About Us

Since 2016, Michelle Capobianco has led the critical growth of Pancreatic Cancer Canada (PCC) to become a charity with national scope, international influence, and fundraising power dedicated to demanding survival, not sympathy, for Canadians facing this devastating disease. Under her visionary leadership, PCNA has doubled its lifetime investment in pancreatic cancer research and overseen the creation of a first-of-its-kind collaborative network connecting top researchers across North America. While the charitable sector grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic, Michelle kept her eyes on the future, spearheading the development of Pancreatic Cancer North America, a sister organization to PCC based in the United States that takes a bold approach to improving pancreatic cancer treatment options and care through unexpected partnerships and collaborations. Prior to being with PCC, Michelle was a senior staff member of the MS Society of Canada, preceded by a long-term tenure with the Easter Seals Research Institute. At these organizations, she provided leadership on numerous national new business development ventures, resulting in revenues in excess of $1M per year and a clear increase in brand recognition, employee engagement and a positive charity affiliation for corporate partners.

Amanda joined the dream team at Pancreatic Cancer Canada in December 2017. Having spent 20+ years in the not-for-profit sector with incredible organizations like the MS Society of Canada and Three to Be, she brings knowledge, experience and insights that will help PCC elevate our outreach efforts and the achievement of our mission. Amanda is particularly committed to changing the outcomes for people affected by pancreatic cancer because she does not accept that this deadly disease receives a mere 2% of funding while 90% of people die within 5 years of being diagnosed. She is motivated by the PCC team and the people we serve who have been touched by pancreatic cancer to educate, advocate and raise much-needed funding for vital research.

One of the leaders of Ascendant Wealth Partners, Jonathan is a financial expert with nearly two decades of experience. Priding himself on a thorough, organized, and highly responsive approach, he is a trusted advisor on the finances of affluent families and foundations.

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As an auditor for an international professional services firm, Jonathan developed an expert understanding of tax as well as his signature “no stone unturned” approach to client service, one he built upon as he gained further experience in investments and wealth management. Most recently, Jonathan served as a Vice-President of a leading Canadian wealth management boutique. Jonathan is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) and a Chartered Investment Manager (CIM). He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree (with distinction) from Ivey Business School at Western University.

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Jonathan enjoys seeing the value he provides to people, a passion that extends beyond his work: Jonathan has been a member of Toronto Hebrew Memorial Parks investment committee for the past 10 years; as well, he has been involved with Pancreatic Cancer Canada since 2019, and currently chairs the non-profit’s board.

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In his down time, Jonathan and his wife, Romy, get plenty of entertainment from their young daughters, Ava and Addison. Jonathan also likes to stay active, be it getting out on the golf course or playing men’s league hockey with the same group of guys he started out skating alongside as a child.

Michael is a Partner at Ernst & Young LLP, Canada with responsibility for leading the management and technology consulting businesses in Central Canada. He has over 25 years of experience managing, designing, implementing, and supporting complex process and technology solutions, providing senior executive oversight on some the largest transformation projects in North America.

Bryan Nese is an aspiring rock star and current partner in the DC office of the law firm of Mayer Brown LLP. Bryan’s practice focuses on high-stakes patent litigation, particularly in helping clients monetize patent portfolios large and small. Bryan has spoken in the U.S. and in Asia on U.S. patent law, trade secrets, and the nuances of Section 337 practice at the U.S. International Trade Commission. He has also donated hundreds of pro bono hours to asylum, special education, and child custody matters.

A former legal research/writing adjunct professor at the George Washington University Law School, Bryan has a passion for helping current students and recent grads avoid some of the mistakes he’s made. He regularly lectures on the topics of networking, legal writing, and how to succeed as a young attorney. Since 2019, he has mentored first-year law students through the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity’s mentoring program.

Bryan earned mechanical engineering degrees from Rowan University (B.S.) and the Pennsylvania State University (M.S.), and obtained his J.D. from the George Washington University Law School. In his sparse spare time, Bryan enjoys hobby boardgaming, cooking Italian food, and snowboarding while simultaneously not injuring himself.

Lauren Israel is Executive Director, Business Management at the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) in New York City. Her current responsibilities include coordinating employee giving, sponsorships and donations for the US Capital Markets team. Prior to her role with CIBC, Lauren held several positions at the Bank of America Merrill Lynch where she served as Director in several Technology departments over her 12 year tenure, including Global Markets and Risk Technologies, Legal and Compliance Technology and Finance Technology in New York and London. She obtained her Masters of Business Administration and Bachelor of Science at the University at Buffalo, with concentrations in finance and international business. Lauren has also been a dedicated volunteer on the United Way of New York City Campaign Council since 2017.

Russell Browne is a Managing Director Sales and Structuring, Metals Trading FICC, providing metals risk management solutions and structures to clients in the Mining, Energy, Chemical and Institutional Investor sectors. Russell recently joined BMO in November 2018, having previously worked at Scotiabank (ScotiaMocatta) for 10 years, as a Director in Precious Metals Sales and Trading. Prior to working in metals, Russell worked 7 years in Currency Sales and Structuring. Russell began his career in Montreal, working as an open-outcry Pit Trader at the Montreal Exchange, trading futures on 5 and 10 year Canadian Bonds and 3 month Bankers Acceptances. Russell has a B.A. in Economics from Concordia University (Canada).