Meet the OC Team

mgifford's picture
Name:Mike Gifford
:President
Personal Website:http://openconcept.ca
Drupal alias:mgifford
Twitter:@mgifford
Bio

Mike Gifford is the founder of OpenConcept Consulting Inc, which he started in 1999. Since then, he has been particularly active in developing and extending open source content management systems to allow people to get closer to their content. Before starting OpenConcept, Mike had worked for a number of national NGOs including Oxfam Canada and Friends of the Earth.

As a techie at heart, Mike likes to get into the code when he gets the chance. Being ultimately concerned about the implementation and implications of the technology, he is able to envision how your website can become a much more powerful communications tool for your organization.

Mike has been involved with accessibility issues since the early 1990's and is a strong advocate for standards based design.

stevem's picture
Name:Steve McCullough
:Senior Developer
Personal Website:http://stevemccullough.ca
Drupal alias:steve.m
Twitter:
Bio

Steve works on a wide range of Drupal/CiviCRM development & server administration activities. A long-time computer guy, his technical experience has included scientific programming in Fortran, web development in ASP and PHP, and business programming in S/370 assembler (really!). Steve holds a doctorate in English Literature and works regularly as a sex educator with Venus Envy, an education-oriented sex shop and book store (where he is also the IT department).

Varun's picture
Name:Varun Baker
:Developer
Personal Website:http://www.varunbaker.com
Drupal alias:varunity
Twitter:@varunbaker
Bio

Varun does development and project work with clients such as Justvision, Tbase Communications and EBMtools. From programming to design, Varun uses his computer science background to deliver functionally rich, and intuitive client interfaces. Varun is an advocate for the use of Open Source software in cases where licensing costs can be avoided. Outside of this, his interests and activities include Geographic Information Systems, capoeira and photography.

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Name:Pawel Skorupski
:Developer
Personal Website:http://djhobovssweetcheeks.bandcamp.com/track/known-unknown
Drupal alias:
Twitter:
Bio

Pawel demonstrates his programming versatility with Drupal, PHP and mySQL on a daily basis . Working with a number of high profile clients at Environment Canada, Industry Canada, Canadian Labour Congress and Aboriginal Sports Council he has also become our standard bearer for client training and assistance. Pawel is extremely patient and very skilled at his craft, regularly making Drupal content management and site administration training interesting and fun. Pawel enjoys rock-climbing, mountaineering and DJing.

Jason's picture
Name:Jason Redmond
:Project Manager
Personal Website:http://mydadvsyours.ca
Drupal alias:Spillz
Twitter:@jredmond06
Bio

Jason is our project manager, which requires a balance of technical knowledge, communication skills and project management principles. He has experience with design and coding of simple HTML websites but his strength lies in helping clients define and refine their requirements. While away from work, Jason enjoys playing pick-up hockey, winning the occasional poker game and creating/playing music. He is currently a member of Ottawa's postrock/instrumental band, My Dad vs Yours.

jesse's picture
Name:Jesse Payne
:Developer
Personal Website:http://www.vegetablepatch.ca/
Drupal alias:acrazyanimal
Twitter:
Bio

Jesse is a very enthusiastic and confident individual who graduated with a degree in engineering physics. He has accumulated 9+ years of software design experience including strong backgrounds in embedded software and multifaceted interface design. Jesse has a proven history of innovation and uses his excellent communicational skills to relate ideas and solve problems. Jesse also is the founder of vegetablepatch.ca, a local organization aimed at organic living within the city of Ottawa. They take under-used, urban, green spaces and turn them into beautiful and healthy vegetable gardens.

dutch's picture
Name:Michael Ducharme
:Developer
Personal Website:
Drupal alias:mducharme
Twitter:
Bio

Mike Ducharme is an experienced programmer with both a practical and theoretical background in web development. He is a methodical worker that prides himself in properly scoping out requests and asking the right questions in order to ultimately deliver on client needs. Mike has 5+ years in web development and 2+ years creating websites using the Drupal CMS. Outside of work, Mike is passionate about creating music with friends and at his home studio.

erin's picture
Name:Erin Marchak
:Designer and Themer
Personal Website:http://emarchak.com
Drupal alias:emarchak
Twitter:@emarchak
Bio

Erin is a web designer, and developer with lots of experience with UI Design, creating interactive media using jQuery, CSS3, HTML5, PHP and MySQL, with a strong basis in traditional print media. She's created web & print designs for newspapers, entrepreneurs, artists, recording studios, film directors, art collectives, inventors — you name it! Basically, Erin is your one-stop-shop for visual design solutions. She specializes in accessible, standards compliant, & functional design.

She loves making poor life decisions such as moving to Toronto, performing improvised comedy and jogging.

erinb's picture
Name:Erin Bell
:Developer
Personal Website:
Drupal alias:
Twitter:
Bio

Erin is an intern at OpenConcept. She is currently a student a Queen's University studying Software Design as well as Drama. Erin is new to Drupal and looks forward to learning new things. She is a member of Queen's Bands and Pipe Major of the Queen's University Pipe Band. Her interests include whitewater kayaking, rugby, hockey, photography, theatre and music.

Eddie's picture
Name:Edouard Poitras
:Developer
Personal Website:
Drupal alias:epoitras
Twitter:
Bio

Eddie is a very dedicated young developer that has recently started at OpenConcept. The determination he exercises in every aspect of his life drives him to exceptional performance in the work place. Having graduated with a degree in commerce (information systems) and a minor in computer science, Eddie has no trouble combining his business and technical knowledge to achieve the most desirable results. On his free time, Eddie enjoys playing sports and going to the gym.

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Name:Liz Baxter
:Office Manager
Personal Website:
Drupal alias:
Twitter:
Bio

Liz comes to OC with over 15 years of experience in multi-faceted positions implementing administrative systems, programmes and procedures with start-up companies. Having managed roles in facilities, HR coordination, office support services, accounting and payroll simultaneously in growing and emerging companies, Liz is well-prepared to supervise the day-to-day business operations at OC. A life-long learner, Liz in currently following a 3-year course of study in energy healing along with a programme in coach training. Liz is also an active community volunteer.

Cindy's picture
Name:Cindy Milliken
:Production Manager
Personal Website:
Drupal alias:
Twitter:
Bio

Cindy joins OpenConcept with more than ten years of studio management and project management experience. As production manager she keeps projects on track, ensures client requirements are being met and that the team is running smoothly and efficiently. Outside of the office Cindy is an active volunteer in the community and enjoys singing and playing bass.

Mike Mallett's picture
Name:MIke Mallett
:Developer
Personal Website:
Drupal alias:nerdcore
Twitter:
Bio