With a legal foundation from The University of Law in London, Keeka graduated in 2018 and swiftly qualified as a lawyer, gaining admission to the Bermuda bar in 2019. Her commitment to continuous growth led her to secure a Diploma in International Trust Management in 2023. Today, Keeka specializes as a Trust and Estates Practitioner, leveraging her expertise to navigate complex legal landscapes. As an active member of The Society of Trust & Estates Practitioners (STEP) Bermuda branch, she contributes as a practitioner and in a leadership capacity, having been appointed as the Student Liaison Officer to provide invaluable support for current and prospective students.

Jordan Madeiros joined Meritus on September 6, 2022, as a Senior Trust Administrator.

He began his trust career with another Bermuda independent trust company in January of 2018. During that time, Jordan gained valuable experience administering a wide range of local and international family structures.

Jordan is a registered Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP) and a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).

Jordan joined the Bermuda Red Cross as a board member in June 2019.

Jordan holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies with a minor in Women’s Studies from Wilfrid Laurier University in Ontario, Canada.

Edith Caines, a born Bermudian, joined Meritus in 2020. Previously, she had been with the Lepercq Bermuda organization for 31 years, dealing with all aspects of corporate administration, corporate director and corporate secretarial work for Lepercq’s clients.

She began her career with the Bank of Bermuda (now HSBC Bank Bermuda Limited) where she worked for ten years in the Trust Department. As Trust Administrator, her duties required that she administer trusts and underlying companies or assets they might own.

Kelly Campbell joined Meritus on October 4, 2021, as a Trust Officer.

She began her trust career with Bermuda Trust Company Limited at HSBC Private Bank in 2007. Kelly spent time working in their Family Office where she gained valuable experience supporting senior management with administering various complex, multi-jurisdictional structures. From 2014 and prior to joining Meritus, Kelly worked in HSBC Bank Bermuda Limited’s compliance function where she partnered with various fiduciary and organizational businesses and supported the bank in managing their regulatory relationships and engagements.

Kelly holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a Minor in Fine Arts from Elms College in Chicopee, Massachusetts, where she graduated Cum Laude.

Kelly is a registered Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP) and a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).

Michelle Burrows joined Meritus on April 1, 2015 in the role of Trust Officer.

Michelle began her trust career in 2008 with Butterfield Trust where she started as an Administrator. She expanded her knowledge and experience over the years managing more complex structures within their Family Office.

Michelle is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) Bermuda. She has completed Bermuda’s Corporate Procedures levels I & II.

Nijah joined Meritus in January 2023 as Office Coordinator and Executive Assistant to our Chair and Managing Directors.

Nijah has over 15 years of experience in the fields of Marketing, Communications and Event Management. Having held positions in the corporate services, non-profit and hospitality sectors, Nijah brings with her a unique skill set that will aid in the support of our senior leaders and Meritus client families as well as running the day to day functions of a busy office.

Katrina joined Meritus in September 2015 as Senior Trust Administrator and was promoted to Trust Officer in October 2017, and then to Senior Trust Officer in February 2021.

Katrina began her trust career with Bermuda Trust Company Limited at HSBC Private Bank in 2011. She spent time working in their Family Office where she gained valuable experience administering a wide range of family structures and philanthropic entities.

Katrina holds a Bachelor of Psychology from Dalhousie University, Halifax. She is a Registered Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP) and full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) Bermuda. She has also successfully completed Bermuda’s Corporate Procedures levels I & II with Merit.

Our client families, professional advisors, and the Meritus team all commend Barbara for her exceptional client service and relationship management skills. Her commitment to the highest standards of service, caring nature, and amiability, combined with over 30 years of experience in the trust and private client industry, make her an outstanding fiduciary. Barbara specialises in meeting the needs of highly complex, multi-jurisdiction ultra-high-net-worth families. A native Canadian, Barbara began her career in Bermuda in 1989 with the Bank of Bermuda and is a former Director of Bermuda Trust Company Ltd and Fiduciary Director / Manager of the Private Family Office Team at HSBC Private Bank in Bermuda. As a founding partner, Barbara’s fingerprint is embedded in the personality, culture, and professionalism of Meritus.

