FinLeaf Technologies
Meet the Team
Our credentialed team combines expertise in law, finance, applied sciences, research and innovation to drive the development and market introduction of cutting-edge solutions in ag tech and aquaculture.
Myrna Gillis is a seasoned life science and aquaculture technology founder and CEO with a track record of success in strategic and tactical execution in research and product development, quality management, and regulatory compliance. As a collaborative and transformative leader, she is deeply committed to social inclusion, and environmental sustainability while maintaining a relentless pursuit of operational excellence and financial discipline. With three decades of experience in business, and service she is currently test facility management for Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) following international standards under the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
She has a deep understanding and experience having worked in highly regulated industries, including pharmaceutical and life science industries, and has navigated licensing and certifications for the drug establishment (DEL), medical device (MDEL), cannabis, and aquaculture licenses, as well as certifications for EUGMP, cGMP, and Clean Green organic.
Her commitment to sustainable aquaculture includes initiatives in fish nutrition, fish breeding, fish waste management, and bioactive and available organic nutrient generation. All these experiences align with Onda objectives and with the research goals and product development needs of international and domestic aquaculture pharmaceutical companies, producers and others pursuing innovations and product development and release in the industry. Corporate recognitions under her leadership include consumer choice and industry awards for diversity & inclusion, sustainability, products, brands, aquaculture innovation, and export. Her individual leadership has been recognized as one of the top 50 industry leaders and has been recognized by the Halifax Chamber of Commerce, Dalhousie University, and her excellence and integrity in law was recognized by her peers with her receipt of the Kings Counsel designation.
Mike O’Keefe is currently a non-executive Board member and Audit Committee Chair for Nova Leap Health Corp. (NLH.V), a home care company operating in 11 different U.S. states within the New England, Southeastern, South Central and Midwest regions of the USA, as well as Nova Scotia, Canada. Mr. O’Keefe also serves as a Director for FinLeaf Technologies Inc., an award-winning green Ag Tech company.
Over more than 30 years, Mr. O’Keefe has held senior financial positions for both public and private companies, including previously serving as Chief Financial Officer and a founding Director of Aqualitas Inc., a Licensed Producer in the heavily regulated Canadian cannabis industry; serving as Chief Financial Officer of Morien Resources Corp. (MOX.V), a mine development and royalty company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange; and serving as Chief Financial Officer of Advanced Primary Minerals Corp., a TSX Venture Exchange listed kaolin mining and processing operation in Georgia, USA.
Mr. O’Keefe was formerly Director of Finance for Erdene Resource Development Corporation, a TSX listed precious metals exploration company operating in Mongolia and was part of the senior management team for one of the “50 Best Managed” private companies in Canada before joining Erdene’s management team. Mr. O’Keefe also served as an independent Board member for Chebucto Terence Bay Wind Field Ltd., a 7 MW wind farm in Nova Scotia, Canada, from initial planning through to its commercial operation date.
Mr. O’Keefe is a Chartered Professional Accountant, has a Master of Business Administration from St. Mary’s University and a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from St. Francis Xavier University.
Danielle Maitland has an extensive academic background in aquaponics and aquaculture with a MSc in Sustainable Aquaculture (University of Stirling, UK), a MSc in Chemical Engineering and Bachelor of Chemical Engineering and Biosciences (McMaster University) and a Diploma in Horticulture (University of Guelph). Danielle is currently completing a PhD in Agricultural Sciences at Dalhousie University. She has significant experience in research, both in the field and in the lab and has written and presented research papers and business proposals related to aquaculture, aquaponics, and waste water treatment. Danielle has overseen the development of Finleaf’s aquaponics and solid-waste processing technologies over the past 5 years, moving the technology from bench-scale to full deployment within a commercial cannabis facility.
Danielle is a Professional Engineer, entitled to practice in Nova Scotia, and volunteers as an Advisor to the Aquaponics Association.
Dharmesh Morjaria is a finance executive and fractional CFO with a strong track record in financial strategy, capital raising, risk management, corporate structuring, and financial governance across industries such as: technology, fintech, cannabis, medical and pharmaceuticals, construction, and manufacturing. He specializes in developing and executing strategic financial plans, optimizing operations, and driving profitability, partnering with C-Suites, Boards, and investors to create long-term value.
As a Fractional CFO, Dharmesh has led financial transformations, risk mitigation strategies, and business scaling efforts for high-growth companies. He has advised multiple organizations on strategy, financial operations, fundraising, financial modeling, and public company reporting, ensuring financial stability while navigating complex regulatory and operational landscapes. His ability to assess and mitigate financial risks has helped businesses strengthen their financial foundation and optimize decision-making in volatile markets.
Dharmesh holds an MBA from Laurentian University and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA, CGA). His ability to align financial strategy with risk management and long-term business goals makes him a trusted partner for investors and executives looking to scale high-potential ventures.