Convocation 2024

Fahad Meer, CPA, CA
Host

Fahad is a director in PwC’s National Strategy & Transformation Team, where he spearheads critical and intricate transformation projects. He is a CPA, CA, having earned his designation while serving as a trusted advisor to diverse private and public audit clients early in his career.

Beyond his professional role at PwC, Fahad actively contributes to recruitment efforts within the firm and previously served as a national faculty instructor for the Assurance practice. Outside of work, Fahad is deeply committed to community service and professional development. He chairs the Disciplinary Committee for CPA Ontario, helping to decide on sanctions for CPAs involved in professional misconduct. Additionally, he chairs the Risk and Finance Committee for Big Brother Big Sister of Halton and Hamilton. Fahad has been a guest lecturer at McMaster University’s Intro to Accounting course and is a two-time TEDx speaker.

Fahad is recognized as a CPA Ontario Emerging Leader, a recipient of the PwC CEO Award, and was a finalist for the 2022 Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards, underscoring his significant contributions to his profession and community.

Rick Morano, FCPA, FCMA
Keynote Speaker

Rick began his journey to his CPA working a blue-collar job and starting a family before enrolling in college to pursue his designation. Since then, Rick has made an incredible impact on his community. As CFO of the Chippewa of Rama First Nation, he played a crucial role in the Casino Rama expansion, transforming the first licensed casino on First Nations land into a full-fledged resort destination.  His work with Ontario Lottery Gaming Corporation secured funds for much-needed community support. Rick’s passion for the community extends to supporting First Nations youth by coaching hockey, where he led the team to the first ever gold medal for Rama First Nation at the Little NHL tournament in 2015. In 2005, Rick was recognized for his achievements by the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association Canada (AFOA) with an Excellence in Aboriginal Leadership Award. His important work earned the Rama First Nation the 2023 MNP-AFOA Canada Indigenous Community Excellence Award. A believer in the power of storytelling, Rick is writing a memoir to share his journey with his grandkids.

Carol Wilding, FCPA, FCA
President & Chief Executive Officer

Carol Wilding was appointed by the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario's Council as the President and CEO in October 2014. In her role, Carol leads the qualifying and regulatory body of Ontario’s more than 99,000 members and 21,000 students. CPA Ontario serves the public interest by developing, monitoring and enforcing the highest standards of professional competence and ethical conduct.

Prior to joining CPA Ontario, Carol harnessed her accounting background to work in civic growth and policy as President and CEO of the Toronto Region Board of Trade; in healthcare, research and philanthropy as President of Mount Sinai Hospital Foundation; and in international development as President of Plan Canada. She holds an Honours degree in Business Administration from the Schulich School of Business at York University, earned her accounting designation in 1987 and was named a Fellow in 2009.

Tony Pedari, FCPA, FCA
Chair CPA Ontario Council

A Senior Partner at PwC, Tony helps global businesses address complex risk and transformation priorities, including ESG, cybersecurity and other emerging technology risks. He is at the forefront of responding to emerging market themes and his commitment to good governance and corporate social responsibility is always a key focus. He has served on several boards and industry committees, including the Auditing Standards Board (ASB), leveraging his CPA skills including financial acumen, reputational and operational risk assessment and governance and controls. Tony is passionate about contributing to the profession and actively mentors CPA students in the firm, providing opportunities to hone their skills in both traditional and non-traditional areas of auditing and advisory.