2023 CPBI Regional Volunteer of the Year Award Recipients  

Kaksha Patel

CPBI Ontario Region
Relationship Manager
Northern Trust Company, Canada

Kaksha is a Relationship Manager from Northern Trust. She began her career in the plan sponsor space in the U.K. Before joining Northern Trust, she held operational roles at major institutions like BMO and CIBC Mellon. She’s been on the Council since January 2020. Since then, she has brought great enthusiasm and insight into different initiatives, particularly through her work with the annual sponsorship program.

Kaksha is a strong advocate for our organization. She enjoys working with CPBI’s dynamic Team and is a familiar face at industry events. Her role in organizing signature events, such as The Economic Forecasts (each year since 2020), the annual Golf events, the Forum, and CPBI’s Sponsorship Committee, is significant. She is often seen at in-person seminars, where she warmly welcomes delegates and assists them in navigating the events, making her an approachable and friendly key figure in our organization. Her hard work and dedication are outstanding. In 2023, the regional council of Ontario of CPBI awarded Kaksha the Regional Volunteer of the Year.

Sarah Johnston

CPBI Saskatchewan Region
Chief Executive Officer
Johnston Insurance

Sarah Johnston stepped up to lead CPBI’s Saskatchewan Regional Council in the midst of the pandemic and transition period. She also stayed on the council and volunteered her time through the birth of both of her children and a new business. She has always led the team with integrity and jumps in to help wherever is needed.

Sarah Johnston is a joy to be around and adds her sparkle to the CPBI Saskatchewan Council. What an amazing leader she has been these past 2 years!

Alice Nicholls

CPBI Southern Alberta Region 
Client Relationship Executive
Sun Life Financial

Alice has been a part of the marketing committee for many years, as well as assisted with past conferences in event planning and marketing. Alice recently stepped up to be Vice Chair of the CPBI Southern Alberta Region and is an example of her commitment to CPBI and our community.

Alice is the vice chair of the region, chair of marketing committee, speaker at fundamental course. Recently she suggested a theme for the 2024 Western Regional Conference which was then voted on and selected as the front runner. She is always up for a challenge and is supportive of others. CPBI is better with people like Alice as volunteers.

Melody Helleouet

CPBI Pacific Region  
Account Executive, Large Group Western Canada
Desjardins Insurance

Melody always puts together the speaking notes for most virtual webinars, providing each participant with their specific speaking notes and any additional information required; She is always involved, if not in charge, in planning in-person events; She keeps the entire team up to date and involved when new volunteers are interested; She has been a leader in most, if not all, events for more than a year now; I believe she participates on the Social committee and has done an excellent job - One event in particular that she organized was our Jeoparty event that occurred multiple times throughout the year.

Melody chairs multiple committees, is the vice chair of the Pacific region and is the first to volunteer to help other committees and volunteers if they are needing assistance. If there was a super hero volunteer, it would be Melody 100%.