About Us
President, Alicia Chiu
No mother should ever outlive their child. Unfortunately Alicia had to lay her son to rest in October 2016, just five years after Christopher was diagnosed with ALS.
A medical technologist by training, an entrepreneur, a long-time community leader and devoted mother and wife, Alicia has been involved in making her community a better place for some time. Becoming ALS Double Play's President and being able to share her son's story to raise awareness of ALS, is a natural extension. Alicia looks forward to being a committed team member, lending her skills.
Alicia cannot wait to see the end of ALS and looks forward to making ALS history.
Treasurer, Alex Bilton
Born in England, Alex graduated from the University of Humberside in 1994 with a B.A. (Honours) in Accountancy and Finance. She gained her CPFA accounting designation from Leeds Metropolitan University in 2001. Having moved to Canada in 2005, Alex subsequently gained the CMA/CPA accounting designations. She brings with her 20 years of experience in various Finance roles throughout the public and private sector.
Alex is committed to finding a cure for ALS.
Secretary, Barb Ryner
Barb came to ALS Double Play to help plan the Intentional Walk and decided to stay as a Director.
Armed with a BA (Honours) in Psychology and a Masters in Criminology, Barb left a career in hotel management to pursue work in the public sector and hasn’t looked back. Barb brings her strong skills in leadership, strategic and operational planning, and risk and assurance consultation from over 15 years in the private and public sectors. Barb’s interest on matters concerning criminalized women lead her to a variety of roles on the Boards of the Elizabeth Fry Society of Simcoe County, Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies and Past President of the Council of Elizabeth Fry Societies of Ontario.
Barb believes in abilities of the team at the University of Toronto to help us make ALS history.
Director, Sean Gladney
Having run a successful private investigation and security business for almost 25 years, Sean brings us a brain for innovation and business. In addition to his business, and ALS Double Play, Sean donates his time and resources to Innocence Canada (formerly known as AIDWYC).
Sean understands first hand what caring for someone with a terminal disease takes and wants to help the ALS community so that no one has to endure this in the future.
Executive Director, Cherrie-Marie Chiu
Cherrie’s brother, Christopher was diagnosed with ALS in November 2011. Almost immediately she knew there was something she needed to do to help advance awareness and research for this relatively unknown disease. Cherrie brings her project management and leadership skills from almost 15 years experience in both the public and private sector. Additionally, Cherrie and her brother Christopher grew up in a home where community service was not just something you talked about at dinner, but rather something you did. As such, Cherrie has been involved in, and played pivotal organizational roles in organizations such as Girl Guides, Ratepayers’ Association, and her father’s annual golf tournament, which celebrated their 20th year in 2018.
Cherrie believes a cure for ALS will be found in the next 10 years.