Leadership Team

Kate Bird, Executive Director

Kate Bird is an executive leader with nearly 30 years of experience across the non-profit and private sectors. Her work has been recognized through professional awards reflecting leadership in housing and community-based organizations. She has served as Executive Director of Ecuhome since 2018, leading a diverse portfolio of supportive and affordable housing and working closely with staff, tenants, funders, and community partners to advance long-term housing stability.

Kate brings deep expertise in governance, capital planning, and housing system policy. She recently completed her tenure on the Board of Directors of the Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association and continues to contribute through committee work. Her leadership is grounded in strong stewardship of public resources, practical problem-solving, and a commitment to housing that supports dignity, inclusion, and community well-being.

Outside of work, Kate is a high-performance dragon boat racer and competes at the International level. She is actively involved in fostering and adopting retired racing greyhounds and enjoys spending time outdoors, particularly in nature and bird watching, where she finds balance and perspective.

Bryce Keenan, Director of Property Services

Bryce joined Ecuhome in 2008 as part of the maintenance team and has since grown into a leadership role within the organization. As Director of Property Services, he oversees a team of 10 employees, managing day-to-day maintenance operations across all properties. He is responsible for administration and planning of the organizations capital budget and managing the maintenance operating budget, ensuring the long-term sustainability of Ecuhome’s housing portfolio. Bryce has also successfully secured and managed various capital grants, contributing to the ongoing improvement and upkeep of Ecuhome’s properties.

Jessica Melo, Director of Finance and Administration

Jessica holds a Bachelor of Management and Organizational Studies with a Specialization in Accounting from Western University and is currently working towards her CPA designation. Jessica first joined Ecuhome in 2017 as the Manager of Administration overseeing crucial functions like payroll, accounts payable, and human resources. As Director of Finance and Administration, Jessica is responsible for the overall financial management of the organization. She prepares and oversees the annual budget, manages financial reporting, and ensures strong fiscal oversight in collaboration with the Executive Director and Board. She also provides leadership in human resources, administration, and IT, ensuring the organization’s systems, policies, and infrastructure support its mission and long-term sustainability while enhancing organizational efficiency.

Mellisa Lemonious, Director of Tenant Services

Mellisa Lemonious is a transformational leader who has over seven years of experience in program and team leadership across housing and community based sectors. She holds a master’s in social work, a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration, and dual bachelor’s degrees in Sociology and International Relations. Mellisa has experience in managing diverse unionized teams, training staff as well as implementing trauma informed and anti-oppressive practices. Her expertise spans supportive housing, homelessness advocacy, crisis intervention, and stakeholder engagement. Mellisa has experience with data analysis tools such as SPSS and R Square and has contributed to strategic planning and policy development. She brings a unique blend of social work and administrative insight, underpinned by a deep commitment to equity and inclusion. She has worked with marginalized populations, developed impactful programs, and actively contributes to sector wide initiatives through committee work.