Meet the Board

The Board after their July 2011 Planning Session at President Ann Munroe's House

Elaine Turner Executive Director	Elaine Turner was appointed as the Community Outreach Coordinator in December 2008 and most recently as Executive Director of The Perth and District Community Foundation. This appointment followed her retirement from RBC Royal Bank where she enjoyed a successful thirty seven year career in a number of management positions, most recently as Manager of the Perth branch. Elaine attended University of Guelph, holds an Associate of the Institute of Canadian Bankers and has a Personal Financial Planning Diploma from the Institute of Canadian Bankers. Elaine grew up in rural Eastern Ontario and has been an active member of the Perth business community since 1994. She has extensive volunteer experience with numerous local organizations including the Perth and District Chamber of Commerce, the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital Capital Campaign committee, and the Rotary Club of Perth which honoured her with Rotary International’s prestigious Paul Harris Fellow Medal. Elaine’s passion for excellence in philanthropic causes has been further developed during her tenure with The Perth and District Community Foundation where she enjoys working with a dedicated Board of Directors which is focused upon improving the quality of life in Perth and the western half of Lanark County.
Ann Munroe - President Educator/Community Volunteer	“My decision to serve on the Board of Directors of the Perth and District Community Foundation was an easy one to make. From my experience as Co-Chair of Rural Expo 2003, the Lanark County International Plowing Match (RE/IPM 2003), I knew that an organization devoted to addressing community needs and enriching the quality of life in our local area can have a lasting impact on the lives of our residents. In the past ten years, due to the generosity of our donors and sponsors, the PDCF has supported numerous initiatives that benefit folks of all ages and those numbers will continue to grow. I am honoured to serve as President of this vibrant organization.” Ann Munroe brings experience in education, agriculture and community volunteerism to the Board. A graduate of the University of Guelph (B.A. (Hon.), M.A.), she taught at Kirkland Lake Collegiate Institute prior to moving to the Perth area in 1973. Following a career as a secondary school English teacher, vice-principal and principal in Lanark County she retired in 2000. After thirty three years, she and her husband Gordon retired from Munlaren Farms in 2006. Although she is no longer directly involved in agribusiness, her association with the rural community continues. Ann has volunteered with various community organizations. In addition to RE/IPM 2003 which she co-chaired with Gordon, she currently serves as Vice-Chair of the Lanark Health and Community Services Board. Her previous commitments include the Board of Directors of the Children’s Aid Society of Lanark County and the Town of Smiths Falls, President of the Second Line of Drummond Women’s Institute and President of the Lanark County Women’s Network. In 2007 she received the Lanark County Award of Excellence for her contributions to Agriculture, Business, Industry and Tourism.
Bob Leitch - Past President Educator/Businessman Sonoptic Media & Communications; Lanark Network Associates	Bob Leitch, a resident of Perth since 1976, is a graduate of Queens University (MEd), the University of Ottawa (BLS) and St. Francis Xavier University (BA). He began his career in 1968 as a teacher and later became a Coordinator with the Lanark County Board of Education. During the 1980’s, he served as Vice President for the Magic Lantern Communications Group and Managing Director of Canadian Satellite Learning Services and in the 1990’s he returned to the local Board of Education where he was responsible for Information Technology and served as Executive Director of the Lanark Communications Network. Since 2000, he has been a principal partner with Sonoptic Media & Communications consultants and in 2008 he became Senior Project Manager and Educational Advisor with the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada. In 1996, the Perth Chamber of Commerce honoured Bob as 'Business Person of the Year' in recognition of his leadership in the creation of the Lanark Communications Network. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Perth & Smiths Falls District Hospital, the Perth Chamber of Commerce and the Agency for Instructional Technology. He also served as a member of the Ontario Community Access Review Panel and Industry Canada's Multi Media Learnware Review Panel. He was appointed to the Board of Directors of The Perth and District Community Foundation in 2006.
