Meet the Board of Directors
LMCH is governed by a Board of Directors that provides leadership, oversight and strategic direction for the organization. The Board helps ensure LMCH operates responsibly and effectively while supporting the delivery of clean, safe, and well-maintained affordable housing across London and Middlesex.
The Board is made up of nine directors, including two City of London councillors, one elected representative from the County of Middlesex and two current LMCH tenants. Having tenants at the table helps ensure that lived experience and tenant perspectives are reflected in the decisions that shape our communities.
Board members bring a range of experience in areas such as governance, housing, finance, community development, and public service. Working closely with LMCH leadership, they set strategic priorities, oversee organizational performance and promote transparency, accountability and the responsible use of public resources.
Through this work, the Board helps guide LMCH’s efforts to improve the tenant experience, invest in our homes and communities, and strengthen the long-term sustainability of publicly owned rent-geared-to-income housing in London and Middlesex.
- Board Members
Phil Squire - Chair
Phil Squire is a seasoned lawyer based in London, specializing in Mental Health Law and Wills and Estates since 1983. He is the principal lawyer at Philip Squire Law Office and serves as an adjudicator on the Provincial Consent and Capacity Board. With extensive experience in advocacy and adjudication, Philip has made significant contributions to the field. In addition to his legal practice, he held leadership roles as Chair and Trustee of the London District Catholic School Board from 2010 to 2014 and as a City Councillor for Ward 6 from 2014 to 2021. As Board Chair for LMCH, Philip remains actively involved in community affairs, advocating for positive change and enhancing the quality of life for London residents.
Mayor, Colin Grantham, Strathroy-Caradoc - Vice-Chair
Mayor Colin Grantham has served as the Mayor of Strathroy-Caradoc for the past two years. With a professional background as National Sales Manager at Fujifilm Canada and Director of Manufacturing at the Kitchener-Waterloo Record, Colin brings a wealth of experience in both sales and operations. He is known for his results-driven approach, focusing on strategic customer relationships and tailored solutions that drive revenue and market growth. His expertise in manufacturing, process improvement, and project management complements his leadership in fostering community and economic development.
Councillor Shawn Lewis, Deputy Mayor, City of London
Shawn Lewis has been in public service for 18 years, beginning as a parliamentary staffer to a Member of Parliament in 2006. He was elected Ward 2 City Councillor for the City of London in 2018, defeating a 24-year incumbent, and was re-elected in 2022 with 89% of the popular vote—the highest result in the city’s history. Following his re-election, he was appointed Deputy Mayor. Among his key achievements are the opening of a $21.5 million multi-use community center and leading more than 20 ward-based projects, with municipal investments exceeding $25 million for infrastructure renewal. Shawn has also driven significant updates to London’s Official Plan and played a pivotal role in the "Vision SoHo" project, a groundbreaking partnership that is set to create nearly 700 new housing units in the city’s core. His expertise spans municipal zoning, building permit processes, and intergovernmental relations. He also serves on the LMCH Board and has collaborated with other housing providers on development projects.
Councillor Hadleigh McAlister, City of London
Hadleigh McAlister is currently in their first term as City Councillor for Ward 1, with two years of public service experience. Dedicated to enhancing the community, Hadleigh has secured city funds for the redevelopment of recreational facilities and parks, BIA operations, road safety improvements, and has been a strong advocate for food security and housing. In addition to serving on the LMHC Board, Hadleigh is actively involved in other boards, including Dearness Long Term Care, Middlesex London Food Policy Council, and the Hamilton Road Business Improvement Area.
Cara Awcock
Cara Awcock brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her role as a Tenant Board Member with London Middlesex Community Housing (LMCH). Holding diplomas in Community Service Work and Addictions Counselling, Cara has extensive experience working directly with some of the community's most vulnerable residents. As a Team Leader and Addictions Counsellor at Quintin Warner House, Mission Services of London, Cara has dedicated her career to supporting individuals experiencing mental health challenges, addiction, homelessness, and poverty. Her professional background, combined with her personal experiences, provides her with a unique perspective on the barriers many individuals face in accessing stable, quality housing. Since being appointed to the LMCH Board of Directors in March of 2023, Cara has served on LMCH's People Services and Housing Committee. As a Tenant Board Member, her perspectives and lived experiences bring an essential voice to the Board's decision-making process, helping ensure that tenant needs and concerns are represented at the highest level. Her contributions have helped to support LMCH's mission to provide clean, safe, and well-maintained homes that meet the needs of the people it serves throughout the community.