Barbara’s Credentials

• Bachelor of Science
• STEP Trust & Estate Practitioner (TEP) designation 1995

Barbara’s Honours

• Member of STEP Bermuda branch since 1995
• Recipient of an HSBC President’s award 2007
• Recommended to Who’s Who Legal as a Private Client Trust and Advisory Services Professional for her work in the field

Allan is an entrepreneur and an accomplished builder of people-focused financial service businesses. As a founding partner, his pioneering spirit instilled a culture of innovation and growth into Meritus. With more than two decades of experience with private clients, Allan is skilled at working with ultra-high-net-worth families and their complex structures and investments. Before Meritus, Allan was the Managing Director (and founder) of FORS Limited (Family Office Reporting Services), a provider of accounting and investment reporting services to private clients, family offices, and trust companies globally. He received his management training with Ernst & Young Bermuda, Private Client Services team.

Allan’s Credentials

• Member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada
• Member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Bermuda
• STEP Trust & Estate Practitioner (TEP) designation with honours 2005
• Certified Financial Planner
• Bachelor of Science degree

Allan’s Accolades

• Early Achievement Award from CPA British Columbia 2010
• STEP Bermuda First Overall Bermuda TEP diploma scores

Allan’s Honours

• Board member and treasurer of Vancouver Island University Foundation
• Past chair and board member of Vancouver Island University
• Past treasurer and board member of Innovation Island Venture Accelerator
• Past treasurer and board member of STEP Bermuda

Michelle is the epitome of a trusted advisor. She is passionate about and committed to the families that she serves. Her warmth, high emotional intelligence, vitality, and technical strengths empower her to handle the most complex and sensitive situations. These, combined with her leadership and entrepreneurial qualities, have propelled her towards success as a respected fiduciary and trusted advisor to families worldwide. Michelle’s earlier roles as Managing Director of Rothschild Trust (Bermuda) Limited, Coutts (Bermuda) Limited and Butterfield Trust (Bermuda) Limited, laid a robust foundation for her to become a founding partner and the first Managing Director of Meritus. In her current role as Chair and Family Counsel, she is focused on higher-level strategy and counsel, enabling her to support client families on a broader and more profound level.

Michelle’s Credentials

• Master of Business
• Master of Human Resources
• Member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada
• Member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Bermuda

Michelle’s Accolades

• Citywealth Powerwomen Awards – Woman of the Year – Business Growth (Boutique) – Gold award, 2020
• Citywealth Magic Circle Awards 2019 – Trustee of the Year (shortlisted)
• Citywealth Leader’s List since 2014
• Who’s Who Legal – Private Client Trust and Advisory Services, 2015

Michelle’s Honours

• Member of the Bermuda Business Development Association (Trust Focus Group)
• Past President of the Bermuda Association of Licensed Trustees
• Judge for the 2016 and 2017 STEP Private Client Awards
• Member of the Panel of Experts for the 2018 STEP Private Client Awards
• Co-author of the chapter, “Private Trust Companies Coordinating with Family Offices”, in Globe Law and Business’ (2020), Private Trust Companies: A Handbook for Advisors

Sara always manages to juggle several balls in the air seamlessly with a calm and friendly demeanour. Her background exemplifies that. Before joining Meritus, Sara was General Counsel and a member of the Executive Team at Bermuda Commercial Bank. She was also in-house counsel with the global insurer, AXA UK plc. All that plus her wide range of legal experience in the private client, banking, insurance, regulatory, corporate, governance, commercial and litigation areas, help to ensure that Sara can provide thoughtful, solution-driven and commercially friendly advice as General Counsel for Meritus. In her role as Managing Director, Corporate, she leads the Finance, Accounting, Compliance, Operations, HR and Legal and Governance functions with a one-team approach. The go-to person for all matters related to governance and leadership, Sara frequently writes and speaks on these topics and is passionate about promoting women’s leadership and diversity and inclusion through her work.