Craig Halpenny - Vice-President Barrister & Solicitor Associate with Barker Willson	Craig is an associate with Barker Willson with a general practice extending into all areas of corporate-commercial, real estate and wills and estates law. Prior to joining Barker Willson, Craig practiced in a large firm in Toronto where he focused on corporate commercial matters with a particular emphasis on corporate finance and securities law. He joined Barker Willson in January 2005. Craig graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Philosophy. He completed his Bachelor of Laws degree at Queen’s University and was called to the Bar in 2003. Craig is a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada, the Canadian Bar Association and the law associations in Ottawa and Lanark County. Born and raised in Eastern Ontario (South Mountain) Craig enjoys being actively involved in the community and volunteering his time with local organizations. In addition, he finds time to play hockey several times a week, golf, curl and enjoy the outdoors.
Kathrine Stolee MD, FRCPC - Secretary Specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation	Kate's undergraduate degree was from the University of Guelph (1981). She attended McMaster University for her degree as Doctor of Medicine (1986) and the University of Ottawa for her fellowship in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (1993). Since graduation, she has had a private practice in Lanark County, currently with an office in Perth. She thoroughly enjoys her role as medical consultant to the in-patient rehabilitation unit at the Perth site of the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital. As an active member of the medical staff, she has served as chairperson and member of various hospital committees. She has been a member of the Southeastern Ontario Regional Stroke Steering Committee since it's inception in 2000. She has served as a board member for the Lanark County Brain Injury Association and for many years has participated as a member of a corporate scholarship selection committee for disabled students attending university across Canada. In 2009, Kate joined the board of the Alzheimer Society of Lanark County. She is currently chair of PDCF’s granting committee and serves as secretary/treasurer on the executive committee. “Being part of the Foundation has allowed me to give back to my community in a very meaningful way.”
Catherine Ball Registered Physiotherapist Clinic Owner, Perth Physiotherapy	Catherine grew up in England and graduated from Leeds Metropolitan University in 1996 with a B.Sc. (Honors) in Physiotherapy. In 1999, she immigrated to Canada and together with her husband enjoys raising her three young children in rural Perth. After working at the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital for 9 years, in 2008 Catherine ventured into private practice and opened her own clinic, Perth Physiotherapy. Catherine is an active member of the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario and Canadian Physiotherapy Association. Catherine enjoys volunteering in her community and has a special interest in enhancing educational and recreational experiences for children in Perth and its surrounding townships. She has been involved in school council initiatives since 2004 and is currently chair of The Queen Elizabeth school council.
Scott Blair Funeral Director, Blair & Son Funeral Home	Upon graduating with a 3-year Diploma in Business Administration in 2000 and a Diploma in Funeral Service Education in 2002, Scott worked as a Licensed Funeral Director gaining experience in the Toronto area for close to four years.  In March of 2006, he joined his family at Blair & Son Funeral Directors and is continuing a tradition of four generations of family ownership.  The Blair family is also involved in Blair & Son Home Furnishings, where Scott assists the management team in various facets of the furniture industry. Since returning to Perth, Scott has been involved in various volunteer efforts including the Stewart Park Music Festival. Scott looks forward to being involved in a wide range of community initiatives in the coming years.
Lynda Hendriks	Lynda Hendriks moved to Perth in 1995 when she and her husband purchased a local grocery store. During her 15 years as a business owner, she supported many local organizations including the Food for Thought Breakfast Program, Perth & District Food Bank, Perth & Smiths Falls District Hospital, the Ross Craig Cancer Classic Golf Tournament, and The Big Ben Project, to name a few. Hendriks Independent Grocer received the Business of the Year award from the Perth & District Chamber of Commerce. Lynda has served on the Board of Directors for the Perth & Smiths Falls District Hospital since 2004, and was President of the Perth & District Chamber of Commerce. In 2010, she received the Lanark County Award of Excellence for Volunteerism, Community Service and Philanthropy, and The Stuart Monroe Award from the Ottawa Safety Council – Motorcycle Division. Lynda was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Perth and District Community Foundation in 2010.
