CBS Leadership
President
Steven BaalChief Financial Officer
Mary Ann BuffamVice President, Development, Marketing and Communications
Duncan CampbellVice President, National Programs
Joanna CostopoulosVice President, Human Resources
Dr. Jeff GreenVice President, Scripture Translation
Nelly SafariVice President, Scripture Resources
Rev. Dr. Andrew StirlingCBS Ambassador
President
Rev. Dr. Rupen Das comes to CBS with considerable senior management experience both in Canada and internationally.
Most recently, he was seconded by the Canadian Baptist Ministries to Lebanon and Europe where he was involved in theological education and managing humanitarian responses to refugees. Prior to that Dr. Das was professor and program coordinator for Humber College’s International Project Management post graduate program. He has held senior management positions with World Vision Canada and World Vision International. His consulting assignments have been with various non-governmental organizations, international agencies, the Canadian Government, and the Canadian military.
Dr. Das is a missiologist who has researched and written on various aspect of contemporary Christian missions, especially issues that concern the Global South. He is the author of several books. He has been a Visiting Scholar at Harvard University, a 21st Century Fellow in the UK, and adjunct faculty at Eastern University in the US. Dr. Das earned his Doctor of Ministry degree from Acadia University in Nova Scotia and is Research Professor at Tyndale University in Toronto.
Dr. Das also serves on the Board of Trustees of the United Bible Societies.
Rupen and his wife, Mamta, have two adult children, who are married with families.
For more information, visit Rupen's personal website: dascompassion.wordpress.com/rupen-das/
Chief Financial Officer
Steven Baal joined CBS in August 2018 as the new Chief Financial Officer.
Steven brings 26 years of financial management experience to CBS within the non-profit sector. He has a passion for life-long learning, having achieved designations as a CPA and CGA as well as earning an MBA. Steven began his career at the Canadian 4-H Council, then the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists and Canadian Air Transport Security Authority. This prepared him for his move to Stouffville where he spent ten years with cbm Canada. Steven’s most recent position was with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada.
Vice President, Development, Marketing and Communications
Mary Ann Buffam joined CBS in November 2018.
Mary Ann brings over 28 years of development, marketing and communications experience, leading teams in large complex non-profit organizations as well as providing strategic resource development leadership for small start-up organizations. She is passionate about supporting the growth of organizational mission through the engagement of supporters, philanthropists, churches, and corporations, working with senior volunteers and leadership, branding, positioning and story telling and sharing the impact of the work through dynamic communication, digital technology and good stewardship practices.
Her experience includes leading teams in the international development sector at World Vision Canada, Save the Children Canada and Dignitas International, as well as Tyndale University College and Seminary and Yonge Street Mission. Strongly committed to the study and practice of leadership, Mary Ann brings her experience in management, fund development and marketing to her role to help build the resources for the ministry of the Canadian Bible Society.
Vice President, National Programs
Duncan Campbell was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta. He joins the Canadian Bible Society with a 30-year track record in program development and leadership, primarily in the relief and development field. He has worked with PLAN International, World Vision International, and several other international development organizations.
Immediately after university, Duncan went to Peru as a volunteer with CUSO international, where he was part of a local non-government organization (NGO) providing technical assistance to smallholder farmers. He returned to Canada to do some graduate studies in Christian Theology at Regent College in Vancouver, and then headed off to Filingué, on the edge of the Sahara Desert in Niger, to be the Projects Engineer with a small Canadian NGO.
After Niger, Duncan and his wife, Maria Elena, and their children went on to live and work in nine other countries in Africa and Latin America, primarily doing development work with the rural poor, and also providing emergency assistance to people in disaster situations. With World Vision, Duncan also had significant engagement and collaboration with local churches.
Duncan brings tremendous expertise in program development and management, and we welcome him to the Canadian Bible Society to lead the development and growth of the regional teams and programs across the country.
Vice President, Human Resources
Joanna Costopoulos joined the CBS in March 2018 as the new Director of Human Resources. She enjoys working closely with the CBS team to lead, strengthen and encourage each individual in their capacity to serve effectively.
