Speaker Bios

Dr. Gavin Maxwell,D.C., C.S.C.S., A.R.T.®, Med Ac. Finish First Health & Performance

A licensed chiropractor and founder of Finish First Health & Performance clinic in Mississauga, Dr. Gavin Maxwell combines his love of sports with a deep understanding of the intricate human body from his education in kinesiology and chiropractic.

Amongst his accomplishments as professional athlete, Dr. Gavin spent 12 years as a member of the Canadian National Canoe team including as a semi-finalist in C-1 1000m canoe at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games and is a 37-time Sprint Canoe National Champion and 12-time World Dragon Boat champion. Dr. Gavin also has 15+ years coaching elite dragon boat teams including as the national championship coach for the Canadian Women’s National team.

Dr. Gavin is NCSCA-CSCS certified with a Bachelor of Kinesiology from McMaster University and a Doctor of Chiropractic from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College.

Jonathan Hood, Motivational Speaker, Life Coach, Youth Mentor Ahead of the Game Training

A former CFL athlete, entrepreneur, youth mentor, and executive coach, Jonathan began his professional football career in 2008 when he was drafted 26th overall to the Edmonton Eskimos. He spent 6 years in the CFL playing for the Eskimos, Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and Argonauts.

Prior to his pro career, Jonathan earned an Honours Bachelor’s in Psychology from St. Francis Xavier University and went on to receive a Master’s Degree in Sport Psychology at University of Western where he played one year with the Western Mustangs. He retired in May of 2015 and has since shifted his focus from on-field experiences to developing and inspiring people off the field through motivational speaking, executive coaching and youth mentoring.

Jennifer Black, BSEd, FMA, CFP, FCSI, CIM Dedicated Financial Solutions

Jennifer is president of Dedicated Financial Solutions (DFS), a rapidly growing wealth management company based in Mississauga. The firm is co-owned by Black and vice president Janet Baccarani, both Certified Financial Planners, directing a team of seven specialists.

Throughout her twelve-year career as a financial advisor, Jennifer brings the discipline and work ethic learned as a nationally-ranked tennis player to recognize investment opportunities and achieve good returns for her clients.

A well-known author and spokesperson for wealth management and financial planning, Jennifer has been featured in such respected news sources as the Globe & Mail, , Investment Executive magazine and News 1010 radio. She earned top position in Wealth Professional magazine’s “Young Guns” profile of top financial advisors in .

Her book “Managing Alone”, an advisor’s guide to surviving the loss of a spouse was launched in 2013.

Rob Mackay, Business Development, Client Manager Landmark Sport Group Inc.

Rob Mackay began his sport marketing career at Golf Canada in their Partnership Marketing department. He joined Landmark Sport Group in 2012 assisting with sponsorship sales for all event properties including the annual Mississauga Marathon and Oakville Half Marathon.

Currently Rob oversees all of Landmark’s Business Development for Events, Olympic Athletes, and Professional Golfers.

In 2013, Landmark signed World Champion figure skater, Patrick Chan and for the past three years, Rob has worked with Patrick building his brand with elite Canadian companies including RBC, Coca-Cola, Air Canada, General Mills and BC’s Aspac Developments. Rob was also an integral part in negotiating Patrick’s very own school, the Patrick Chan Elite Figure Skating School, set to open in the fall of 2016 in Richmond, B.C. In addition, Rob has managed several special projects for Patrick including the launch of his very own Ice wine called “On Ice” in partnership with Flat Rock Cellars.

Rob is also responsible for to the day-to-day management of Olympians Michelle Li; future Olympians Emily Overholt, and Piper Gilles & Paul Poirier; and professional golfers, Brittany Marchand and Ryan Williams.

Mr. Mackay received his Bachelor’s degree in Human Relations from Concordia University and graduated from Windsor University with a Master’s of Sport Management.