Appointee Biographies

GEORGE MITGES

George Mitges was an early leader in the pre-cut vegetable industry, including the bagged salad category in the United States. He has a very strong understanding of the food manufacturing sector, from Hazardous Analysis and Critical Control Points (HAACCP) to kosher certification and operating profitably in a food safe environment. Successfully working as a partner with major national food retailers in Canada, George has helped agricultural organizations enhance the value chain with the retail sector. One major project included partnering with a national retailer that created a new category for Ontario-grown peaches. The program paid growers a premium for high quality peaches that answered several consumer demands and reduced the amount of shrink at the retail store. George has broad-based experience in the retail, wholesale, and manufacturing sectors of the North American food industry. He has led projects to launch of new operational divisions, leading to explosive growth and market share gains in a highly competitive sector. George is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario, a certified member of the Ontario Institute of Agrologists, and is a Professional Agrologist (P. Ag.).

BRUCE TIMMS

Bruce Timms is a retired Professional Engineer with a Civil Engineering background and a Bachelor of Applied Science from University of Waterloo in 1977. Bruce was elected to Niagara Regional Council for St. Catharines from 1991 until 2018. Bruce retired from Timms House and Building Inspections and owned and operated an insurance restoration contracting company. Bruce was formerly part owner of family-owned general building contracting companies. Additionally, Bruce is a charter member and past President of the Rotary Club of St. Catharines Lakeshore.

ZIAD HAJIFAZUL

Ziad Hajifazul, of Niagara Falls, is a Real Estate Broker with Referral Realty and a former manager with Canadian Tire. Ziad’s community involvement has included serving as a Trustee with the Boys and Girls Club of Niagara Foundation.

RINO MOSTACCI

Rino Mostacci, RPP is a Registered Professional Planner with 40 years’ experience in Ontario/GTA. He is currently self-employed and provides advice to municipalities and private sector clients. He was the Commissioner of Planning and Development for Niagara Region from 2014 to 2020, the Director of Planning and Urban Design for the City of Markham from 2011 to 2014, Director, Community and Development Services for the Town of Fort Erie from 2000 to 2011. Rino began his professional career at the City of Stoney Creek in 1986. Rino is a two-time recipient of Canadian Institute of Planners Award of Excellence in Urban Design and was the Chair of the Regional Planning Commissioners of Ontario from 2018 to 2020. Rino has an HBA from Western University (Urban Development Program), a Graduate Certificate (Urban Design) from the State University of New York and a Continuing Education Certificate from Mohawk College (Plastic and Fine Arts). He resides in Grimsby, Ontario.

SHERYL L. JOHNSON

Sheryl Johnson is a partner at Sullivan Mahoney LLP in the practice of labour and employment law. Sheryl is an avid educator and writer, was called as witness before the HUMA Committee concerning amendments to the Canada Labour Code and recognized in 2025 in the Labour and Employment Law category of The Best Lawyers in Canada®. Sheryl’s not-for-profit Board work includes Chair and Director roles - currently: NHBA Director; and RAiN Executive Director; formerly: YWCA Niagara Region Chair, Niagara Jazz Festival Chair, NSO Executive Director, and GNCC WIN Council member.

SUSAN JOVANOVIC

Susan Jovanovic, of Fort Erie, is a lifelong community advocate with extensive experience in public service, education, and legal administration. Her commitment to building stronger, inclusive communities is evident in her roles as Adult Advisor for the Fort Erie Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee (2016-2020), where she revitalized the committee and empowered young leaders to drive change through civic engagement, and in her role as trustee for the District School Board of Niagara, advocating for educational excellence, student well-being, and equity. Susan's volunteer work underscores her dedication to collective care, supporting youth and family initiatives, and promoting inclusive programming. She believes in the power of community collaboration and attributes her successes to teamwork and the support of those around her. Her guiding principle is, "We are stronger when we lift each other up and when systems are informed by the lived experiences of those they serve."