Joanna brings years of HR experience including prior experience working with leading non-profit organizations and a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Her advanced education in law, business administration and her designation as a CHRL (Certified Human Resources Leader) give her a depth of professionalism and leadership.
Joanna works with CBS staff to improve and increase staff acquisition, training and development. Joanna’s servant leadership and a ‘can-do attitude’ has helped her build successful relationships and impactful results at the Canadian Bible Society.
Vice President, Scripture Translation
Dr. Jeff Green joined the Canadian Bible Society (CBS) in 2017 as a Bible translation consultant and began to lead the Scripture Translation Department in 2019.
Jeff has been involved in Bible translation since 2001. He and his family spent 11 years in East Asia, where he served with Wycliffe/Summer Institute of Linguistics in a Bible translation project and in many other roles. He helped his colleagues with their linguistic analysis and Bible translation work as a linguistics consultant and a translation consultant. He taught linguistics at both the undergraduate and graduate levels for Canada Institute of Linguistics in Langley, BC and as part of their partnership with Tyndale University College in Toronto, ON, and for Payap University in Chiang Mai, Thailand. His leadership experience includes serving as Language and Culture Learning Coordinator and as the coordinator of a Bible translation community of practice focused on the Himalayan region.
Since joining CBS, Jeff has been a translation consultant on projects in Plains Cree, Iñupiatun, Inuinnaqtun, Inuktitut, Mohawk, Blackfoot, and Punjabi. He enjoys teaching others the things he’s had the opportunity to learn and helping others with the technical aspects of Bible translation work.
Jeff earned a Doctor of Ministry degree in Bible Translation from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Massachusetts. He and his family live in Oshawa, ON.
Vice President, Scripture Resources
Growing up in a culturally mixed household and attending a French Catholic school in the Middle East, exposed Nelly to many points of view and religions. But when she read the Bible in her mother tongue, she realized that she had to make a personal commitment; and thus began her journey of faith.
Nelly has been working with the Canadian Bible Society since 1986, mostly in the production and publishing areas (Production Assistant, Design and Production Manager, Senior Publishing Manager). While working full-time, she continued her university studies and obtained her MA from York University and a degree in Publishing from Ryerson University in Toronto.
“When I hear stories of lives changed through the Bible, I am more encouraged to continue my small contribution to this ministry as the Director of Scripture Resources. Part of my job is to ensure that the Scriptures are available in the languages of the people of Canada in suitable formats. Reading the Bible in one’s own language is amazing and life-changing! Being a part of the Bible Society is an honour and privilege I do not take lightly.”
CBS Ambassador
Rev. Dr. Andrew Stirling joined CBS as Ambassador following 23 years as Senior Minister of Timothy Eaton Memorial Church, Toronto. In his current role, he will help build relationships with churches, academic institutions, individuals and Christian leadership in Canada.
Dr. Stirling holds a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Law from the University of Cape Town, South Africa, a Master of Divinity from the Atlantic School of Theology in Halifax, Nova Scotia and a Doctor of Ministry in preaching from Acadia Divinity College, Wolfville, Nova Scotia. In 2008, Wycliffe College, Toronto, recognized his contribution to preaching with an honorary Doctor of Divinity.
Board of Directors
Chair
Uxbridge, Ontario
Hatfield Point, New Brunswick
Alana Walker CarpenterSecretary
Toronto, Ontario
Levis, Quebec
Cardinal Thomas Christopher CollinsToronto, Ontario
Vice-ChairToronto, Ontario
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
Esther LysakovskyTruro, Nova Scotia
Sarah NewmanAjax, Ontario
Toronto, Ontario
Stephen ParrWinnipeg, Manitoba
Darryl RachulTreasurer
Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta
Cranbrook, British Columbia
Colette StewartMississauga, Ontario
Darren YoungLangley, British Columbia
Mrs. Beverly DanielsGuest Member
Bermuda
Uxbridge, Ontario
Brian serves on the CBS Board of Governors, the Finance and Property Committee and the Finance Advisory Council. He is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and manages a financial services business started by his father in 1965.
