Sharon Barnes-Simmonds

Sharon Barnes-Simmonds, CPA, FCCA, MBA, as the Interim Chief Financial Officer at the Bereavement Authority of Ontario (BAO), Sharon brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in financial strategy, governance, and operational excellence across the charitable and non-profit sectors. She is passionate about driving operational efficiency, fostering accountability, and supporting mission-driven organizations through periods of transition and growth. She has held senior roles with organizations such as Action Against Hunger Canada, Children Believe Fund, and the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Sharon holds designations as a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, Canada), Fellow Chartered Certified Accountant (FCCA, UK), and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance from the University of Manchester (UK). She is deeply committed to supporting mission-driven organizations through effective financial stewardship and strategic insight. Sharon is also an avid volunteer and sits on a few nonprofit boards including CAMFED Canada, the Community Music Schools of Toronto as well as the Kiwanis Club of Toronto Caribbean, and she was named one of the Top 50 Women Leaders of Toronto in 2022.