The Ontario Broker - April 2019 - 49

STAFF SPOTLIGHT:

joanne

f you've ever been to the IBAO office or attended one of
our events over the past 26 years, you know who Joanne
Ebanks is. She remembers her exact start date-October
5th, 1992. Unbeknownst to her, she was starting during
the busiest time at the IBAO-three weeks before our
Annual Convention. "It was kind of like you were just
thrown into the Coliseum and you hit the ground running.
I guess that's the best kind of training sometimes."

Throughout her career here, she has always held the title of
Executive Assistant to the CEO. However, her duties extend past
supporting the CEO and general office tasks. She also assists
with the Board of Directors and is involved in planning meetings
and events.
Being the longest-tenured employee at the IBAO, Joanne has
seen a lot of change over the years. "The direction we are headed
right now is exciting. We are really focusing on our members,
their needs and becoming more inclusive. It's all about growth
and we want to grow. For me, it's about being loyal to our
members and advocating on their behalf. I'm proud of what we're
accomplishing here."
Many people don't know that Jo comes from a background as a medical technician. There was a freeze on hospital
workers, so she landed at the IBAO while on the hunt for a new career. She says her job in the medical profession
was not unlike her job here at the IBAO. "Both involve working with people and helping people out."
As a self-proclaimed foodie, Jo has a penchant for collecting recipes and sharing them with others.
"Funny thing is, I usually share a recipe I've never tried, but it was something that sounded delicious. I'm no Julia
Child, but I love to talk about food."
Jo and her husband Keith are proud owners of Scotthill Carribean Cuisine, which specializes in authentic
Caribbean food. Scotthill got its name from a street in Moneague, St. Ann, Jamaica where Keith was born-there's
even a photo of the house he grew up in on the wall. "The restaurant is definitely a big family affair. We're all in it
together; even our other employees are like family. My daughter, Rachel, assists during the week and sometimes
sings when we have entertainment. Keith is a jack of all trades-wherever he's needed is where he's at. My son,
Matthew, provides his culinary expertise whenever possible. I'm a proud mom because, for me, my kids have a life
of their own, but when it comes to the restaurant they go above and beyond to help out their dad."

WWW.IBAO.ORG

APRIL 2019

http://WWW.IBAO.ORG

The Ontario Broker - April 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Ontario Broker - April 2019