2024 CPBI Regional Volunteer of the Year Award Recipients

The CPBI’s extensive calendar of events and library of resources are possible thanks to its many dedicated volunteers located throughout the CPBI’s eight Regions across Canada.

On behalf of the CPBI Board of Directors, Regional Councils and National Office, we would like to congratulate and thank the following volunteers for their involvement and contribution to the Institute:

Shawn O'Donovan

CPBI Manitoba Region
Account Executive
Co-operators Insurance

Shawn has been an account executive with Co-operators Insurance for over 5 years and prior to that held various roles with other carriers in the benefits industry. Shawn graduated from the University of Winnipeg with a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Conflict Resolution.

Shawn has been a member of CPBI since 2018. In 2019 joined the Manitoba Regional Council as a volunteer on the Learn at the Links Committee and soon after took over the role of committee shair. Shawn led the Learn at the Links committee to host the first in person event in the Manitoba Region, post-pandemic. He continues to bring new ideas and enthusiasm to this event as it evolves.

Shawn is an active and committed participant on the Manitoba Regional Council in all aspects, offering help where needed, going above and beyond expectations of a volunteer.

Michael Carss

CPBI Saskatchewan Region
Director, Innovation & Growth
Wiegers Financial & Benefits

Michael Carss is the Director, Innovation & Growth in the Group Benefits Consulting Division at Wiegers Financial & Benefits in Saskatoon. Michael has specialized in group benefits consulting for over 15 years, and is the benefits consultant of choice for top employers in Saskatchewan.

Michael and his dedicated 10-person Group Benefits Consulting Division offer customized benefit solutions that empower their clients and employees to live their best life. They are passionate about the overall health of each client and are committed to holistically supporting and improving the physical, mental, and financial well-being of its key stakeholders, employees and their families. The result is a healthier, more resilient, and dedicated team that is ultimately and effectively geared to achieving long-term success together.

Michael has been a member of CPBI since 2008. In 2022, he joined the Saskatchewan Regional Council and took a lead role in Co-Chairing the 2023 & 2024 Saskatchewan Regional Conferences. Michael is always eager to share his vast knowledge and experience to advance the pension and benefits industry in Saskatchewan and beyond.

Jesse Little

CPBI Northern Alberta Region
Director, Funding Strategy
ATRF

Jesse has over a decade of pension plan experience, most recently with Alberta Teachers Retirement Fund as Director – Funding Strategy where he is responsible for developing and monitoring ATRF’s internal pension risk analysis. Prior to this, Jesse was a Senior Retirement Consultant with Mercer focusing on defined benefit plan risk management including risk transfer solutions and asset-liability studies. He is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries, Fellow of the Canadian Institute of Actuaries, a CFA Charterholder, and graduated with his MBA from the University of Alberta in 2018.

Riccardo Silvestro

CPBI Southern Alberta Region
Director, Total Rewards and HR Systems
Gibson Energy

Riccardo has extensive and progressive experience in the field of Human Resources, specializing in Total Rewards Management. His work experience includes industries such as; Mining and Commercial Explosives, Midstream and E&P Oil and Gas sectors, and Chemical Manufacturing. Through his career, Riccardo has extensive experience in leading HR strategies, executing on acquisition and divestiture activities, centralizing human resources functions, and building and leading highly effective teams. Riccardo is a former instructor of the Faculty of Continuing Education at Mount Royal University where he taught for 8 years. Currently, Riccardo is the Director of Total Rewards and HR Systems at Gibson Energy. He holds a Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) designation, is a Certified Payroll Manager (CPM), and is affiliated with numerous compensation and benefit industry associations.

Advocating for his profession, Riccardo led the Calgary Total Rewards Network (CTRN) as President and Chair where he was responsible for setting the organizations strategic direction and fulfilling the organizations mission and vision. Riccardo is committed to providing Human Resources professionals of all backgrounds with opportunities to grow and develop their networks and careers by connecting individuals through highly interactive events and educational opportunities. Currently, Riccardo is a member of the Canadian Pension and Benefits Institute Southern Alberta Council sitting on the team as Vice Chair, previously he held the role of Council Member and Sponsorship Committee Chair.

Riccardo is a highly active member in the Human Resources community and passionate champion for advancing the Human Resources profession through advocacy and education.

Jordan Ross

CPBI Pacific Region
AVP - Fund Management
ACM Advisors