Cordel C. Telfer has a professional background in finance and education. His passion for community work began in university but solidified when he joined the steering committee of the SVGAT in 1996. He was first elected as president of the organization in 1999 and worked closely with the members to move the organization into the 21st century.
He and his team can be credited with creating the Insight newsletter, doing the groundwork to develop the website, extensive use of electronic communication and cementing the participation of SVGAT in the annual Unity Picnic.
Cordel was born in Evesham, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Political Science from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Education degree from Nipissing University. He is a certified Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) member and works for the federal government.