Appointee Biographies

JIM PICKARD

is President of Kedco Products. His community involvement includes serving in roles including Mayor, board member, president, secretary, treasurer, chair for various civic, municipal and health boards, service clubs and sports organizations.

JIM PICKARD

Jim Pickard is President of Kedco Products. His community involvement includes serving in roles including Mayor, board member, president, secretary, treasurer, chair for various civic, municipal and health boards, service clubs and sports organizations.

BARBARA TOBIN

Barbara Tobin is a former Councillor and Deputy Mayor with the Municipality of North Grenville. She is also a former Visual Arts teacher with Upper Canada District School Board. Her community involvement includes currently serving as Vice-Chair and client care-giver at Beth Donovan Hospice as well as serving the board for Kemptville and District Sports Hall of Fame and as a volunteer with Salvation Army Kemptville.

CHERYL KNOTT

Cheryl Knott is nurse Practitioner, Primary Health Care at Providence Care, Providence Manor Site. Community involvement includes working as a volunteer with Providence Manor. She is a member of the College of Nurses of Ontario, Registered Nurses Association of Ontario and Nurse Practitioner's Association of Ontario.

TOM RUSSELL

is an Executive Director for 1000 Islands Community Development Corporation. His community involvement includes serving as a Business & Industry fundraising Chair for Brockville public Library, a Committee Member and Fund Development Lead for Gord Brown Memorial Canada 150 Outdoor Rink, and a Committee Member for United Way of Leeds & Grenville.

DALE HOARD

Dale Hoard is a small business owner, husband, and father, engineer and proud resident of Stirling, Ontario. Being involved with Famtown Park and the Chamber of Commerce has allowed Dale the opportunity to be involved with the organization of Festivals & Events but also with the governance of those organizations. Dale obtained a degree in Engineering & Management from McMaster University in 1993 and has worked for companies with International, National and Local Scope. Interests include sports and agricultural activities.

JAMES STEPHEN PENGELLY

Steve Pengelly is a lawyer living and working in Greater Napanee. He is a former Interim C.E.O. of the Canadian Bar Association, former Executive Director and Counsel at the Ontario Bar Association, former Chief of Staff to the Premier of Ontario and the Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, and Manager of two Departments at Ontario Hydro’s head office. Steve’s prior voluntary activities include Board positions with the Kidney Foundation of Canada, Providence Continuing Care/St. Mary’s of the Lake Hospital, past Chair of the Ontario Safety League and was a founding member of the Community Policing Advisory Council of Ontario.

ROSALEEN CUTLER

Rosaleen Cutler's career has involved more than 30 years of experience in leadership roles in child welfare, health and membership organizations. Throughout her career Rosaleen has led and been a team member in organizational and service reviews, developing policy and practices using engagement of stakeholders and research. Most recently Rosaleen has been working toward development of shared service approaches for child welfare. Rosaleen uses her experience to understand organizations and to identify needs of communities and community-based organizations. Her community involvement has included membership in organizations supporting individuals with developmental challenges as well as social support programs for children, youth and families.

BONNIE GRYCE

Bonnie Gryce retired as Manager of Court Operations after 40 years with the Ministry of the Attorney General sitting on a number of corporate policy tables and committees. She holds a certificate in advanced Alternate Dispute Resolution and Negotiation. For 21 years she sat on the Board of Directors for Corbyville Children's Home holding the position of Chair for many of those years. Currently she is an active member of the Canadian Kennel Club and Chow Fanciers of Ontario.

GARY MELNYK

Gary Melnyk graduated from Carleton University with a BA in law and worked for the Bank of Montreal from 1996 to 2017, primarily as a Commercial Account Manager. Gary is a member of the Almonte Civitan Club from 2003 to 2007 and Vice President, President, and Past President of the Upper Ottawa Valley Chamber of Commerce from 2008-2014. Gary took some time out of the work force from 2017 to 2023 to spend time with his children while they were young. Gary is currently employed as a Commercial Account Manager with Alterna Savings since February 2023.

MICHELLE PODHY

Michelle Podhy, of Bath, is a retired KPMG Audit Partner. Michelle’s community involvement includes serving as Chair of Providence Care and as Governor and Chair of the Audit Committee with St. Lawrence College.

RICHARD CHRISTIE

A former health care executive, Richard held positions as Director and Executive Director at a number of direct care, advocacy and regulatory organizations at the local, regional, provincial and national level. These have included the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, the Ontario Medical Association and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. More recently he led Family Health Teams operating in Kingston and Prince Edward County. Throughout his career he has maintained a desire to give back to his community in a volunteer capacity (at the Board Executive level) on a variety of non-profit organizations and committees including Health Nexus (formerly the Ontario Prevention Clearinghouse) the YMCA of Eastern Ontario and numerous committees of the Board at Kingston General Hospital.

CHRISTOPHER CUMMINGS

Chris has lived in a number of communities in Ontario but has called Smiths Falls home for the last 29 years. He has worked as a business banking manager and financial advisor for some of the largest financial institutions in Canada. Chris has a long history of community involvement and was a member of the Kinsmen Club of Canada for 20 years. Chris was elected to Smiths Falls town council in 2006, where he served three terms before choosing to retire from elected office in 2018. Chris has also served as Library Trustee & Board Chair for the Smiths Falls Public Library Board, and as a member of the Smiths Falls Police Services Board from 2010-2018. Chris currently serves as the Chair of the Rideau Community Health Services. Chris was also elected in 2022 as a Trustee for the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario and works tirelessly to improve the community he calls home.

ROBERT DOPSON

Robert Dopson is a proud native of Smiths Falls and has etched his legacy as a distinguished individual deeply rooted in community service and professional achievements. Born and raised in the picturesque town, Rob's journey includes a remarkable 14-year career in professional hockey. Transitioning seamlessly, he now serves as the Vice-President of Hunt & Dopson Insurance, exemplifying his business acumen. Beyond his corporate role, Rob's commitment to community shines through his role as the Vice-Chair of the Smiths Falls Police Services Board. His dedication extends to various boards where he has lent his expertise. Despite his busy schedule, Rob finds joy in coaching, reflecting his passion for sports, particularly hockey. A well-rounded individual, he balances work with leisure, enjoying rounds of golf in his cherished hometown. Rob Dopson stands as a testament to the synergy of professional success and community devotion.