Sara’s Credentials

• Bachelor of Laws, and a Diploma in Legal Practice
• Trained with Barlow Lyde and Gilbert in London
• Admitted as a solicitor in the UK, 2006 and called to the Bermuda Bar, 2005
• Institute of Director’s Chartered Director designation 2019
• STEP Trust & Estate Practitioner (TEP) designation with distinction 2021

Sara’s Accolades

• Citywealth Powerwomen Awards 2022 – Woman of the Year – Future Leaders – Partner (shortlisted)
• Citywealth Powerwomen Awards 2021 – Woman of the Year – Professional Services (shortlisted)
• Citywealth Leader’s List since 2018
• Bermuda’s first female Chartered Director and the Co-Chair of the Institute of Directors, Bermuda Branch

Sara’s Honours

• Sits on several Boards and committees, including the Bermuda High School Board of Trustees, where she is the Chair of the Strategy Committee
• Member of the Institute of Directors, the Bermuda Bar Association and STEP Bermuda
• Co-author of the chapter, “Private Trust Companies Coordinating with Family Offices”, in Globe Law and Business (2020), Private Trust Companies: A Handbook for Advisors

In Simon’s view, businesses that ‘walk the talk’ by incorporating sustainability and giving back to the community into their DNA are the gold standard. Simon’s decades of experience span corporate services, investment management, and fund administration, including acting as Director on three entities licensed with the Bermuda Monetary Authority. Before joining Meritus, Simon was the CEO of Lepercq Corporation Management Ltd., which provided corporate services and investment management services, and Senior Manager at Arthur Andersen, responsible for the Bermuda office’s asset management practice.

Simon’s Credentials

• Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in public accounting
• Chartered Financial Analyst
• Member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Bermuda
• Member of the Ordre des Comptables Professionnels Agrees du Quebec

Simon’s Honours

• CFO of The Lepercq Charitable Foundation
• Director of the Cripps Foundation and subsidiaries
• Serves as a Protector on a charitable trust and select family trusts
• Director of Lepercq-Multi Asset SICAV-FIS, a Luxembourg SICAV
• Director of Lepercq Partners Fund, a Luxembourg SICAV

Through her unwavering dedication to authentically serving our client families and the Bermuda community, Dorothy exemplifies Meritus’ values of empathy, passion, humility, and courage. These characteristics enable her to earn the trust of others, an essential part of our business. Dorothy began her career in 1997 with the Bank of Bermuda / Bermuda Trust Company Limited and is a former Manager/Senior Trust Officer of the Private Family Office Team at HSBC Private Bank in Bermuda. In 2010, Dorothy and her co-founders formed Meritus, where together with her team, she provides bespoke services that meet the needs of multi-jurisdiction high-net-worth individuals.

Dorothy’s Credentials

• Travel Services Management Diploma
• STEP Certificate in International Trust Management
• Bermuda Corporate Secretarial Services I and II

Dorothy’s Honours

Dorothy is an active wellness advocate and mentor supporting women and men throughout their journey towards holistic health by providing one-on-one support, immersion in peer support groups and activities, and collaboration with health and educational professionals. Her commitment to advocacy for holistic wellness extends to raising awareness and education by participating in various community and public information initiatives and events.

Monique Carvelho joined Meritus in March 2021 as a Senior Trust Administrator and was quickly promoted to Trust Officer in October 2022.

Monique began her Trust Career in 2005 with HSBC Private Bank as a Trust Accounting Administrator and continued on to become a Trust Officer at Butterfield Trust (Bermuda) Limited managing complex structure and pension plans in Institutional Trust.

Monique is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).

Jessica joined Meritus in March 2020 as a Senior Trust Officer.

Jessica is a Bermudian lawyer who left private practice in 2018 to utilize her legal knowledge and skills in the trust industry. Prior to joining Meritus Jessica was a Trust Officer at another Bermuda independent trust company, managing a portfolio of family trust structures. Throughout her career Jessica has gained extensive knowledge and experience in trust and estate planning.

