THE TEAM

  • Victoria Williston

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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    Victoria, a former radio anchor and news director, brings extensive experience in writing and communications to her role. With over a decade in local news, her passion for community engagement has evolved into a keen interest in municipal governance and affairs. In her current position, Victoria is tasked with shaping and improving the market's public image, as well as developing and executing the corporation's branding and marketing strategy and media relations. She is also a board member at Synapcity, a local organization for civic engagement.

  • Jeanne Matthiss

    MANAGER, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

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    Jeanne contributes a strong commitment to social and environmental sustainability to the team. Equipped with a master's degree in business strategy, she possesses substantial expertise in critical strategic analysis and metrics evaluation. Raised in France, Jeanne's cultural background includes a dedication to supporting local producers at public markets, reflecting her belief that eating locally is a vital, environmentally friendly practice.

  • Ahmed Bennani

    MANAGER, MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

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    Newly settled in Canada, Ahmed brings a fresh perspective to the ByWard Market District Authority’s communications team. With a Master’s degree in Advertising from the UAL: London College of Communication, he blends strategic thinking with creative storytelling to showcase the people and energy that make the ByWard Market District come alive.

    Before joining the BMDA, he spent five years in one of Morocco’s leading advertising agencies, where he worked as a Copywriter, Social Media Manager, and eventually as interim Head of Social, crafting campaigns that connected audiences and brands in meaningful ways.

  • Samson Ojo

    PROPERTY MANAGER

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    Samson is responsible for overseeing the daily activities of commercial properties in the ByWard Market district. With close to ten years of experience in managing both commercial and residential properties and a foundation in Business Administration, Samson is actively pursuing certification as a property manager (CPM designation) through the Real Estate Institute of Canada.

  • Priyak Namjoshi

    COMMUNITY READINESS AND RESILIENCY MANAGER

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    Priyak brings over a decade of experience in emergency management, public safety, and operational leadership background spanning military service, law enforcement, and government operations, he is passionate about strengthening community resilience and supporting coordinated emergency response efforts.

    In his current role, Priyak leads an integrated approach to safety and security across the ByWard Market District. Working closely with the Community Safety and Well-being Committee, the Ottawa Police Service, City of Ottawa departments, social service providers, businesses, and residents, he helps shape and implement a coordinated district-wide readiness and resilience strategy. Through collaboration and compassionate, community-driven initiatives, he focuses on creating a district that is safe, resilient, welcoming, and vibrant for visitors, residents, and businesses alike.

    In addition to his civilian leadership, Priyak serves as a Logistics Officer with the Canadian Armed Forces, where he supports operational planning and team readiness in dynamic environments.

  • Asieh Adnani

    MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR

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    Asieh is a Jane-of-all-trades at the ByWard Market District Authority. She is hands-on, handling everything from setting up seasonal stands to decorating the building while coordinating countless other invisible tasks. Asieh ensures the smooth daily operation of the ByWard and Parkdale Market areas.

  • Craig Murkar

    OPERATIONS COORDINATOR

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    Over the last decade, Craig has collaborated with local small businesses to enhance public markets in eastern Ontario by supporting farmers and entrepreneurs. His goal is to revitalize the ByWard and Parkdale markets, transforming them into community spaces that promote health and well-being with a commitment to accessibility for all.

  • Fadoua Srihen

    OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR

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    Fadoua is an experienced professional with a master's degree in International Management from HEM Business School in Morocco and five years of expertise as a purchasing manager. Having moved to Canada in June 2024 to experience Canadian life, Fadoua is now responsible for the administrative coordination of the ByWard Market and office management. Passionate about organization and efficiency, Fadoua is dedicated to supporting the success of the ByWard Market community.

  • Lilly Cadieux

    VENDOR COORDINATOR

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    After having been a Market Ambassador for two years, she's moved up into the Vendor Coordinator position.

    Lilly has previously worked in Shelter Services and Professional Kitchens across Ottawa. With a wide range of knowledge about the ByWard Market and what makes it special, she brings a new perspective to the historical market. Her job is to manage all the vendors from applications, placements and all the little details that make it work day to day.

  • Nathalie Lavergne

    TOURISM & DESTINATION LEAD

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    Nathalie Lavergne is an experienced event producer and community builder with over 30 years in cultural programming, tourism, and large-scale logistics. Her career spans iconic projects like the Montreal Jazz Festival, Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay, and Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. After coordinating the 2015 Pan Am Torch Relay, she settled in Brockville, co-founded the award-winning Spitfire Café, and led popular local events.

    Nathalie has held leadership roles in tourism and business organizations and now serves as Tourism Liaison Lead for the ByWard Market, focusing on grants, reporting, and major public events.

  • Nora Schlathau

    EVENT COORDINATOR

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    With experience coordinating large-scale festivals and downtown activations, Nora brings creativity and organization to every event she helps bring to life. Her background includes work with the Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival and Downtown Smiths Falls BIA, where she honed skills in event logistics, marketing, and community engagement while developing a love for bringing people together. Thriving off organized chaos and the energy of a lively crowd, Nora approaches each event with a mix of strategy, collaboration, and a sense of humour. 

  • Norman McEvoy

    DIGITAL MEDIA CONTENT CREATOR

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    Born and raised in Ottawa, Norman got his start working in the ByWard Market and has carried that local connection with him around the world. He’s lived in Australia and Thailand, creating content along the way and honing his craft behind the camera.

    With an advanced diploma in Advertising, Marketing, and Communications Management, Norman has turned his passion for videography and photography into a career focused on capturing community, culture, and public space. Today, he brings a global lens to local stories—always grounded in a love for the people and places that make Ottawa unique.

  • Media Inquiries

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    For all media inquiries, interview requests, or press materials, please contact our communications team at communications@byward-market.com We’re happy to provide information, images, or connect you with a spokesperson.

  • Board of Directors

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    Sandy Smallwood, Chair

    Suzanne Valiquet, Vice-Chair, and Chair, Human Resources Committee

    Stephen Berry, Treasurer

    Mischa Kaplan, Chair, Governance Committee

    Mamadou Conté, Director

    Bryan Chandler, Director

    Nina Kressler, Director

    Mark Kaluski, Director

    Mark Suttcliffe, Mayor, City of Ottawa

    City of Ottawa Delegate:

    Sheilagh Doherty, Director, Economic Development Services, City of Ottawa

    Observer:

    Stéphanie Plante, City Councillor, Ward 12