Brian was born and raised in Uxbridge, ON, is married to Luanne and has 6 children. He is an active member at Uxbridge Baptist Church. He ministers at churches, events, and senior residences in the GTA in a male gospel group called Reflections Trio.
He initially became involved with the Uxbridge Branch of CBS. He also serves as a Board Member of the CBS Central Ontario District and the Ontario Region Council.
Hatfield Point, New Brunswick
Dr. Marsha Boyd-Mitchell serves as the Secretary for the CBS Board of Governors. Having experienced Christian School education in her early years, she attended and graduated from Rothesay Baptist Christian School. Dr. Boyd-Mitchell has earned a B.Sc. in Christian School Education from Kingswood University, a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Cairn University and an Educational Doctorate from Liberty University. She has been teaching since 1998 and has served as Principal of Sussex Christian School in New Brunswick since 2001. She is also the Executive Director of the Christian Action Federation.
Dr. Boyd Mitchell lives in Hatfield Point, NB, and is married to Colin.
Toronto, Ontario
Serving in the capacity of Chief Executive Officer of Intriciti, Alana Walker Carpenter created and leads a ministry for business leaders. Her passion is to inspire business leaders to integrate their faith and business through innovative events, individual and group coaching, roundtable discussions, leadership development, and philanthropic initiatives.
Alana holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Western Ontario (King’s College) and a Post-Graduate Degree in Human Resources Management from Humber College of Applied Arts and Technology.
Alana has received numerous academic and leadership awards, including the Humanitarian Award at The University of Western Ontario and the Top 100 Best Christian Women in Canada.
Alana resides in Toronto with her husband and son where they are active members at their local church (Yorkminster Park Baptist Church) and their denomination (Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec).
Levis, Quebec
Pierre Cloutier joined the Canadian Bible Society’s Board of Governors in June 2019.
Pierre has been in the academic profession since 1990, teaching a wide variety of subjects, including English, Ethics and Morality, Journalism and Religious Culture. His volunteer work is also varied, having been involved with Knights of Columbus at the Diocese of Quebec, assisting people in palliative care with Albatros, and fundraising for the Children’s Wish Foundation.
Pierre spends his free time reading, travelling, enjoying music, motorcycling, and scuba diving.
Toronto, Ontario
Cardinal Thomas Christopher Collins, Archbishop emeritus of Toronto (Canada) is a Canadian cardinal of the Catholic Church. He was the Metropolitan Archbishop of Toronto from 2007 to 2023. He is the fourth Cardinal in the history of the Archdiocese of Toronto and the 16th in the history of Canada.
Ordained a priest in 1973, he holds a BA and MA in English, and a BA in theology. While studying in Rome, specializing in sacred Scripture and the Book of Revelation, he received his Licentiate in Sacred Scripture from the Pontifical Biblical Institute in 1978 and a Doctorate in Theology from the Gregorian University in 1986.
He has also served as Chancellor of the University of Saint Michael’s College and the Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies in Toronto, and Chair of the Board of Governors of Saint Augustine’s Seminary and of the Redemptoris Mater Missionary Seminary.
Currently, he serves as Member of Dicastery for the Oriental Churches.
Toronto, Ontario
Executive Director of Nation At Prayer, Mel holds a Master of Divinity degree from Queen’s University and Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Manitoba.
Mel has served in senior leadership roles in government, the not-for-profit and corporate sectors. He has filled specialist roles with an international corporation; served as consultant to Fortune 500 companies, small- to mid-size businesses, and not-for-profit organizations; and has been mentor and coach to executives and other corporate and sectarian leaders.Mel is President of the Canadian Fellowship Foundation that supports the weekly Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast and the annual National Prayer Breakfast. As Liaison to the Vatican and the Catholic Church in North and South America, Mel has been part of the global initiative to get the visual Gospel of John into 1 billion homes by 2025.
