Police Services Board

Pat Mandy(Chair)

Pat is a member of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. She is a respected health care leader with more than 40 years of experience in a variety of leadership roles in healthcare, change management, regulatory, governance and educational settings. 

Pat retired from the position of Chief Executive Officer, Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant Local Health Integration Network in 2010.  

She has extensive linkages with the community in a variety of roles, including Past President of the College of Nurses of Ontario, Past Chair of the Hamilton-Wentworth District Health Council, and Past, and current, Chair of De dwa de dehs nye>s Aboriginal Health Centre. 

She has been recognized with several awards for her contributions to healthcare as provider, mentor, and educator, her volunteer roles, and her active commitment to the well-being of the Aboriginal community.  Pat is the recipient of the 2016 Indspire Award in the category of health.  In June 2017, Pat was appointed as a Member of the Order of Canada

 

Robert Elms

Robert George Elms is currently Managing Director and Consultant at SAGE Strategic Insight and Analysis Incorporated. He is also a former Special Advisor on Military Heritage, Protocol and Veterans Affairs at Office of the Mayor of the City of Hamilton and a former Colonel with the Canadian Armed Forces. His community involvement includes serving as Governor and Director for Hamilton Division Corps of Commissionaires.

 

 

 

Mel Athulathmudali

Mel Athulathmudali is a longtime resident of Hamilton. He was born in Sri Lanka, and after his parents immigrated to Canada, spent his childhood and most of his adulthood in the area.

His professional life is varied and diverse, and includes 25 years at Air Transat as a Flight Director in addition to working in the Cabin Safety & Training, and Catering & Commissary departments. He runs a catering company and recently has worked as an educator at Strata Montessori School. 

He attended Hillfield-Strathallan College, McMaster University and The Stratford Chef’s School, and is currently an Alumni Class representative for HSC and on the Alumni Board of the Chef’s School. 

He has been actively involved with many local non-profit organizations, including St Joseph’s Villa, Centre3 and the Well, Hamilton’s LGTBQ Wellness Centre. 

He currently lives in Hamilton with his partner, Philip and Stuart the Airedale. 

Fred Bennink(Vice Chair)

Fred Bennink was appointed as the City of Hamilton Community rep to the HPS Board on March 27, 2019.

Fred considers public safety to be one of the most important services for a community to uphold. He hopes that his previous board experiences, his history of consensus building, budget/financial management, and his desire to help people ‘be the best they can be’, will be an asset to the Hamilton Police Services Board.

The outdoor sign industry is where Fred spent 35 years, as owner/President of Zip Signs Ltd. He retired in 2018. Fred has served the outdoor sign industry in many areas, including the Provincial Industry Board and the National Board, as well as assisting in International endeavours in specific areas in the industry.

Assisting and learning through volunteering has been important to Fred as demonstrated by over 30 years of community service. His board experience includes Hospital Foundation, Canadian Food Grains Bank, Hamilton Dream Center, an international relief and development organization, a Mental Health organization, and a Family Services organization in Hamilton. Fred has also served in his local church and through various committees.

Fred is a former Auxiliary Constable, a volunteer position with the Hamilton Police Service.

Fred has been married to Arlene for 39 years and they have 3 children and 4 grandchildren.