon is a Chartered Professional Accountant and serves as Chief Financial Officer at an international Canadian firm.

“I joined the CABM as treasurer at the beginning of the pandemic, driven by a deep desire to contribute to something meaningful, authentic, and human. What keeps me here today is everything I receive in return: recognition, humanity, the warmth of exchanges, challenges, learning opportunities, and above all, genuine and meaningful connections.”

Marguerite Kinfack

Board Member

Before moving to Canada, Marguerite held various positions in rural development, international cooperation, and capacity-building. Since arriving in Quebec in 2012, she has served as Co-Director of Action Communiterre and as Director of Administration and Finance at the Dépôt Community Food Centre.
With over 20 years of experience in nonprofits, international agencies, and social enterprises, she is passionate about community development and social change.
She joined the VBM Board in 2024.

Ariane Ergas-Forget

Board Member

Ariane has extensive experience in team management, project management, communications, digital marketing, and event organization. After earning a BA in Communications (Université de Montréal) and a Graduate Diploma in Cultural Organization Management (HEC Montréal), she worked at Cirque du Soleil, TC Media, and Lolë before becoming Digital Strategy Advisor at the One Drop Foundation. She joined the VBM Board in 2020 and is currently Marketing and Commercialization Director at Formations Infopresse.

Gaëlle Thomas Lehrhaupt

Vice-President

Gaëlle has been committed to volunteerism for many years. She holds a BA in International Studies and Modern Languages, a Master's degree in Industrial Relations, and a Graduate Diploma in Canadian and Quebec Immigration Law. She joined the VBM Board in June 2021 after previously serving as a Volunteer Placement Advisor. Certified in corporate governance (ASC designation, Université Laval, 2024), she currently works at Infrastructure Canada.

Zlatka Merdzhanova

Board Member

Zlatka joined the CABM, drawn by its inclusive mission and its role as a bridge between citizens and community organizations. The team’s energy and spirit of solidarity also inspired her to get involved. With experience in management, human resources, and philanthropy, she brings valuable strategic and operational expertise to the Board of Directors.

“Joining the Board of Directors means contributing to the CABM’s mission in a strategic way, exchanging with committed individuals, and taking part in major decisions. This involvement also enriches me personally, through shared values of mutual support and service.”

Geneviève Doray

Board Member

Geneviève has worked in the social sector for many years and firmly believes that volunteer engagement can profoundly transform the lives of individuals and communities. Her managerial experience enables her to contribute strategically to supporting the CABM’s mission and leadership team.

“I deeply believe that volunteer engagement can plant the seeds for great change in people’s lives and in communities. The CABM brings this vision to life on the ground and values citizen involvement with care and respect. It is a privilege for me to put my managerial experience to work in support of this mission and to help grow such an inspiring organization.”

Mehdi Hafa

Administrateur

Mehdi Hafa is a Senior Advisor in Board Support at Desjardins, the largest cooperative financial group in North America. He has more than 12 years of experience in the financial sector, during which he has held a wide variety of positions, including roles in financial planning, personal and commercial financial services, retail banking, sponsorships and events, and community investment, before being appointed to his current position in April 2022. He holds a graduate diploma (DESS) in Public Administration from ENAP.

Through my involvement on the CABM’s Board of Directors, I wish to put my diverse skills, particularly in governance, at the service of the CABM’s mission, and thereby contribute to improving the quality of life of Montrealers while supporting initiatives that foster mutual aid and solidarity.