Staff

Paul Pedersen, OACP Executive Director

Paul Pedersen started his role as Executive Director with the OACP on June 24, 2024. He has more than 40 years of exceptional experience in policing having served in senior leadership positions with York Regional Police and Chief of  Police of the Greater Sudbury Police Service.

Paul holds a Master of Public Administration from Western University along with a Diploma in Adult Education from St. Francis Xavier University and is a graduate of Executive Leadership programs from the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Business, the National Police Improvement Agency in the United Kingdom and the Senior Management Institute for Police through the Police Executive Research Forum in the United States.

Paul is a proud Officer of the Merit of the Police Forces and a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal and the Police Exemplary Service medal as well s being invested as a Member in the Order of St. John.

Paul is passionate about community engagement serving on the Board of St. John Ambulance as the Vice-Chair, the Chair of the Sudbury Food Bank, the Chair of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, and a past President of the Cambrian College Board. He participates in a wide variety of community events connection with diverse and multicultural communities all thorough the year.

Dr. Jose Luis (Joe) Couto, OACP Director, Government Relations & Communications

Dr. José Luís (Joe) Couto is a veteran public policy and communications professional with more than 35 years of proven government relations and communication experience. Joe is in his 20th year as Director of Government Relations and Communications for the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police. 

Before serving with OACP, he was a Senior Consultant with Enterprise Canada Consultants Inc., one of Ontario’s leading government relations and communications firms, where he developed a thorough expertise in several public policy areas, including municipal affairs, housing, energy, and taxation and fiscal policies. 

In addition to his professional work, Dr. Couto is also a Professor (part-time) at the University of Guelph-Humber’s Justice Department and Associate Faculty at Royal Roads University’s School of Communication and Culture, where he was awarded the 2016 Outstanding New Faculty Award. He is also a Contributing Editor to the Journal of Community Safety and Ewell-Being. 

A native of Brazil, Joe holds a Doctor of Social Sciences degree and Master of Arts in Professional Communications degree from Royal Roads University and a Bachelor of Journalism degree from Toronto Metropolitan University. 

Joe was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for his contributions to policing and public safety in Canada in 2013 and the Serving With Pride Ally Award in 2016.

Joe Couto Biography

Sharon Seepersad, OACP Director, Administration, Member Relations & Event Management

Sharon Seepersad is a dedicated and accomplished professional with over two decades of experience in administrative management. A graduate of St. Stephen's College in Trinidad and Tobago, Sharon has built a reputation for her commitment, reliability, and willingness to go the extra mile in every role she undertakes.

Sharon began her career in the private sector, where she spent more than 20 years as an office manager. Her exceptional organizational skills and keen attention to detail quickly earned her recognition as a dependable and proficient leader.

In 2010, Sharon joined the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP), fulfilling a personal ambition to work in the field of policing—a decision deeply rooted in her desire to honor her father, a well-respected Inspector of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service. Her father's legacy of service and dedication to the community inspired Sharon to contribute to the policing community in her own way.

Since joining the OACP, Sharon has been an integral part of the team, applying her extensive experience and professionalism to support the organization’s mission. Her role at the OACP allows her to combine her administrative expertise with her passion for public service, making a lasting impact within the policing community.

Larissa Pereira, OACP Communications Coordinator

Larissa Pereira holds a Bachelor of Social Science - Criminal Justice (Honours) and a Diploma in Community and Justice Services (Honours) from Humber College in Toronto. She successfully completed an internship with the OACP in 2017. 

She brings with her a wealth of knowledge in research projects both in the domestic and international markets.

Michael Pharai, OACP Administrative Assistant

Michael Pharai serves as the Administrative Assistant at the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP). In this role, he provides vital support to the association’s daily operations, assisting with event coordination, communications, and member services. Known for his strong organizational skills and attention to detail, Michael ensures that OACP initiatives run smoothly and efficiently.

Michael holds an Honours Degree in Criminology and previously worked as a Security Guard with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, where he gained valuable experience in safety, security, and public engagement. His background and dedication help the OACP deliver on its mission to support police leaders across Ontario.

Kevin Bunting, OACP Event Coordinator

Kevin is a passionate and seasoned event professional with over two decades of experience producing live concerts and world-class events across a wide range of venues. Known for his upbeat, friendly, and positive approach—even in the most challenging situations—he takes pride in his ability to consistently under-promise and over-deliver.

Before joining the OACP, Kevin spent 14 years with Ontario Lottery & Gaming, where he oversaw entertainment programming at 20 casinos across the province. By cultivating strong relationships with an established roster of recording artists, he successfully executed large-scale concerts designed to deliver exceptional experiences for audiences. Kevin also managed OLG’s experiential marketing activations, leading projects from concept to execution at festivals and sporting events to build brand awareness and customer engagement.