Magellan Community Charities – Board of Directors
Christopher J. Clapperton
Chris’ law practice of over 20 years encompasses estate, trust and tax planning and related administration and litigation. He acts as an independent mediator for wealthy families on estate disputes. Chris is often requested to act either alone or with a clients’ family members as attorney for property, estate trustee under wills, or as trustee under family trusts. Chris assists business owners with succession planning strategies and implementation, estate freezing, corporate reorganizations, corporate counsel (including partnership and shareholder agreements), advising on domestic and international tax issues and compliance matters, assistance with the Canada Revenue Agency, technical interpretation requests under the Income Tax Act (Canada), advance income tax ruling applications, and dispute mediation.
Manuel DaCosta
Manuel founded Viana Roofing and Sheet Metal in 1984 and currently employs over 100 staff mostly from Portuguese background, which is a construction and restoration company undertaking industrial, commercial and residential work. He has also founded JDC Property management group in 2001, which is a development and property management company, in construction and management of commercial and residential buildings, including condominium and residential properties. In 2011 he founded SIT Properties to develop and manage commercial and residential properties, with emphasis, also in the entertainment industry. Manuel is the original founder and builder of the Portuguese-Canadian Walk of Fame, which was created to recognize Portuguese-Canadians who have made substantial contributions to the enhancement of Portuguese culture within Canada. The Portuguese -Canadian Walk of Fame just celebrated its 7th year.
Tulia Ferreira
Tulia is a Registered Nurse by profession and holds a Bachelor in Health Services Administration. She has been in the senior care industry for over 30 years.
She brings with her expertise and knowledge in nursing, administration, organization management, programs, management information systems, and legislative standards.
Tulia has published articles on drug utilization and skin care programs. She also served as member of the Resident Care Committee and other task force groups at the Ontario Long Term Care Association.
As a Consultant, Tulia provided a variety of consulting and oversight services to urban and rural senior care facilities in the province of Ontario. Tulia was seconded by the Ontario government to draft policy that informed the decisions for the legislation that governs long term care homes in Ontario.
In the last twelve years, Tulia has been instrumental in the creation, development and growth of the Surge Learning platform. As the CEO of the Company and one of the co-founders she has led this company from its inception to the growth it enjoys today.
In her spare time, Tulia loves to spend time with her grandchildren and travel. She enjoys different hobbies including golfing and skiing.
Vitor Fonseca
Most of Vitor’s career has evolved in the finance and real estate areas. He is currently Vice President and Treasurer of Romspen Investment Corporation, a non-bank commercial real estate lender with a $3 billion portfolio. Currently Chairman of the audit committee of Canntab Therapeutics, Inc (medical cannabis) and Nuran Wireless Inc. (telecommunications), both publicly traded. Former COO of Retirement Life Communities, Inc., a private developer, and manager of retirement homes. Former chairman of the audit committee of Enwave Energy Corporation, a privately held Toronto-based district energy company and, Mission Ready Solutions Inc, a publicly-traded supplier of specialized equipment and services to the US military. Vitor holds an MBA from the Rotman School of Business, a CPA-CGA designation and is a graduate of the Institute of Corporate Directors.
Ofelia Isabel
Ofelia spent most of her 30+ year career with Willis Towers Watson, a global business management consulting firm. She was a trusted advisor to some of the largest Canadian and global organizations, helping them with their risk and people strategies. Prior to her retirement in 2022, she held a number of leadership roles, including leading the Talent & Rewards business in Canada and the U.S. Midwest, leading the Toronto market with its 600 employees, and acting as the co-CEO for Canada across all lines of business.
She currently works as an executive coach for women in leadership, serves on the Board of the Working Women Community Centre, co-chairs the International Actuarial Association’s ESG-Governance working party, and sits on the Canadian Institute of Actuaries Practice Development Council. In her spare time, she enjoys travels to Portugal and spending time with her 10 nieces and nephews.
Ofelia is a Certified Human Resources Executive (CHRE), a Fellow of the Canadian Institute of Actuaries and a Certified Professional Coach. She has a mathematics degree from the University of Waterloo and attained her Human Resources Management credentials from the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Business.
Ulysses Pratas
Ulysses has founded Presteve Foods in 1979, and is the leading, vertically integrated harvester, processor and distributor of wild-caught, freshwater fish and other specialty seafood in North America. Since May 2015, Ulysses partnered with Purewater Foods of the Founders Group of Food Companies in order to provide resources to further expand the company. Ulysses remains active in the company as its executive director and as the driving force in building new sources of supply. Ulysses has also contributed many hours of support and collaboration in the Portuguese community, in support of new immigrants and executive member of the Federation of Portuguese Canadian Business and Professionals.
Vitor Silva
Vitor has a background in accounting and public administration. He is currently Chief Financial Officer and Partner of Vieira & Associates Insurance Brokers, Ltd. He has held several political positions, the most relevant being Deputy of the Civil Government of Vila Real – Ministry of Internal Administration in Portugal and Member and Leader of the Bench in the Municipal Assembly of Alijó. He was Vice-President of Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Alijó, Treasurer and Vice President of Caritas of the Vila Real District with projects similar to the one now being developed by Magellan.
Sergio Ruivo
Sergio Ruivo is a Chartered Accountant and Licensed Public Accountant with more than 30 years experience in public accounting, industry and management and tax consulting. He has spent several years within industry in senior financial roles, before moving into the commodity sales tax consulting field and returning to the practice of public accounting, primarily serving the needs small to medium sized businesses, in particular businesses in the Portuguese and ethnic business communities.
Sergio is a past President, Treasurer and current Vice-President of the Federation of Portuguese Business and Professionals (FPCBP) and has been on the boards of various other community organizations over the years. His combination of business experience and professional expertise in accounting and taxation ensure that the maximum level of value and insight is delivered to every client interaction. He is focused on bringing a high level of professionalism to his practice and ensuring that his clients achieve sustainable long-term success within the broader Canadian business context.
Charles Sousa
(On Leave)
Charles is the former Minister of Finance and Member of Provincial Parliament for Ontario. Charles delivered six budgets and oversaw nine agencies including LCBO, OLG, OSC and WSIB, four of the largest entities in the country. He was also President of Treasury Board, Minister of Citizenship & Immigration, Minister of Labour, and lead the Toronto 2015 Pan-Am Games. Prior to entering politics, Charles enjoyed a 20-year commercial banking career with RBC Royal Bank; and, he owned & operated an asset based lending firm. Charles earned an MBA from Ivey School of Business at University of Western Ontario, an Honours BBA from Wilfrid Laurier University, graduated top of class as a Fellow of the Institute of Canadian Bankers and attained his ICD.D at the University of Toronto Rotman’s School of Business’ Directors Program. Among his many awards, Charles received the Order of Portugal and Queen’s Jubilee Medals.