Candidates 2023 Mainstreet Board of Director Election

2023 Board Candidate Biographies

(Biographies are listed alphabetically by first name.)

Chris Cowell

Chris has been a member of the credit union community for 15 years and a member of Mainstreet Credit Union since 2019. He is a highly experienced Finance Executive with over 30 years of industry experience including the financial services industry and more recently in his current role as Chief Financial Officer & VP Admin at Entegrus Inc. Chris is a results-driven professional with a proven track record of success in managing financial operations, designing, and launching innovative financial products to personal and business customers, and leading teams to achieve success for all: customers, business owners, employees and our community. Chris’ achievements include developing an ultra-low business loan rate based on share of business, launching an industry first auto lease pull ahead program of up to 18 months, and using detailed cash flow analysis to specifically measure the cost of each element of a loan. Chris has earned his Audit Committee Certified (A.C.C.) designation, his Master of Business Administration (MBA), is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), and holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce. Chris is more than just a finance executive; he is a devoted family man and active member of his community. Living in Harrow, Ontario, he has been married for 31 years and has successfully raised two adult children. With a heart for community, Chris has over 30 years of volunteer experience, assisting many organizations including serving for 31 years as Treasurer on the board of a local non-profit association.  Chris embodies the values of family and community and is eager to apply his experience, knowledge, and proven track record of success to ensure that Mainstreet and the communities it serves continue to flourish together.

Patty Harkins

Patricia (Patty) has been a member of the Credit Union since 2019. She has been self-employed with REMAX for approximately 30 years, specializing in commercial, industry and farm properties. In 2018, Patty established North ‘N’ Lights Realty Inc., where she holds the position of broker/owner. She is an entrepreneur, a very accomplished real estate professional and is very well connected in the local community. Patty obtained her license from RECO Canada. She is dedicated to serving her community of Lambton County, where she has lived her whole life. Her dedication can be seen through her hand in the development of the Lambton County Solar Farm, where she represented ten well-established farms, and in her work with the Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy (EBC), a focused land trust charity, out of Toronto. She is truly looking forward to the opportunity of not only providing her expertise on the Board of Directors, but also increasing her knowledge of the credit union sector.

Paul Dhaen

Paul has been a member of the Credit Union since 1998 and previously served on the Board of Directors for 6 years. In 2021, he returned to the Board and has since held distinguished roles as Chair of the Governance & HR Committee, a member of the Audit Committee, and Vice-Chair of the Board. Additionally, he has exhibited an unwavering dedication to Enbridge/Union Gas for over two decades in a variety of roles, and currently holds the title of Manager Storage and Transportation Sales. Paul's academic credentials are impressive, holding an Honours Bachelor of Mathematics with a minor in Chartered Accountancy and Computer Science degree from the esteemed University of Waterloo. Beyond his corporate responsibilities, Paul has made a significant contribution to his community by serving on the Board of the Sydenham Community Curling Club, volunteering at various local fundraisers, serving on the Immaculate Conception/St. Philippes Parish Hall Committee, and serving as a volunteer Firefighter for the Chatham-Kent Fire Department. Paul lives on a small farm in Chatham-Kent with his wife and two children. He looks forward to the opportunity to serve again on the Board and is ready and willing to share his experience and knowledge in planning, strategic/critical thinking, compliance, and customer service.

Tomo Matesic

Tomo has been a member of the Credit Union since 2001 and has served on the Board of Directors for Mainstreet Credit Union for over 13 years in various positions including Board Chair and as a member of the Audit & Risk Committee.  Tomo has also been an active member of the provincial association of Ontario Credit Union Directors, which organizes annual training and networking events for its members. Currently, Tomo holds multiple roles at Entegrus Inc., where he is a member of the executive team. His roles include President of Entegrus Transmission, VP of Engineering & Operations, VP of Business Development, and Chief Conservation Officer. His experience and knowledge in risk management, human resources, information technology, and cyber-security make him a valuable asset to the team. Tomo's financial experience and familiarity with the credit union and co-operative system are also extensive. He has a history of volunteering in his community, supporting various charities, including the Chatham-Kent Children’s Treatment Centre and the United Way. Tomo, his wife Gina, and their three teenage daughters live in Chatham, where they enjoy spending time with family and friends and taking advantage of the many activities available in the area. Tomo is committed to enhancing governance at the Credit Union, ensuring that Mainstreet continues to grow and remain a financially successful and stable financial co-operative that provides value to its members and the communities it serves.

Tyler Damen

Tyler has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to the Credit Union as a valued member since 2010. With three years of distinguished service as a Director for Mainstreet and as a trusted member of the esteemed Audit & Risk Committee, Tyler's contributions have been invaluable. In addition to his outstanding work in the Credit Union, Tyler is a highly accomplished Doctor of Chiropractic with an Honours Degree, Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. He is the esteemed Owner/Operator of Damen Optimal Health Team, a prominent health and wellness establishment with locations in Parkhill and Strathroy. Furthermore, Tyler is a prominent figure in the business community as the Owner and Secretary of TAP Storage Inc. and the Owner/President of a prominent real estate holding company. His exceptional entrepreneurial aptitude has led him to establish a wide-reaching network of connections in various sectors of the industry. Tyler's impressive involvement in the community extends to his founding of the esteemed Chiros Care Foundation. He serves as the Foundation's President, organizing high-profile events such as the Casino Strathroyale to raise funds for local families battling cancer. Tyler has also dedicated his time as a Board Member for the Chamber of Commerce and the Strathroy Rockets, showcasing his unwavering dedication to community outreach and leadership. Tyler is excited to continue his personal and professional growth through his board experience, learning from like-minded individuals, and furthering his involvement in the community.