Our Team

Paul is the Chief Economist at Ontario’s Financial Accountability Office. In this role, Paul leads the development of the FAO’s reports on economic and fiscal policy issues.

Prior to joining the FAO, Paul was the Director of Macroeconomics and Revenue at the Ministry of Finance, guiding the development of the province’s economic and revenue forecasts. He also has extensive experience in demographics and social policy analysis.

Luan Ngo was most recently a Senior Economist in the Ontario Ministry of Finance where he supported the Ministry’s engagement with federal, provincial, and territorial governments in Canada. His areas of responsibilities included the Equalization program, infrastructure, and labour market training programs. 

Luan holds a Bachelor of Arts, Honours (BAH) in Economics and Political Science from Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, and Master of Arts (MA) in Economics from Carleton University in Ottawa.  

Samiha Mahtab joined the Financial Accountability Office in December 2015 as Human Resources and Administrative Assistant, providing support to the management team and overall office administration. She has transitioned into an HR Coordinator. Her career has focused on providing Human Resources support and program administration in business, government and association management: Human Resources at Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council (OMVIC), Ministry of Children and Youth Justice Services, Regional Offices – Central Region Branch, and also at Mackenzie Hospital.

Samiha holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Political Science, Industrial Developmental Studies (Economics), and Sociology from the University of Toronto and a post-graduate in Human Resources Management (HRM), (Co-op) Program. Samiha has also been an undergraduate mentor at the University of Toronto and a Guidance Support to the Access Ability Resource Centre working with over 200 students, and she is also proficient in 7 different languages.

Vickie joined the Financial Accountability Office in May 2019 as Director of Operations. Previously, as Senior Manager of Budget Secretariat in the Ontario Ministry of Finance, she oversaw the development, coordination and publication of many high-profile financial documents such Public Accounts, the Fall Economic Statement and the Ontario budget for 16 years.

Prior to joining Finance, Vickie worked in a variety of policy and communications positions in the OPS and in the private sector. She’s a graduate from Bishop’s University in Political Science and International Economics as well from Concordia University in Modern Languages. Vickie is fluent in French and English.

Ed joined the Financial Accountability Office in December 2015 as Senior Economist, Economics. Most recently he was an Economic Specialist in the Office of Economic Policy at the Ontario Ministry of Finance, where he conducted economic modelling and financial analysis on a wide range of issues including public infrastructure, tax policy, economic development, and climate change. Prior to that, Ed worked at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry as Senior Economist.

Ed has a Master in Environmental Studies from York University and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and International Development from Dalhousie University.

Matt Gurnham joined the Financial Accountability Office in July 2016 as a Senior Financial Analyst. Prior to joining the FAO, Matt held Financial Analyst and Funded Programs Officer positions at Transport Canada. His responsibilities included financial management and forecasting, as well as management of federal Transfer Payment Programs.

Matt has a Master of Business Administration, and a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Philosophy from Dalhousie University. He also holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.

Jessica joined the Financial Accountability Office in November 2019 as Team Lead, Communications. Previously, as Vice President, Public Relations and Communications for Invictus MD Strategies, she developed corporate branding, oversaw investor relations, and negotiated some of the first cannabis sales agreements in Canada.

Prior to joining Invictus, Jessica held a number of high-profile positions including Press Secretary to Ontario’s Minister of Finance and spokesperson for both Toronto Hydro and the Toronto Transit Commission, where she appeared on CP24 and CityTV’s Breakfast Television. Jessica is a graduate of the McMaster-Syracuse Master of Communications Management (MCM) program.

Zohra Jamasi joined the FAO in September 2018 as a Senior Economist in the Economics and Fiscal Analysis team. Most recently, Zohra was an Assistant Professor at Ryerson University where she taught a variety of undergraduate Economics courses. Her research areas include international finance, public debt, and labour markets.

Zohra holds a PhD in Economics from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University), a Masters of Arts in Economics from York University and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Toronto.

Nicolas joined the Financial Accountability Office in 2015. At the FAO, he has conducted wide-ranging analysis and research on Ontario’s economy and finances, from labour markets and credit ratings to the impact of climate change on infrastructure.

Nicolas holds a Master of Arts in Economics from McMaster University and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Economics from the University of Guelph and is a CFA charterholder.

Matthew Stephenson joined the Financial Accountability Office in May 2015 as a Financial Analyst. Prior to joining the FAO, Matthew worked at UBS Securities as an Equity Research Associate. His responsibilities included financial forecasting and valuation for energy companies.

Matthew holds a Master of Finance from the Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Wilfrid Laurier University.

Michelle Gordon joined the Financial Accountability Office in September 2018 as a Financial Analyst. Prior to joining the FAO, Michelle worked at the Ministry of Community and Social Services. Michelle has experience in economic and fiscal analysis at both the federal and provincial levels.

Michelle has a Master of Arts in Economics from Queen’s University and a Certificate in Data Analytics from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University).

Ben Segel-Brown joined the Financial Accountability Office in September 2022 as a Senior Financial Analyst on an Interchange Canada agreement from the Office of the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO). Prior to joining PBO, he practiced law with the Public Interest Advocacy Centre and worked as an Analyst with Statistics Canada, Environment Canada, and Transport Canada. 

Ben is a lawyer who holds a Juris Doctor Degree from Queen's University and an Honours Bachelor of Public Affairs and Policy Management with a minor in Economics from Carleton University. 

Jay joined the Financial Accountability Office in September 2018 as an Economist. He previously worked at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, where he conducted research on disaster risk reduction in fisheries and aquaculture.

Jay holds a Master of Arts in Economics from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Princeton University.

Ava Rahbari joined the Financial Accountability Office in February of 2023 as a Financial Analyst. Prior to joining the FAO, Ava worked at Scotiabank, OMERS, and the City of Toronto.

Ava has a Master of Financial Economics from the University of Toronto, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from York University.

Ruby joined the FAO team in March 2020 as the Digital Graphic Designer. Previously, Ruby designed for Baycrest hospital and Swim Drink Fish Canada where she led brand standards and developed materials, logos and brand guidelines for major events, campaigns and projects.

Ruby holds a Graphic Design diploma from the Art Institute, a BA in Information Technology from York University, and a certificate in Digital Strategy and Communications Management from the University of Toronto.

Sophia joined the Financial Accountability Office in August 2022 as the Communications Coordinator. Previously, as a Marketing Coordinator at Guardian Capital, she was responsible for internal and external communications products and updating the website.

Prior to joining Guardian Capital, Sophia spent four years at the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada as a Public Affairs Coordinator and Accounts Payable Clerk. Sophia attended Western University for Fine Arts before transitioning to George Brown College where she graduated with a degree in Business Administration - Marketing.

Desire joined the Financial Accountability Office in September 2021 as a Digital Graphics Co-op Student, supporting report design and website development. In May 2022, he was welcomed back for a second term, overseeing website accessibility improvements, and working as lead designer for the FAO’s first learning module.

Previously, Desire held an IT Manager position at HP Inc., providing technical support for Pfizer Inc., and as a management and training consultant for Bell Media. Desire completed a Computer Systems Technology advanced diploma from Sheridan College.