Management Team
Downtown Yonge Staff
James Robinson, Executive Director
James Robinson has been improving the vitality and competitiveness of Toronto for fourteen years. Having started his career at the Bloor-Yorkville Business Improvement Area, James was instrumental in spearheading the formation of the Downtown Yonge Business Improvement Area in 2001.
Serving as the Executive Director since Downtown Yonge’s inception, James developed the association from the ground-up. He oversees key strategic areas including: clean streets, safe streets, streetscape improvements, research, marketing, association management, and advocacy.
James graduated from the University of Alberta in Edmonton with a bachelor’s degree specializing in political science. He is committed to continuing education through coursework in urban planning, project management, association management, and leadership development.
James is an active leader in several associations. He currently serves as Chair-Elect of the International Downtown Association, headquartered in Washington, DC. He is also serving as the Canadian Co-Chair of the International Council of Shopping Center’s Alliance Program.
James encourages the public to experience the urban energy that is Downtown Yonge and to be a champion for vital city centres everywhere.
Evan Weinberg, Planning & Development Manager
Evan Weinberg is a welcome addition to the Downtown Yonge Team in his current role as Planning & Development Manager. Bringing with him a passion for cities and a vast skill set in design and urban management, Evan has been a capable problem solver and planner, always striving to improve conditions in the public realm.
Implementing new technology to map assets, retail and developments in the Downtown Yonge area, Evan is equipped and better able to identify areas of importance, concern or opportunity. Furthermore Evan uses a unique and integrated approach to urban planning to help manage and shape the built-environment of Downtown Yonge, effectively creating a better experience for all people in the Downtown Yonge area.
Evan holds a Master’s of Planning in Development from Ryerson University and a B.A from the University of British Columbia.
Victoria Drysdale, Office Administrator
Victoria brings a wealth of skills from a wide range of career experiences to the Downtown Yonge BIA. From working with emotionally disturbed and autistic children, to freelance journalism, to office administration, Victoria will use her talents of efficiency, organization and friendliness to serve members and newcomers to the DYBIA. Victoria has a B.Sc. in Psychology from U of T and a certificate in Magazine Journalism from Ryerson. A lifelong Torontonian, Victoria is excited to be participating in the continued revitalization of the downtown core.
Randy Sidhu, Operations Manager
Randy comes to Downtown Yonge with experience in operations within the property management sector, both as a third party and as a landlord. He brings an understanding of the needs of both property owners and commercial tenants. With a business education from both Sheridan and Georgian college, Randy plans on continuing to complete an Executive MBA on a part-time basis.
As a member of the Downtown Yonge team, Randy will oversee and ensure that Downtown Yonge continues to remain a safe, clean and comfortable environment for residents, workers, visitors, property owners and business tenants. He will oversee the B.I.A.’s infrastructure and streetscape maintenance. Randy will continue to develop strong relationships with the City of Toronto, utilities and agencies, as well as creating constructive partnerships with all parties that directly influence the district—thereby contributing to the success of the area.
Diane Caltana, Sales & Events Manager
Diane brings a wealth of experience to the role of Sales & Events Manager, overseeing Downtown Yonge events such as Winter Magic.With a background in corporate event planning, focusing on sponsorship marketing, meeting planning and award gala coordination, Diane realizes that not all things in life can be planned - however, she certainly knows you should be prepared for anything!Diane has an enthusiasm for creating distinctive events. Her attention to detail, style and quality is her professional trademark. She has a great understanding of the big picture and an extensive knowledge of putting things together with flawless precision.Diane holds a Bachelor of Communications from York University and has also completed post-graduate studies at Humber College in Fundraising and Volunteer Management.
Abigail Gamble, Communications Manager
Abigail joins the Downtown Yonge BIA team as Communications Manager with a background in media and entrepreneurship. With a passion for the development and implementation of communication strategy Abigail is excited to contribute to the growth of public and member awareness of Downtown Yonge.Abigail maintains Downtown Yonge’s social media and web platforms as well as providing Public Relations and Media Relations services.She holds a Bachelor of Journalism from Carleton University in Ottawa and is currently completing the Master of Professional Communication at Ryerson University.
Monica Kocsmaros, Marketing Manager
Monica has over ten years of experience in a variety of communication facets. Her previous positions range from marketing for a Fortune Brands Company to publicity & promotions for a leading motion picture distributor. Monica graduated from Ryerson University with a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Radio & Television. Monica also sits on the Industry Relations Committee of Tourism Toronto.
Her strong background in marketing and promotions coupled with her love of downtown Toronto lends to her passion and commitment to the Downtown Yonge B.I.A. Monica is striving to see the Downtown Yonge core be taken to unprecedented levels of shopping, business and entertainment with the implementation of a dynamic marketing plan. She is excited to be part of this evolution and the active B.I.A. team.
Monica is currently away on maternity leave.
Downtown Yonge Project Managers and Consultants
Susan Williston, Project Manager, Williston Consulting
Sue Kilbride, Bookkeeper, Consultant
Pauline Larsen, Research & Strategy Consultant
Pauline Larsen is an urban economist and writer who was based in Johannesburg, South Africa for 15 years before relocating to Toronto. She writes about urban and real estate issues, both for South African and North American publications, as well as doing freelance work for the Downtown Yonge BIA on strategic issues and research projects. As part of her interest in urban social issues, she devotes part of her professional life to resource development in adult literacy and employment programs. She is a member of Toronto Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) and a professional member of the Professional Writers Association of Canada (PWAC).
Wendy Sue Lyttle, Association Management Consultant
Wendy Sue has served in the not-for-profit sector for over 20 years. After an initial corporate sales & marketing career, Wendy moved into the non-profit sector having been enticed by sitting on many volunteer committees. She held staff positions with the Canadian Professional Sales Association (30,000 members) as Director Member Benefits then moved into a Director of Sales position and with the Canadian Society of Association Executives (2500 members) as Director Membership & Professional Development.
In 2004, Wendy opened her consulting business – LAL Association Members Services Ltd. Her strategies for raising retention levels and member growth for her various clients plus implementing effective affinity and sponsorship programs have her working with both provincial and national associations in meeting the needs of competitive market conditions facing volunteer associations today. She is an expert in database management. Her role with the BIA is working with the Board of Management and various committees enhancing all aspects of the Better Practice in association management and governance.
Wendy holds a Certificate from the Centre for Strategic Management in partnership with the University of San Diego in “Reinventing Strategic Planning to Deliver Customer Value”, along with two other designations – Certified Association Executive – CAE and Certified Sales Professional CPSA. She has a BA in Business from Ryerson University. She sits on a provincial management board, is a board director on a national association and Vice Chair of a Foundation.