Gary Bezaire
Gary Bezaire was appointed to the London Middlesex Community Housing (LMCH) Board of Directors in September 2021 and has been an active member of the People Services and Housing Committee. Gary has served the London Community for over 24 years as a member of the London Police Service. He currently serves as a Detective in the Human Trafficking Unit, where he works to protect vulnerable individuals and support victims of exploitation. In addition to his investigative work, Gary serves on the Board of Directors for the London Police Association. His dedication to public service and community safety was recognized through a nomination for Police Hero of the Year. Gary's extensive experience working with vulnerable individuals and complex community issues brings a valuable perspective to the Board's governance and decision-making processes. His background in public safety and collaborative problem-solving has allowed him to thoughtfully evaluate issues through both a community and tenant-centric lens. Gary’s expertise continues to support both the Board and the tenants we serve, in alignment with LMCH’s mission to provide clean, safe, and well-maintained homes that meet the needs of the people it serves. His contributions to the Board have helped advance initiatives that strengthen housing services and foster safe, inclusive, and thriving communities throughout London and Middlesex County.
Gregory Thompson
Greg has over 30 years of experience in finance and real estate, having worked in commercial banking at two major Canadian chartered banks, where he completed more than $500 million in project financings. Currently, he holds a senior financial role in the real estate development and construction industries. As an Assistant Vice President in banking, Greg specialized in public sector financing for hospitals, school boards, municipalities, and public-private partnerships. His expertise in finance, accounting, and real estate development, along with his previous role as Chair of the board of a large not-for-profit childcare service provider, brings valuable insight to the LMCH board.
Sara Piñeros Castaño
Sara Piñeros Castaño is an accomplished economist with over ten years of experience in finance, social policy, and government programs. She has held key leadership roles, including National Director of Rural Housing and National Director of Planning for Colombia's Ministry of Housing, where she developed and evaluated strategic plans for housing and urban development. With extensive expertise in social and economic research, public policy management, and international collaboration, Sara also brings a strong academic background, having taught at leading universities in Colombia. Currently serving on the board of the Rights and Responsibilities Awareness Initiative, she is committed to empowering communities and fostering positive change.
Kathleen Savoy
- Public Meeting Information
LMCH's Board Meetings are open to the public and held every third Thursday of each month at 5:30 pm at 1299 Oxford St. E. Meetings can also be watched live on our LMCH Board of Directors YouTube channel.
To attend an upcoming public meeting, arrive at the LMCH Main Office located at 1299 Oxford St. E, Unit 5C5 (Southwest section of the plaza) using the plaza entrance at the intersection of Oxford and Mornington. Enter the LMCH Office via the west side staff entrance.
Arrive at least 10-15 minutes before the start of a meeting, and a LMCH staff member will open the doors and guide you to the Board Room.
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- Delegation Information
Delegation Information
LMCH welcomes and encourages public input. To engage with LMCH and the Board of Directors, you can contact us via written communications or requesting delegation status at an upcoming Board meeting.
Registering to speak
- Delegation requests are required to be in writing with details on what the request is about.
- LMCH staff will review the request and if deemed appropriate, the request will be placed on the public agenda. The request should contain all the information that the Board will require.
- If the Board grants the request, the speaker has up to 5 minutes to make the verbal presentation.
Archive Board Meeting Packages
LMCH's Board Meetings are open to the public and held every third Thursday of each month at 5:30 pm at 1299 Oxford St. E. See the Public Meeting Information section above for details on how to watch.
Note: Meeting dates are below and subject to change, without notice. If not listed, there will not be a meeting for the month.
