Appointee Biographies

MICHAEL BARRETT

Michael Barrett was raised in Scarborough and attended and graduated from the Universities of Toronto and Western. Michael worked with Gay Lea Foods Co-operative and retired as the Chief Executive Officer. He served in many different roles within the Dairy Sector and within the broader co-operative sector both nationally and internationally. He served as Chair of the Dairy Processors Association of Canada. It is through this experience that Michael has recognized the need for and the advocacy of a sustainable, strengthened rural community. Michael also served as a School Trustee for the Durham District School Board for twenty years and played a leadership role, as President, in the provincial association for four years. Michael recently was elected as Director to the Co-operators Insurance Board, the Lakefield Historical Association and to Grandview Children’s School Authority and currently serves as an advisor to the Board of Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC)

JOHN SMITHERS

John Smithers is currently Professor Emeritus in the Department of Geography, Environment and Geomatics at the University of Guelph following a 28-year career at the university in teaching, research and administration. John’s research and scholarship have focused on rural transitions and sustainability challenges in light of both environmental and socio-economic change. His more recent research has focused on the growth of local food initiatives and how the intersection of food, culture and place identity are producing distinctive farm and local development initiatives and outcomes – particularly in recognized ‘amenity regions’. Prior to taking up his academic career John held appointments in the Conservation Authority sector, the Ontario Government (MMAH) and private consultancy. John is currently a member of the City of Cambridge Farmers’ Market Advisory Committee and a mentor in a recently launched faculty “career mentor program” at Wilfrid Laurier University.

JOHANNA CHEVALIER

Johanna Chevalier, a former two-term Councillor for the Town of Caledon and Region of Peel, Johanna has worked closely with residents, government representatives, non-profits, and a wide range of stakeholders to support the highest growth municipality in Ontario. Johanna drove advocacy positions on high-profile issues such as human trafficking, intimate partner/family violence, anti-Black racism, and illegal land use and goods movement. Johanna has sat on numerous additional committees and boards, including chairing the Golden Horseshoe Food and Farming Alliance and serving as Vice Chair of the Credit Valley Conservation Authority.

ANNE HODGSON

Anne Hodgson is a Realtor and with her husband, Andrew, owned Century 21 Granite Realty Group Ltd. for eleven years. She also serves on the Rural Economic Development Advisory panel and enjoys volunteering in her community in several capacities including Minden Cat Angels. Anne graduated from the University of Western Ontario with the degree of Bachelor of Arts and has experience working in government on several legislative and policy initiatives.

ROSEMARIE MONTGOMERY

Rosemarie Montgomery is an Economic Development Officer for the Municipality of Chatham-Kent. Dedicated to fostering economic growth, supporting agricultural producers and manufacturers alike and advancing sustainability in Chatham-Kent. Continually supporting business with key contacts, resources, new markets, and funding opportunities. She has been part of the Economic Development team since 2008 as a trusted advisor for new, existing and expanding businesses. Working with large and small industry providing advice, guidance and access to resources in a professional and informative manner. Assisting government to develop new key programming such as Starter Company for new and existing business. A passion for innovation, community resilience, and rural industries positions her as an advocate for economic development and a trusted ally in Southwestern agricultural and manufacturing future.

DANIELLE SHARMAN

Danielle Sharman is a Senior Policy Analyst specializing in agriculture and rural economic development at the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) in Guelph, Ontario. Danielle sits on the Greenbelt Foundation Board of Directors and sits on various committees for the Economic Developers’ Council of Ontario (EDCO). As a Certified Economic Developer (Ec.D.) with a master’s degree in Local Economic Development, she strives to enhance the economic viability of rural communities and the broader agri-food sector. Danielle lives on a grain farm in Rockwood, Ontario with her husband and three children.

CHRIS GERRITS

Chris Gerrits is a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) and the Mayor of the Township of Amaranth located in Dufferin County. A lifetime resident of the Amaranth, Chris has been a small business owner for over 20 years and has been involved in a number of industry and not profit organizations during his career.

MITCH BLOOM

Mitch Bloom, of Oxford Mills, is the owner of Elmcrest Equestrian Centre and former Vice President of Strategic Policy and Infrastructure Development at Parks Canada Agency. His community involvement includes serving as President and Chair of Community Futures Ontario.

KEITH ROBICHEAU

Keith Robicheau retired in 2019 after more than 30 years as a municipal chief administrative officer in three provinces. In Ontario, he was city manager in North Bay and county manager in Norfolk County. Keith also has provincial government experience as a senior policy advisor with Municipal Affairs and treasury board advisor/internal management consultant with Treasury Board in New Brunswick. Since 2020, Keith has been president and board chair of the Municipal Retirees Organization Ontario (MROO) which has more than 40,000 members. He is also a volunteer with the Grand River Grant Review Team of the Ontario Trillium Foundation. Keith has a B Comm from Mount Allison University with majors in management and accounting. He and his wife Kathryn live in Simcoe, Norfolk County.