Jessica graduated from the University of Exeter, obtaining a Bachelor in Laws and a Diploma in Legal Practice from BPP Law School in London. Jessica was called to the Bermuda bar in July 2014 and is a Commissioner for Oaths and Notary Public.

Mairi joined Meritus in 2020, and now as a Fiduciary Director, is responsible for a team that provides services to a portfolio of trust and corporate services clients, both local and international. She has more than 23 years of experience with private clients, high net worth individuals and families and various types of trust and corporate entities, including partnerships and overseas companies.

Mairi is also well versed in the incorporation process in Bermuda and can assist with the incorporation process in other jurisdictions and ensuring that all the statutory and regulatory requirements under Bermuda legislation are met.
Mairi’s knowledge and experience around corporate governance and compliance for local and international entities ensures that her clients meet all the best practice standards. She has assisted in restructuring and reorganization projects for various corporates and trusts. Mairi is also fully conversant on the AML/ATF legislation as well as Bermuda’s position in terms of FATCA, CRS and Economic Substance.

Mairi is a member of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) Bermuda.

Lisa Figureido joined Meritus in July 2012.

Lisa began her trust career in 2006 with Butterfield Trust where she started as a Trust Administrator and developed her knowledge and experience working with increasingly complex trust and company structures working on the Family Office Team.

Lisa is a registered Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP) and member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).

She has also successfully completed Bermuda’s Corporate Procedures levels I & II.

Heather VanSickle joined Meritus in September 2013 having more than 10 years of finance experience with a Canadian Family Office. Heather has been responsible for all aspects of financial reporting and valuation of portfolio assets, as well as assisting in developing cross jurisdictional structures to manage family assets. As Compliance Officer, she was responsible for all regulatory compliance with the Ontario Securities Commission. She applies her experience and knowledge at Meritus as Chief Compliance and Risk Officer.

Heather is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and holds an honours degree in Economics from Queen’s University, Canada. Heather is a member of the CPA Canada, CPA Bermuda and a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).

In addition to her extensive experience and role as a Fiduciary Director, Deanna’s keen eye for streamlining processes and utilising technology makes her perfect for the position of Chief Operations Officer. She strives to keep Meritus functioning optimally and is dedicated to continuously improving efficiencies. Deanna brings more than 20 years of experience in the trust and corporate services industry. Before joining Meritus, she was the Managing Director of BCB Paragon Trust Limited and Woodmont Trust Company Limited.

Deanna’s Credentials

• Bachelor of Commerce
• Chartered Financial Analyst
• Member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada
• Member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Bermuda
• STEP Trust & Estate Practitioner (TEP) designation 2003

Deanna’s Honours

• Past Treasurer of the Bermuda Association of Licensed Trustees
• Past committee member of STEP Bermuda Branch
• Awarded highest overall performance in Bermuda for TEP designation

Camille Goertzen joined Meritus in February 2020 having more than 15 years of accounting and finance experience with a clientele that included individuals, corporations and trusts. Camille plays a lead role in the preparation of financial statements, investment and assets related reports and schedules to support financial presentations on financial status for client meeting.

Camille is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, member of Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).

Kondwani has been a compliance professional for over 15 years and joined Meritus in 2023. He started his career in a local bank conducting quality assurance testing and transitioned to compliance and risk management at a big 4 accounting firm. He holds a Master’s Degree in Banking and Finance from Boston University and the CAMS designation from the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists. Kondwani is looking forward to becoming a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).

Mary Ann has more than 8 years of experience in accounting and finance. She worked for a Philippine real estate development company for 5 years focusing on
financial statement preparation and tax compliance and leading team for the company’s annual financial audit engagements. She also worked with an Australian accounting firm for 3 years focusing on accounting and financial reporting for Australian self-managed pension fund accounts. There she was also exposed to financial preparation for individuals, partnerships, corporations, and trusts. Mary Ann is a member of the Certified Public Accountants in the Philippines, member of Association of Chartered Certified Accountants in Bermuda, and a member of Institute of Management Accountants in the US.