Mel and Susan are partners in life, ministry, and leadership, devoted to serving the Lord as instruments for transformation in the lives of individuals and the nation. Frequent presenters and authors of several articles, they are also regular guests on 100 Huntley Street and have been featured in numerous Christian publications and other media.
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
Rev. Dr. Francis joined the CBS Board of Governors in June 2019.
Frank served as a pastor in Windsor, NS, while finishing his B.A. at Acadia University in Wolfville, NS. In 1975 he was ordained and completed his Master of Divinity studies from Acadia University. He received his doctorate at the North American Baptist Seminary in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
In addition to teaching at Acadia University, Frank has also focused on training leaders in Church development.
An ordained Minister with the Convention Atlantic Baptist Churches, Frank is now serving as the Interim Pastor at Timberlea Baptist Church in Timberlea, Nova Scotia.
Truro, Nova Scotia
Esther Lysakovsky joined the CBS Board of Governors in October 2023.
As a Senior Advisor at Alpha Canada, she works with key Canadian churches to further equip and empower them in their mission of evangelization.
A Bible college graduate with a deep love for God's Word and for the local church, she has ministered as a lay leader for over 20 years, serving in the areas of preaching, teaching, evangelism, discipleship, family ministry, and the creative arts.
Esther is a guest speaker, writer, and contributor for Christian webinars, podcasts, publications, and, for a season, on Crossroads TV. To each role, she brings passion, creativity, leadership, excellence, and a lifelong commitment to learning.
Residing in Truro, Nova Scotia with her husband and two sons, Esther is an active member of her local church and the facilitator for a monthly church leader’s network in her community.
Ajax, Ontario
A lay minister at Armadale Free Methodist Church and an intern in the Bible Translation Department of the Canadian Bible Society, Sarah Newman holds an M.Div. in Biblical Studies and an M.A. in Linguistics. She is a member of Editors Canada, the Society of Biblical Literature, and the Wesleyan Theological Society. Sarah occasionally blogs at Joyful For Jesus - Finding joy in the little things.
Toronto, Ontario
Caleb Park joined the CBS Board of Governors in October 2023.
With over seven years of work experience in various industries and countries, Caleb is a passionate and versatile leader who thrives on challenges and opportunities. His core competencies include hospitality, consulting, international business, and problem solving.
Caleb is currently leading Chick-fil-A's international expansion in Canada as its grand opening supervisor and interim manager, where he shares the company's vision of serving people and creating remarkable experiences. Chick-fil-A's corporate purpose is "to glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us. To have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A."
In his current role, he has led three high-volume restaurants as an acting operator and supervised nine grand openings in Canada and the US. He is also a member of the very first pioneering class from Canada, bringing a diverse and global perspective to the Chick-fil-A Corporate team. Caleb has leveraged his analytical, presentation, and communication skills to deliver exceptional results and foster strong relationships with stakeholders. He is always eager to learn new things and explore new possibilities while helping businesses thrive and grow in Canada and beyond. Caleb holds an Honours iBBA from the Schulich School of Business, York University. Outside of work, he spends time volunteering at C3 Church Toronto, LeaderImpact NEXT and Young Life.
Winnipeg, Manitoba
A registered psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, Stephen Parr is a qualified mental health professional with 15 years of professional experience. Stephen has experience working with clients from intake to closure, developing and implementing individual treatment plans, and providing individual, couples and family therapy to a culturally diverse clientele. Stephen is currently a Counselling Therapist with Recovery of Hope, Winnipeg, Manitoba.
20 years of working in international, cross-cultural settings in the areas of theological education, leadership and human resources have given Stephen a valuable multicultural perspective on people and organizations, which he has used to help others understand and deal with personal, interpersonal, and organizational issues and challenges.
A good listener who conveys acceptance and warmth along with openness and curiosity, he helps people make sense of their lives with new insights, resourcefulness, and skills, and believes strongly in a strengths-based and collaborative approach to problem solving.
A Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, Stephen is a good team player with a passion for personal development and spirituality.
Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta
Darryl has worked in the construction materials industry for over 35 years. He has also been active in church ministry, serving for 11 years as Elder Board member, including 3 years as Board Chairman. He also served as an administrative pastor.
