Speakers

For years, Pamela Barnum was the only woman working undercover in a Drug Enforcement Section with ninety-two specialized officers. During that time, she learned real-world techniques for building trust and interpreting nonverbal cues. Pamela later accepted a position as a federal prosecuting attorney. She spent countless hours in the courtroom, perfecting her expertise as a trust strategist and nonverbal communication expert.

Following a successful 20-year career in the criminal justice system, Pamela pursued graduate studies in corporate negotiations. As a trust strategist and communications expert, Pamela delivers techniques once considered a “secret second language.”

Pamela shares her experience, research, and expertise with humor, honesty, and energy, blending actionable strategies with memorable stories. She is a popular TEDx speaker and co-host of the hit TV show Building Bad. She is a featured expert and contributor to print media and television news programs in Canada and the United States.

Matthew Hill is the chief executive of PRA Law Firm, a premier legal practice renowned for its expertise in representing retailers in restitution and civil penalty claims. His leadership role involves overseeing all aspects of the firm’s operations with precision and vision, orchestrating the implementation of strategic initiatives designed to propel growth, elevating client satisfaction, and reinforcing PRA Law’s position as a dominant force in the retail sector.  With over 15 years of distinguished leadership, he has driven the firm’s exceptional growth and success.

Matthew Hill has demonstrated expertise in working with retailers to pursue claims against shoplifters and dishonest employees; his efforts have been instrumental in collecting civil penalties and offering restitution to help affected retailers recover losses. Retailers reinvest recovered funds into programs that enhance security measures, such as securing goods and funding security cameras and loss prevention staff. His strategic outreach to new clients, particularly those experiencing losses due to staff-related issues, has further solidified his reputation as a leader in the field.

Before his current position, Mr. Hill served from 2019 to 2022 as general manager at PRA Law Firm, during which he honed his skills in managing client relationships and overseeing operations within the firm. Previously, his tenure as executive director of the firm from 2014 to 2018 marked a period of significant growth, where he played a pivotal role in expanding its client base and enhancing service delivery. He is committed to supporting honest retailers and clients who are losing money due to theft by improving their loss prevention programs, ultimately keeping prices affordable for consumers.

Matthew Hill is affiliated with the National Retail Federation and the Retail Industry Leaders Association. He is also a member of The Loss Prevention Foundation.

Matt Hall is a visionary leader in security, risk management, and asset protection with over two decades of experience driving enterprise-wide safety and security strategies across North America. As Senior Director of Asset Protection at lululemon, he oversees security & safety operations for more than 500 retail locations and leads a team of 100+ professionals focused on mitigating organized retail crime, fraud, and workplace safety risks. Matt has played a pivotal role in shaping crisis management and business continuity programs, forging strong alliances with global partners and law enforcement agencies to enhance organizational resilience. A recognized advocate for technology-driven security solutions and inclusive leadership, he serves on industry committees with the National Retail Federation, Retail Industry Leaders Association. 

Kim Furlong is President & CEO of the Retail Council of Canada (RCC), bringing over two decades of experience at the intersection of public policy, business, and advocacy. Known for her strategic mindset and collaborative approach, Kim leads RCC at a pivotal time for the retail industry—championing members’ interests, shaping national policy, and building strong partnerships across sectors.

Before rejoining RCC in 2025, Kim spent six years as CEO of the Canadian Venture Capital & Private Equity Association (CVCA). There, she played a key role in elevating the voice of Canada’s private capital sector, influencing public policy, and strengthening the country’s investment ecosystem.

Prior to CVCA, Kim spent a decade at Amgen Canada leading External Affairs, and also served as a senior political aide in two federal ministerial offices.

Throughout her career, Kim has earned a reputation as a trusted advisor and effective advocate, with a deep network spanning business, government, and media. She is passionate about building consensus, delivering results, and helping industries thrive in an evolving economic landscape.

Kim is an avid cyclist, enthusiastic foodie, and lifelong book lover. Originally from the picturesque town of Percé, Quebec, she is a proud French Quebecer. She now lives in Toronto with her husband and their twin boys—affectionately known as “the Peanuts.”

