York Region Chapter

Adriana Carlin

Co-Chair, Chapter Programs

With extensive experience as Director of HR and Operations, and over 6 years as the owner and principal consultant of a boutique firm, I bring a deep understanding of the current challenges facing people and culture in the workplace. In addition to my Chair roles as Member-at-Large (Current), Regulatory Discussion Group, and Student Engagement committees for the York Region Chapter of HRPA, I’m an entrepreneur, a mentor, and a part-time professor in the HR and Business and Management programs at Georgian College.

Always interested learning more about the latest trends and best practices, please reach out and connect so we may share HR insights.

Hana is an enthusiastic human resources (HR) professional with experience in Talent Acquisition, implementing strategic initiatives and diversity and inclusion. Hana consistently demonstrates passion for building community within the HR profession through volunteer and leadership activities. Since 2017, Hana has volunteered in various capacities with the HRPA including speaking at the HRPA Annual Conference and as a member of various committees including the Student Engagement Committee (SEC) and the Charity of Choice Selection Committee.

Hana has a Bachelor of Business Administration from Wilfrid Laurier University, a post-graduate certificate in Human Resources Management from George Brown College, a certificate in Human Resources Management from Ryerson University and has obtained her CHRP designation.

Hana enjoys networking, mentoring early HR professionals, and exploring the intersection of HR and technology. In her free time, Hana likes to travel, do yoga, try new recipes and read historical fiction.

Ryan Cooke

Secretary/Treasurer

Ryan Cooke is currently the Director of People Operations for a growing landscape and snow removal organization looking to disrupt the HR space aligning recruitment with retention goals.

With 15 years of experience working on a variety of HR projects, Ryan has developed and applied a rugby scrum ‘teamwork makes the dream work’ philosophy to help businesses operate through lean, engaged, and thriving employees.  As a customer-focused and highly qualified professional who understands the purpose of an organization’s mission and vision, Ryan understands how to apply a LEAN framework in a way that supports the development of an organization, how to turn reactive into proactive, and truly take HR programs from good to GREAT!

Josie Lee, CHRL

Chair, Chapter Communications

Josie is an energetic Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL), with over 13 years of experience. As Director, HR Business Partner at CNA Insurance (Canada), she is responsible for all functional areas of HR. Prior to CNA, she worked at Deloitte and EY.

With 20+ years of volunteering experience, Josie has had the opportunity to work with children, seniors and individuals with disabilities. Since joining the HRPA in 2009, she’s volunteered with the Relationship Management and Mentoring Committees. She was also the recipient of HRPA York Region’s 2014 Rising Star Award. She was elected to the Board in 2021 and leads the Student portfolio for York Region.

Josie graduated from Western University with a specialization in HR and French. She has her HRBP Certificate as well as The Osgoode Certificate in Advanced HR Law for Senior HR Executives. Outside of HR, Josie is a part-time Real Estate Salesperson and also teaches kids Muay Thai.

Lisa McFarland, CHRL

Co-Chair, Chapter Programs

Lisa has 25+ years of diverse experience in the field of Human Resources that spans start-ups and established organizations.  She has extensive hands-on experience assisting businesses develop HR strategies and processes to ensure that the right HR fundamentals are in place.

Her passion is driven by creating an engaging and collaborative workforce.  In 2020, Lisa launched Flashrock HR focused on designing and delivering practical solutions that align with organizational culture and people strategy.

One of Lisa’s favourite quotes, “Accept that we all are human resources, but we are humans first and resources later.”

Prior to joining the York Regional Board, she contributed to the York Region Regulatory Discussion Group, was a guest speaker at the York Region Chapter and other HRPA Chapters across Ontario, presented at the HRPA HR Summits and at the HRPA annual conference.

Lisa earned her bachelor’s degree from York University and completed the Adult Learning and Development Program at OISE, University of Toronto. She is a proud Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) and a Certified Training and Development Professional (CTDP).

Kacey-Neille is a strategic HR leader with experience in all functional areas of Human Resources. She has worked in several industries including manufacturing, professional services, childcare and telecommunications, within small, medium and large enterprises. As an HR leader Kacey-Neille is a strategist, an implementor and a communicator of all HR initiatives, to ensure alignment with the overall strategy of the company. She is a strong business partner capable of approaching HR challenges from both the business and the people perspective and creates change through partnerships and teamwork. An active member of the York Region Chapter of the HRPA since 2014, Kacey-Neille has enjoyed serving and interacting within the HR community through mentorship, volunteering and professional development. She believes strongly in supporting others and giving back to the community, as it has been a valuable resource in her career and has supported her growth as an HR professional. Kacey-Neille holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Schulich School of Business and a Bachelor of Science (BSc) from York University. She is also holds a Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) designation from the HRPA.