Kajam (KJ) Kunarajasingam
President
Joined 2023
Kajam is currently the Director of Governance & Compliance at Quality Cheese Inc, influencing the development, implementation and continuous improvement of site quality systems to enable long-term company vision and strategic business objectives. Prior to this, Kajam has served in the food industry for 24 years, all of which encompassed significant experience and leadership in quality, food safety and regulatory compliance. He has worked in companies such as Dominion Citrus, Kraft Canada, Silliker Canada and Lounsbury Foods.
Kajam holds a diploma in Industrial Microbiology and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Masters certification. He is an SQF Practitioner and certified PCQI. He is keen on bringing his experience and high degree of passion to strengthen food safety standards while building effective food safety management systems to protect the food supply and shape the next generation.
Kajam is a member of the website/newsletter committee, finance committee, fall event and the student outreach program.
Tanya Waraich
Vice President
Joined 2025
Tanya is the Strategy and Innovation business partner on the Business Transformation team at Compass Group Canada, where she intentionally brings forward innovative tools and practical solutions that address real business challenges while embedding risk, safety, and operational considerations into the design of change.
With over a decade of experience in food safety, quality assurance, and risk management across food manufacturing, grocery retail, and food service, Tanya brings a practical perspective to transformation and innovation. Prior to joining Business Transformation, she led corporate food safety programs at Compass Group Canada, including HACCP and SQF implementation, and previously managed corporate food safety training for the Metro Inc. grocery chain.
Tanya is recognized for her ability to turn complex regulatory and risk requirements into clear, actionable strategies that support both compliance and business performance. She is passionate about knowledge sharing and industry collaboration, contributing through podcasts, webinars, and her involvement with organizations such as Food Allergy Canada.
She holds a Bachelor of Engineering and Technology degree from McMaster University and currently serves as Vice President of OFPA and Committee Lead for Education Outreach.
Marin Pavlic has over 15 years of food safety and Six Sigma experience in food manufacturing and foodservice sectors. He is currently Senior Director of QA Programs and Compliance at Sofina Foods, one of Canada’s leading manufacturers of primary and further-processed protein products. In addition to food safety, he is passionate about continuous improvement and waste elimination using technology, data and various Six Sigma tools.
Marin holds a B.Sc. in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Toronto, an M.Sc. in Food Safety and Quality Assurance from the University of Guelph, and an MBA from Wilfrid Laurier University.
Stephen Vijayakumar
Treasurer
Joined 2025
Stephen is a member of the Fall Event, Finance, Student Engagement, Marketing, and Social Media committees.
With over 18 years of experience, Jessica began her career in an environmental and food testing laboratory. Following that, she held various roles in quality assurance and food safety in the food manufacturing industry, where she helped multiple companies strengthen their food safety systems and achieve GFSI certification. Jessica has held multiple roles within BRCGS, including Technical Specialist for the Gluten-Free Certification Program and Plant-Based Global Standard, and Senior Technical Manager for the Americas region. In her current position as Delivery Partners Relationship Manager, her role is to support BRCGS Delivery Partners in delivering world class service, through collaboration, facilitation and technical education.
Jessica is a member of the Spring Event, Social Mixer and Website, and the chair for the Fall Event, Constitution, and Finance committees.
Ellen has been working in Food Safety and Quality roles for ten years. She worked in different product categories such as condiments, dressings, cheese and cream cheese, peanut butter, spreads, coffee and tea, baking and breakfast ingredients, and beverages, to cite a few. She has worked in companies like Kraft-Heinz, Costco and Loblaws. She is currently a Corporate Quality Manager at Nestle Canada, responsible for some food categories and VMHS. A couple of years ago she started her consulting company – Gravi Food Safety Inc.
She is an Advanced SQF Practitioner and PCQI. She has experience with different standards like SQF, BRC, FSSC 22000, RSPO, RFA, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, Organic and Vegan. She thrives in solving problems and troubleshooting. Environmental Monitoring Program will always have a special place in her heart.
Ellen’s educational background includes a bachelor’s in Biology, a Food Science certificate, and a Ph.D. in Immunology and Microbiology. She is always interested in learning something new and developing her professional and leadership skills. She can help you plan your trips (in English, French and Portuguese) as she loves to travel. She also volunteers in different environments (sports, music, fundraisers) and one comfort food is ramen.
Ellen is a member of the Fall Event, Social Mixer, and Membership, and co-chair of the E-blast committees.
Dharamdeo Singh is currently engaged in his PhD studies at the University of Guelph. His experience stems from a rich academic background rooted in academia. His journey began as a teaching assistant, then as a lecturer where he has made significant contributions to the field of Food Science. During his career, he demonstrated his expertise and dedication by conducting research focused on developing value-added products such as ketchup, salad dressings and cereal. Dharamdeo research also encompassed conducting field studies in rice and wheat, further showcasing his diverse skillset.
His current studies primarily focus on developing effective strategies for controlling Salmonella in low-water-activity foods. Throughout his journey, he has exhibited a deep passion for advancing the knowledge and understanding of Food Science. His outstanding accomplishments and dedication to his field make him an asset in the academic community.
Dharamdeo is a member of the Fall Event, Social Mixer, Marketing and Social Media committees.
Hanna Sharafi
Director
Joined 2023
Hanna Sharafi’s career spans over a decade, beginning in a food testing laboratory and manufacturing environment. Over the years, she has taken on diverse roles in the food manufacturing industry, with a strong focus on quality assurance, food safety, and product innovation. Currently, she is the Senior Manager of New Product Development at AIB International, where she leverages her expertise to drive innovation while ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety.