Dean Henrico, Senior Vice-President of Asset Protection for Canada’s largest retailer, stands at the forefront of proactive asset protection. Through innovation and leveraging emerging technology, Dean has transformed the retail landscape and created both a safer and more profitable retail environment.

Beginning his retail career over 37 years ago, Dean rapidly ascended the ranks due to his visionary skills, passion, dedication and work ethic. Dean has been with Loblaw Companies Ltd. for over 20 years and was promoted to Vice-President at the age of 34 and Sr. Vice-President two years later. Prior to joining Loblaws, Dean held executive roles, in both Operations and Asset Protection, with Zellers and Wal-Mart Canada Ltd. In his current role, Dean leads the largest retail asset protection team in Canada which consists of the Security, Health and Safety and Medical Services teams.

Dean is a subject matter expert on all aspect of providing a safe environment for customers and employees and through innovation and process improvement, Dean has played a pivotal role in protecting Loblaws bottom line by preventing all forms of loss. Dean’s leadership and visionary planning skills has cultivated a team culture of excellence, accountability, and urgency.

Dean is adept at developing and implementing comprehensive strategies to mitigate risk, reduce loss, and safeguard Company assets. Dean is skilled in managing cross functional teams, fostering collaboration, and driving operational excellence. Dean has a deep understanding of industry trends, best practices, and emerging technology.

Dean believes that community safety is a join responsibility that does not rest solely on the shoulders of law enforcement. Dean works closely with key Chiefs of Police and elected officials to help promote community safety. Under Dean’s leadership, Loblaw Companies Ltd. was the first Canadian retailer to deploy game changing technology such as AI technology to lock shopping carts with unpaid merchandise, body worn cameras for front line staff  and time delayed safes.

Outside of work, Dean is a dedicated father to his two sons and a world traveler who enjoys exploring new destinations.

Chief Nishan Duraiappah was born in Sri Lanka and immigrated to Canada. Chief Duraiappah began his career with Halton Police in December 1995. He served in a variety of assignments throughout his career including front line policing, specialized investigations and Diversity and Community relations. He was promoted to Deputy Chief of Halton Police in 2015 leading front line policing, community mobilization as well as innovation and technology.

In October 2019, Chief Duraiappah was appointed Chief of Peel Regional Police. Chief Duraiappah arrived with a mandate for change and the strategic goal of becoming the most progressive police service in Canada.

The 3500 members of Peel Regional Police are responsible for policing the 1.7 million population of the cities of Brampton and Mississauga. Amidst the first year of his command, Peel Regional Police championed:

• The creation of its first-ever community-embedded Intimate and Partner Violence Unit to respond to the growing needs in our Region
• A re-emphasis on front line policing
• A road map for Innovation and Technology, as well as a Digital Officer Transformation plan to better equip officers to serve the community
• The adoption of the Community Safety and Well-Being (CSWB) framework and establishment of a CSWB Bureau to modernize traditional community policing

Chief Duraiappah is committed to the safety and well-being of the community he serves, with one of the primary focuses being mental health and seeking multi-sectoral collaborative partnerships to reduce risk in the community.

Chief Duraiappah is a Board of Director for the Canadian Association of Chief’s of Police (CACP) and is a Past-President of the Ontario Association of Chief’s of Police (OACP) 2022/2023. Chief Duraiappah is also the Canadian representative on the Board of the Major Cities Chief’s Association (MCCA), which is a professional organization representing the largest cities in the United States and Canada. He is also an executive of the Criminal Intelligence Service of Ontario (CISO).

Chief Duraiappah is heavily involved in the community and sits on several volunteer Boards, including the Runnymede Healthcare Centre, SAAAC Autism Centre, the Community Safety Knowledge Alliance (CSKA), and the Canadian Police Knowledge Network (CPKN). He is a Senate Member for the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve Infantry Regiments of The Lorne Scots, and The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology and Criminology from the University of Toronto, and a Diploma of Public Administration from the University of Western Ontario.

He is also the recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and is an Officer of the Order of Merit Canada. In 2022, Chief Duraiappah was appointed to the Order of Ontario.