Board and Staff
Board Members
Alison Rogers (Chair)
Alison Rogers is a mother, lifetime Islander, Toronto Raptors fan and entrepreneur. Prior to owning and operating her business, Ms. Rogers was a sole- practitioner lawyer practicing criminal, family, and commercial marine law. Alison cherishes time with her family and enjoys writing, debating policy, and above all, spending time outdoors – preferably in a tent, far away from highways.
Alison spends much of her spare time participating in community initiatives and organizations such as serving on the executive of the Toronto Island Community Association, volunteering for various organizations, and lending a hand at St. Andrew-by-the-Lake.
To her work with the Trust, Ms. Rogers brings a passion for public service and a particular interest in governance, education, and communications.
Ms. Rogers is a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada and she holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from Osgoode Hall Law School and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Linguistics from Concordia University. Further, she has trained in Alternative Dispute Resolution at the University of Windsor Law School.
Frances Ford (Vice Chair)
Frances (Fran) Ford has lived, worked and played on Toronto Island for over 45 years – as a mother whose son attended the Island Public School (IPS), as a recently retired teacher at the IPS Outdoor Education program, as an almost daily swimmer in the chilly waters of Lake Ontario, and as both a professional and recreational sailor.
Her community activism has been considerable over the years, representing the community on numerous stakeholder committees, most recently the new ferry design SAC and the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal redesign. In addition, she has served as an executive member of the Toronto Island Community Association (TICA) and on its transportation committee which liaises with the city ferry docks.
As an active and engaged member of the community, and recognizing the important and collaborative role that the TIRCT plays in community governance, Fran is delighted to represent the community on the Trust board.
Karen Rothfels (Treasurer)
Karen Rothfels is a project manager and scientific associate at the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, with an academic background in biochemistry. Karen grew up on the Island and was very happy to move back with her family in 2014, giving her kids the opportunity for a special Island childhood as well. Her recent community involvement includes serving as an executive member of the Toronto Island Community Association. Karen believes that the Trust strengthens and enhances the Island for residents and members of the public alike by promoting stewardship, advocacy and good governance.
Kar Sivamohan
Kar Sivamohan is a City of Toronto board member who leads the IT Vendor Management and Procurement team at the WSIB and is also a licensed real estate agent. He joined the board in May 2024 and has been instrumental in upgrading the Trust’s capacity with regards to house sales and property management.
Gurpreet Patheja
Gurpreet Patheja is a City of Toronto board member who has been volunteering and attending board meetings since she applied to be appointed to the Trust in 2023, including being a part of the Old Firehall community consultation and information meeting in August 2024. Gurpreet holds a Juris Doctor from Osgoode Hall Law School and practices in the areas of real estate and wills and estates and has over 15 years’ experience. She is a resident of the waterfront community and is an enthusiastic lover of the Island park and community. Gurpreet was officially appointed to the board in January 2025.