Board of Directors

Jim Templeton, Chair

Jim joined the financial services industry in 1997 and is currently Branch Manager of Berkshire Securities Inc. in St. John's, Newfoundland. Jim worked for a national bank-owned securities firm for five years before opening the Berkshire office with his father, Bruce, in September 2002.

Jim is a graduate of the School of Journalism and Communication at Carleton University (1994) and holds the Canadian Investment Manager (CIM) designation. Jim began his career in newspaper advertising and circulation sales before turning his interest in communications and client service toward a career in the financial services industry. Jim works with clients in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario and Quebec.

Jim lives in Outer Cove with his wife and three sons. Along with devoting time to his growing family, he also volunteers with St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church and is the Chair of Young Adult Cancer Canada's Board of Directors. In his spare time he plays basketball and pursues many sporting and outdoor recreational activities.

John Walsh

John is a City Councilor in the City of Mount Pearl and is a retired educator and former Principal of O'Donel High School. Currently, John works as an associate with Atlantic Consulting and Counseling Associates.

John has been involved with Young Adult Cancer Canada from the very beginning; O'Donel High School was the very first school that Founder and CEO, Geoff Eaton, visited when he decided to move forward and introduce Young Adult Cancer Canada into high schools. John was the first principal to open his doors, welcoming the message of hope, and to work with Geoff in challenging young adults to help make a difference in the life of someone who is dealing with cancer.

John has been a member of the Board of Directors of Young Adult Cancer Canada since September 2003, and he is fully committed to the principles and direction that the organization has undertaken.

Val Pike

Val is a high school teacher and a member of Young Adult Cancer Canada's Board of Directors. Along with being involved with Young Adult Cancer Canada, Val is also involved with the Shepherd Art Project, serves as a board member with the Canadian Association of Second Language Teachers and is a canvasser for the Quidi Vidi Rennies River Foundation.

Her interests include continuous learning, working towards a healthy lifestyle and encouraging and enabling young people to realize their goals and dreams.

Judy Sparkes-Giannou

Over the past 17 years Judy's name has become synonymous in the tourism industry provincially, regionally and nationally. As President of Maxxim Vacations, Judy has led the growth of this company to not only be Newfoundland & Labrador’s largest tour wholesaler, but also one of Atlantic Canada’s leading travel providers. Judy also holds the position of Managing Director for Clayton Inns Limited and she takes the lead in Corporate Development for Targa Newfoundland, one of Canada’s most outstanding motor sports adventures.

Judy is an active community volunteer and currently dedicates her spare time to the Young Adult Cancer Canada's Board of Directors; Judy is Vice President of Newfoundland & Labrador Organization for Women Entrepreneurs and an active volunteer at the St. John’s Women’s Centre.  Judy resides in St. John’s with her two favorite men; her husband Scott and darling son Jack.