Haley is a dynamic professional with a wealth of experience in administration, project management, and project marketing. She joined Meritus in 2023 as an Executive Project Coordinator. With a proven track record in orchestrating seamless operations and driving organizational success, Haley brings a multifaceted skill set to the Meritus team.

Her proficiency extends to strategic planning, facilitating executive-level initiatives, managing complex projects, and fostering cohesive team dynamics. Haley’s recent
engagements across diverse sectors have helped her hone her ability to streamline operations and optimize resources, while consistently contributing to attaining overarching business objectives.

Haley holds a degree in Communications and Critical Thinking from Trent University in Ontario, Canada.

Michelle is the epitome of a trusted advisor. She is passionate about and committed to the families that she serves. Her warmth, high emotional intelligence, vitality, and technical strengths empower her to handle the most complex and sensitive situations. These, combined with her leadership and entrepreneurial qualities, have propelled her towards success as a respected fiduciary and trusted advisor to families worldwide. Michelle’s earlier roles as Managing Director of Rothschild Trust (Bermuda) Limited, Coutts (Bermuda) Limited and Butterfield Trust (Bermuda) Limited, laid a robust foundation for her to become a founding partner and the first Managing Director of Meritus. In her current role as Chair and Family Counsel, she is focused on higher-level strategy and counsel, enabling her to support client families on a broader and more profound level.

Michelle’s Credentials

• Master of Business
• Master of Human Resources
• Member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada
• Member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Bermuda

Michelle’s Accolades

• Citywealth Powerwomen Awards – Woman of the Year – Business Growth (Boutique) – Gold award, 2020
• Citywealth Magic Circle Awards 2019 – Trustee of the Year (shortlisted)
• Citywealth Leader’s List since 2014
• Who’s Who Legal – Private Client Trust and Advisory Services, 2015

Michelle’s Honours

• Member of the Bermuda Business Development Association (Trust Focus Group)
• Past President of the Bermuda Association of Licensed Trustees
• Judge for the 2016 and 2017 STEP Private Client Awards
• Member of the Panel of Experts for the 2018 STEP Private Client Awards
• Co-author of the chapter, “Private Trust Companies Coordinating with Family Offices”, in Globe Law and Business’ (2020), Private Trust Companies: A Handbook for Advisors

Our client families, professional advisors, and the Meritus team all commend Barbara for her exceptional client service and relationship management skills. Her commitment to the highest standards of service, caring nature, and amiability, combined with over 30 years of experience in the trust and private client industry, make her an outstanding fiduciary. Barbara specialises in meeting the needs of highly complex, multi-jurisdiction ultra-high-net-worth families. A native Canadian, Barbara began her career in Bermuda in 1989 with the Bank of Bermuda and is a former Director of Bermuda Trust Company Ltd and Fiduciary Director / Manager of the Private Family Office Team at HSBC Private Bank in Bermuda. As a founding partner, Barbara’s fingerprint is embedded in the personality, culture, and professionalism of Meritus.

Barbara’s Credentials

• Bachelor of Science
• STEP Trust & Estate Practitioner (TEP) designation 1995

Barbara’s Honours

• Member of STEP Bermuda branch since 1995
• Recipient of an HSBC President’s award 2007
• Recommended to Who’s Who Legal as a Private Client Trust and Advisory Services Professional for her work in the field

Sara always manages to juggle several balls in the air seamlessly with a calm and friendly demeanour. Her background exemplifies that. Before joining Meritus, Sara was General Counsel and a member of the Executive Team at Bermuda Commercial Bank. She was also in-house counsel with the global insurer, AXA UK plc. All that plus her wide range of legal experience in the private client, banking, insurance, regulatory, corporate, governance, commercial and litigation areas, help to ensure that Sara can provide thoughtful, solution-driven and commercially friendly advice as General Counsel for Meritus. In her role as Managing Director, Corporate, she leads the Finance, Accounting, Compliance, Operations, HR and Legal and Governance functions with a one-team approach. The go-to person for all matters related to governance and leadership, Sara frequently writes and speaks on these topics and is passionate about promoting women’s leadership and diversity and inclusion through her work.