Hanna holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology, reflecting her dedication to advanced research and deep knowledge in the field. She is also a passionate educator, teaching food safety programs at the college level, where she shares her extensive knowledge and real-world experience with aspiring professionals.
Her certifications include ISO 17025:2017 Lead Auditor, SQF Advanced Practitioner, FDQI, and PCQI, Six Sigma, Project management, highlighting her commitment to upholding and exceeding food safety and quality standards. With expertise in HACCP, food microbiology, and food chemistry, Hanna is dedicated to fostering excellence in every aspect of her work while continuously seeking opportunities to learn and grow as a leader.
Hayley Pfeifer
Director
Joined 2025
Hayley is a passionate and motivated food and agriculture professional with over 7 years industry experience across not for profit, public service, manufacturing and primary production organisations. In Hayley’s current role with the CanadaGAP program as an auditor coordinator, she specialises in maintaining auditor and program requirements while supporting the organisation’s GFSI certification, CFIA program recognition and board of directors’ strategic objectives. Previously, Hayley held various roles with the Australian Government and played a pivotal role in the development of food safety policy and governance of primary production and processing sectors such as horticulture, meat, poultry, seafood and eggs. A dedicated lifelong learner, Hayley has obtained a Bachelor of Human Nutrition majoring in biochemistry and a Master of Global Food and Agriculture business, along with Exemplar Global Level 4 high risk auditor qualification and professional recognition in policy, standards development, project management and leadership. Hayley has a keen passion for engaging with people and organizations across all areas of the food and agriculture supply chain. Hayley seeks to deeply understand strengths, challenges and opportunities of the sectors she works with, while adopting a systems thinking and risk-based approach to support continuous improvement across primary production industries.
Hayley is a member of the Fall Event, Educational Outreach, Media, Finance, Awards and Nomination committees.
Nicole Tucker is a seasoned food safety and quality assurance professional with over 20 years of extensive experience in regulatory compliance, HACCP, BRCGS standards, and supplier quality management across the food manufacturing industry. She has led initiatives to strengthen food safety systems, enhance operational performance, and build a culture of continuous improvement. In addition to her industry leadership, Nicole has taught college-level courses in food safety, supply chain management, and human resources, helping to develop the next generation of industry professionals. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Graduate Diploma in Food Safety from Memorial University. Nicole is currently the Senior Central Quality Manager at Skjodt Barrett Foods, a leading co-manufacturer.
Nicole is a member of the Fall Event, Educational Outreach, Media, Awards and Nominations committees.
Jinky Austria has over 20 years of experience, spanning different industries from Environmental, to Life Sciences, and the Food Industry. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management, and has held positions as Laboratory Technician, Project Manager, and Technical Sales Representative. She is currently working as a Sales Manager for Romer Labs, where she fosters relationships and provides food safety and diagnostic solutions to the Food and Beverage Industry, Milling and Grain Industry, Animal Feed and Production Industry, the Pet Food Industry, and Research and Laboratory Industry.
She is passionate about learning and developing new skills. Jinky is fluent in Tagalog and is currently learning Spanish. She is also a foodie and enjoys exploring new and different places.
Jinky is a member of the Fall Event, Website, and Sponsorship committees.
Wendy Dillon is a seasoned food scientist with over 25 years of hands-on experience in the food manufacturing industry, specialising in quality assurance and food safety. Wendy’s career spans a wide range of roles, from HACCP Coordinator to Director of R&D and Quality Assurance. Throughout her career, she has managed and implemented internationally recognized standards such as BRCGS, SQF and other GFSI-benchmarked programs obtaining excellent audit scores. Her practical insights and common-sense approach make her a trusted expert in the field and food science and quality management.
She currently works as a Food Safety Specialist at Sani Marc, supporting clients across Canada with pre-assessment audits, technical training, and quality initiatives. She is dedicated to public speaking and training with clarity and passion.
Wendy holds a B.Sc. Food Science from the University of Guelph.
Darshan Gautre is a Food Safety and Quality Assurance professional with over five years of experience across manufacturing, food service, and consulting in Canada and India. He currently works as a Supplier Quality Auditor at FGF Brands, leading risk-based audits of ingredient, packaging, cold storage, and distribution suppliers in alignment with GFSI standards and ISO 19011.
He specializes in supplier approval and performance monitoring, CAPA management, traceability, allergen and foreign-material controls, food fraud risk assessment, and HACCP impact evaluation, working cross-functionally with Procurement, QA, R&D, and Operations to reduce supply risk and strengthen food safety systems.
Darshan holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Food Safety and Quality Assurance Management (Canada) and a Master’s degree in Food Technology, and is certified as a BRCGS Lead Auditor, BRCGS Internal Auditor, and HACCP Auditor. He also contributes to industry knowledge through an educational YouTube channel focused on food safety and regulatory awareness.
Sam Davidson
Director
Joined 2026
Sam Davidson has over thirty years of food safety experience in food manufacturing and foodservice sectors with extensive experience in HACCP, SFCR, FSMA, PCQI and GFSI requirements. Sam has held positions in production, auditing, corporate, training and consulting, all focusing on food safety. He is currently Director, Food Safety with Compass Minerals, a leading global provider of essential minerals, specializing in salt for food, industry, deicing and specialty plant nutrition, where he is responsible for the food grade facilities in North America.
Sam studied Food Science and Technology and MSc. in Food Safety management in his native country, Northern Ireland.
Looking To
Join The OFPA Board of Directors
Email info@ofpa.on.ca for more information