He holds a Diploma in Accountancy from the Saskatchewan Technical Institute and a CIM Certificate from the Canadian Institute of Management. In addition, he has completed one year toward his Bachelor of Religious Education degree from the Canadian Bible College, Regina.
Darryl is married and has two children and two grandchildren.
Cranbrook, British Columbia
Ron has been the Pastor and Executive Director at the Wings as Eagles Ministry Recovery Center - which supports the spiritual, physical, emotional, and mental well being of their clients - since 2006, and the Senior Pastor at The Dwelling Place Church since 2012.
He has a Master's in Theology, is working on his Doctor of Biblical Theology and has a strong background in Business Administration.
Ron lives in Cranbrook, British Columbia with his wife Darlene.
Mississauga, Ontario
Colette Stewart joined the CBS Board of Governors in October 2023.
Enterprise Privacy Lead and Managing Counsel at Interac Corp., Colette is recognized for being a strategic partner to her business clients by delivering valued, practical, and creative legal support in a complex and innovative Fin-Tech environment. Along the journey from concept to product launch, Colette advises on all legal and privacy aspects and helps her business clients successfully navigate the challenges that arise.
In addition to her law degree, Colette holds a Bachelor of Science and is called to the Bar in the Province of Ontario.
Colette’s commitment to empowering the next generation has been a passion throughout her career. She has served on the University of Windsor Faculty of Law Admissions Committee. Colette has also acted as a formal and informal mentor to young lawyers and university students, most recently as a part of the University of Toronto Black Future Lawyers. She has repeatedly been called upon to share her insights and guidance in Law and Technology, and as a featured speaker to motivate and inspire professional Women and the new generation of young minds.
Colette has the pleasure of serving her local community of Mississauga and the honour of service to Christ for most of her life with the pleasure of serving the local Church. She has also reached the international community by participating in development projects in both the Philippines and India. Most recently, Colette was featured in the Globe & Mail, discussing digital identity in the Canadian ecosystem in an article entitled “Boosting trust: How institutions can foster safe participation in Canada’s growing digital economy.”
Langley, British Columbia
Darren Young joined the CBS Board of Governors in October 2023.
Darren was captured by the mission of God through the ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ (CCC), as a student at Simon Fraser University. It was there that God captured him with a life burden to help people know Jesus. He joined staff with CCC and for the next eight years he served as the Chief Financial Officer and Director of Leadership Development and Human Resources.
In 2006, God gripped Darren’s heart for the local church, where he spent the next 13 years preaching God’s Word, shepherding a congregation, and igniting people to evangelism at Town and Field Church in Langley, BC. During his time pastoring, he was heavily involved with Leadership Network (LN), and in 2019 he joined LN as the Chief Operating Officer, and then Acting CEO.
In 2020 he also helped pioneer an organization called Executive Leadership Solutions. Darren returned to his roots in June of 2021, when God called him back to Power to Change (P2C) as President.
Over the last two years, it has been Darren’s great joy to lead P2C into a new season of faithfully stewarding the mission that God entrusted to Power to Change so many years ago. Darren has been married to his redheaded sweetheart (Wendy) for 23 years and together they have two amazing boys - Taylor (20) and Matthew (19). He loves coaching and cheering his boys on in sports, running marathons, watching movies with his family, and taking his dog Gus for evening walks.
Bermuda
Beverly Daniels is the President of the Bermuda Bible Society and represents the Bermuda Society as a guest on the Board of Governors for the Canadian Bible Society.
A retired educator, Beverly has served as a teacher, Guidance Counselor and school principal. She completed her tour of duty as an educator serving for six years as a Human Resource Manager for the Bermuda Ministry of Education.
Always an advocate for youth, Beverly worked with the Bermuda Girl Guide association as a leader. In addition, she worked for several years with the Young Life group and had oversight for the Corp Cadet programme at her church. Beverly currently works for the Salvation Army in Bermuda as the Executive Director for Community and Social Services. She is married to Michael, has 1 child and 4 grandchildren.