Sara’s Credentials

• Bachelor of Laws, and a Diploma in Legal Practice
• Trained with Barlow Lyde and Gilbert in London
• Admitted as a solicitor in the UK, 2006 and called to the Bermuda Bar, 2005
• Institute of Director’s Chartered Director designation 2019
• STEP Trust & Estate Practitioner (TEP) designation with distinction 2021

Sara’s Accolades

• Citywealth Powerwomen Awards 2022 – Woman of the Year – Future Leaders – Partner (shortlisted)
• Citywealth Powerwomen Awards 2021 – Woman of the Year – Professional Services (shortlisted)
• Citywealth Leader’s List since 2018
• Bermuda’s first female Chartered Director and the Co-Chair of the Institute of Directors, Bermuda Branch

Sara’s Honours

• Sits on several Boards and committees, including the Bermuda High School Board of Trustees, where she is the Chair of the Strategy Committee
• Member of the Institute of Directors, the Bermuda Bar Association and STEP Bermuda
• Co-author of the chapter, “Private Trust Companies Coordinating with Family Offices”, in Globe Law and Business (2020), Private Trust Companies: A Handbook for Advisors

Allan is an entrepreneur and an accomplished builder of people-focused financial service businesses. As a founding partner, his pioneering spirit instilled a culture of innovation and growth into Meritus. With more than two decades of experience with private clients, Allan is skilled at working with ultra-high-net-worth families and their complex structures and investments. Before Meritus, Allan was the Managing Director (and founder) of FORS Limited (Family Office Reporting Services), a provider of accounting and investment reporting services to private clients, family offices, and trust companies globally. He received his management training with Ernst & Young Bermuda, Private Client Services team.

Allan’s Credentials

• Member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada
• Member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Bermuda
• STEP Trust & Estate Practitioner (TEP) designation with honours 2005
• Certified Financial Planner
• Bachelor of Science degree

Allan’s Accolades

• Early Achievement Award from CPA British Columbia 2010
• STEP Bermuda First Overall Bermuda TEP diploma scores

Allan’s Honours

• Board member and treasurer of Vancouver Island University Foundation
• Past chair and board member of Vancouver Island University
• Past treasurer and board member of Innovation Island Venture Accelerator
• Past treasurer and board member of STEP Bermuda

Through her unwavering dedication to authentically serving our client families and the Bermuda community, Dorothy exemplifies Meritus’ values of empathy, passion, humility, and courage. These characteristics enable her to earn the trust of others, an essential part of our business. Dorothy began her career in 1997 with the Bank of Bermuda / Bermuda Trust Company Limited and is a former Manager/Senior Trust Officer of the Private Family Office Team at HSBC Private Bank in Bermuda. In 2010, Dorothy and her co-founders formed Meritus, where together with her team, she provides bespoke services that meet the needs of multi-jurisdiction high-net-worth individuals.

Dorothy’s Credentials

• Travel Services Management Diploma
• STEP Certificate in International Trust Management
• Bermuda Corporate Secretarial Services I and II

Dorothy’s Honours

Dorothy is an active wellness advocate and mentor supporting women and men throughout their journey towards holistic health by providing one-on-one support, immersion in peer support groups and activities, and collaboration with health and educational professionals. Her commitment to advocacy for holistic wellness extends to raising awareness and education by participating in various community and public information initiatives and events.

Mairi joined Meritus in 2020, and now as a Fiduciary Director, is responsible for a team that provides services to a portfolio of trust and corporate services clients, both local and international. She has more than 23 years of experience with private clients, high net worth individuals and families and various types of trust and corporate entities, including partnerships and overseas companies.

Mairi is also well versed in the incorporation process in Bermuda and can assist with the incorporation process in other jurisdictions and ensuring that all the statutory and regulatory requirements under Bermuda legislation are met.
Mairi’s knowledge and experience around corporate governance and compliance for local and international entities ensures that her clients meet all the best practice standards. She has assisted in restructuring and reorganization projects for various corporates and trusts. Mairi is also fully conversant on the AML/ATF legislation as well as Bermuda’s position in terms of FATCA, CRS and Economic Substance.