Steve Hillier Financial Planner	Steve Hillier has lived and or worked in Perth for over 20 years. He is a Financial Planner who has gained valuable experience in the area of Charitable Giving through volunteering to serve on various committees and boards during his career. Steve is active in sports and music. He is married to Wendy. Steve and Wendy have two adult daughters. Committee work: Finance and investment; Granting; Professional and donor advisor. “My involvement in the Foundation centres around my keen interest in charitable giving and helping people make informed planned giving decisions.”
Manuela Joannou MD, CCFP(EM) Family Physician Medical Director, Tay River Reflections Medical Spa	Manuela graduated from the University Of Ottawa School Of Medicine, Magna Cum Laude 1990. She worked as a family physician, North Lanark County Community Health Centre, 1993 to 1996 and in the Emergency Departments of the Ottawa General, Ottawa Civic, Carleton Place and Perth Hospitals 1993 to 1996. Manuela served as staff physician (Family Medicine and Emergency) Hornepayne Community Hospital 1996 to 1999 and as a family physician in Perth. She is a member of the Medical Staff of the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital, Great War Memorial Site. Her special interests include preventative and holistic medicine, stress reduction and mental health, physical fitness and nutrition.
Fred Parks	Fred is a retired school principal and school board administrator. He has received throughout his career a Bachelor of Arts degree, a Bachelor of Education degree and a Master of Education degree. He has served in many schools in Perth, Carleton Place, Beckwith Township and Pakenham. He also worked as an Administrator for the Upper Canada District School Board in Brockville. Born and raised in Perth, Fred wishes to give back to the community that provided him with so many opportunities as he grew up. Fred has served on many local committees and is past president of the Perth Blue Wings Hockey Club. He is still active in golf, hockey and is a keen fitness participant. Fred is married to Holly and they have three children.
Colin Stephenson Community volunteer / former consultant and central banker	Colin Stephenson has been a PDCF Board member since 2007 and is the current Chair of the Finance and Investment Committee. He is passionate about the Foundation, because of its potential to enrich the quality of life for the citizens of this community. He believes strongly in the philosophy of building a perpetual endowment fund through philanthropy, which will support worthwhile community initiatives for both current and all future generations. As the endowment fund grows, he believes that the Foundation will help to define Perth and area as one of the country’s most desirable communities in which to live. Colin was raised in Perth and he and his wife now live in Glen Tay. Colin is now retired, but remains active in the volunteer sector. He was the principal of the consulting firm Socratic Systems Int., which specialized in business and strategic planning for start-up companies. He was also a former senior officer of the Bank of Canada in Ottawa for many years, with responsibilities at various times for finance, human resources, infrastructure management, corporate services and security. He has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Queen’s University and an MBA from McMaster.
Ron Thornbury Video Production and Broadcast TV/Marketing	Ron holds a B.A.A. (Bachelor of Applied Arts, Radio and Television Arts), Ryerson University and is a past member of the Broadcast Executives Society and The Broadcast Promotion Association. During a career span of some 35 years, he has held production and marketing positions with TV Ontario, Global Television, CTV and CJOH Television and was a part owner of an Ottawa-based video production facility. His past volunteer activities included The United Way of Ottawa-Carleton, The Ottawa Rehabilitation Center, The Ottawa Board of Trade and The Ottawa Heart Institute. Ron is chair of the PDCF Marketing Committee. “PDCF is a vibrant volunteer organization and the work that we do, I’m sure, will have positive and lasting effects on the quality of life for our community now and in years to come. Donating through a community foundation such as PDCF allows one that unique opportunity to target a donation to a specific area of interest and relevance.”
Paul Waite	I was born in Perth, the youngest of five siblings. My wife Paula (Maas) was also born in Perth. We have two children and two grandchildren who love to come to beautiful Perth for a visit. We lived away from Perth for over thirty years but were very pleased to return to our home and so many fond memories. Throughout my career I was fortunate to have held senior management and executive positions in diverse industries. When I was approached to join the board of the PDCF, I researched the foundation and found it to be a responsible and effective way of making a long-term commitment to the community. I look forward to the next few years as a board member to learn about and be involved in the good work of the foundation and welcome the opportunity to benefit our community.

"Our Community ~ Our Legacy"