Mairi is a member of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) Bermuda.

In addition to her extensive experience and role as a Fiduciary Director, Deanna’s keen eye for streamlining processes and utilising technology makes her perfect for the position of Chief Operations Officer. She strives to keep Meritus functioning optimally and is dedicated to continuously improving efficiencies. Deanna brings more than 20 years of experience in the trust and corporate services industry. Before joining Meritus, she was the Managing Director of BCB Paragon Trust Limited and Woodmont Trust Company Limited.

Deanna’s Credentials

• Bachelor of Commerce
• Chartered Financial Analyst
• Member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada
• Member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Bermuda
• STEP Trust & Estate Practitioner (TEP) designation 2003

Deanna’s Honours

• Past Treasurer of the Bermuda Association of Licensed Trustees
• Past committee member of STEP Bermuda Branch
• Awarded highest overall performance in Bermuda for TEP designation

Heather VanSickle joined Meritus in September 2013 having more than 10 years of finance experience with a Canadian Family Office. Heather has been responsible for all aspects of financial reporting and valuation of portfolio assets, as well as assisting in developing cross jurisdictional structures to manage family assets. As Compliance Officer, she was responsible for all regulatory compliance with the Ontario Securities Commission. She applies her experience and knowledge at Meritus as Chief Compliance and Risk Officer.

Heather is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and holds an honours degree in Economics from Queen’s University, Canada. Heather is a member of the CPA Canada, CPA Bermuda and a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).

In Simon’s view, businesses that ‘walk the talk’ by incorporating sustainability and giving back to the community into their DNA are the gold standard. Simon’s decades of experience span corporate services, investment management, and fund administration, including acting as Director on three entities licensed with the Bermuda Monetary Authority. Before joining Meritus, Simon was the CEO of Lepercq Corporation Management Ltd., which provided corporate services and investment management services, and Senior Manager at Arthur Andersen, responsible for the Bermuda office’s asset management practice.

Simon’s Credentials

• Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in public accounting
• Chartered Financial Analyst
• Member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Bermuda
• Member of the Ordre des Comptables Professionnels Agrees du Quebec

Simon’s Honours

• CFO of The Lepercq Charitable Foundation
• Director of the Cripps Foundation and subsidiaries
• Serves as a Protector on a charitable trust and select family trusts
• Director of Lepercq-Multi Asset SICAV-FIS, a Luxembourg SICAV
• Director of Lepercq Partners Fund, a Luxembourg SICAV

Known for driving innovation and change management, embracing diverse thoughts, intensely focusing on the client experience, and delivering business results, Margaret is considered a ‘go-to’ senior leader, trusted advisor, and mentor. A retired principal and senior leader at EY, she is the CEO of M.A.M. Consulting Partners LLC, a boutique consulting firm helping organisations accelerate profitable top-line growth. Margaret has been propelling Meritus’ industry leadership as a Board Advisor since January 2020, becoming a Non-Executive Director in April 2021.

Margaret’s Credentials

• Master of Business Administration, Finance, Marketing and International Business
• Bachelor of Science, Education
• Scaling Up Certified Coach
• America’s Partner Cash Flow Story

Margaret’s Accolades

• National Associate of Corporate Directors Governance Fellow
• David Rockefeller Fellow, Partnership for NYC

Margaret’s Honours

• Board Member, New York Women’s Foundation, New York
• Member of the International Women’s Forum
• Member of How Women Lead
• Member of Viridian Managed Fund, Angel Investor/Venture Fund, and its Evaluation Committee
• Board Member of 325 Central Park Cooperative
• Past Member, Financial Services Global Markets Executive, Ernst & Young LLP, New York
• Past Co-Chair, Committee for Economic Development’s Subcommittee Advancing Women in Corporate Leadership
• Past Board Member, Women’s Bond Club of New York