Our Board

The Board of Directors is the governance body of the Guelph Humane Society (GHS). The Directors on the Board represent the membership of the GHS, and provides high-level oversight and strategic direction for the organization. The Board also ensures that the activities of the GHS fall within the organization’s governance policies, and that the GHS is in compliance with all relevant laws. Candidates for the Board are selected from the community, and are individuals, who are passionate about the GHS and animal welfare and have skills that assist the Board with its overall goals. Volunteer Board members are elected by the GHS membership at the Annual General Meeting, and serve a three-year term in accordance with the corporation’s by-laws. If you are interested in becoming a Board member, please contact the Board Chair at chairbod@guelphhumane.ca.

Meet the GHS Board of Directors:

Heather Mair has lived in Guelph since 1999 and has long supported the Guelph Humane Society as a donor, pet adopter, and mum of a Critter Camp attendee. She works at the University of Waterloo and her research and teaching are focused in the area(s) of community development through recreation, tourism, and sport. She has experienced firsthand the ways pets can bring neighbours and communities together – building relationships, social networks, and trust – and she firmly believes GHS has a special role to play in supporting animals, people, and communities. She lives with her husband, daughter, and two GHS-adopted cats. When not working or spending time with family and friends, Heather can be found wandering through the park, trying to identify local birds. 

Samantha came to Guelph in 2003 to study at the University of Guelph and loved the City so much that she never left.  She currently works as an Administrator in the public sector and has a strong passion for the natural environment.  Samantha has always loved animals, both big and small.  Having adopted three cats from the GHS over the past 20 years, she was repeatedly impressed by the enthusiasm and selfless dedication of volunteers, staff and leadership. Sharing that passion and dedication to animal welfare, she looks forward to contributing to GHS’s ongoing success and, most importantly, each animal’s success.    She currently has a cat (Millie) and horse (Kallio), and enjoys hiking, biking, horseback riding, and travelling. 

David has been involved with the Guelph Humane Society since 2016 as a member of the Finance Committee. He wanted to be part of an Organization that is vital to the community and focuses on the welfare of animals in society. David has also been a part of another local not-for-profit board since 2015 with a focus on fundraising and volunteer coordination. David has been an accounting and tax advisor since 2013 and wants to be a contributing member of the Board with knowledge in accounting and finance.

Dakota moved to Guelph in 2015 and brought with him a love for people and a passion for animal welfare. He is an active member in the community, and an active Realtor with a dedication to serving the City of Guelph and its residents. Dakota is young, driven, and excited about the possibility of helping animals and humans alike!  

You can usually find Dakota hanging out with his two favorite ‘colleagues’, his Australian Shepherds Dallas & Niko. In their spare time they enjoy long walks, swimming, paddle boarding, or cuddling up on the coach.  

Carrie Connelly joins the board with a rich background in Human Resources, previous executive board experience and a lifelong commitment to animal welfare. Born and raised in Guelph, Carrie’s deep-rooted connection to her community has profoundly influenced her dedication to service, both in her professional career and her charitable endeavors. A seasoned HR professional, Carrie brings over two decades of experience in fostering supportive and effective workplace environments with expertise in talent acquisition, organizational development and change management. 

As a proud pet parent to two adopted dogs, Carrie’s involvement with the GHS is a natural extension of her love for animals and her desire to make a positive impact in her community. As a new board member, Carrie hopes to leverage her professional skills and personal passion to advance the mission of the Guelph Humane Society.  

Adelaide is a lawyer practicing in commercial litigation and employment law at McKenzie Lake Lawyers LLP in Guelph. Adelaide grew up in and currently lives in Guelph and has a strong connection to the community. Animals have always been integral to Adelaide’s family and life. She has personal experience with the GHS through its adoption program, and has two adopted rescue cats, Felix and Oscar. Adelaide has always had a strong desire to support animal welfare and is grateful for the opportunity to serve on the GHS Board.  

In her spare time, Adelaide enjoys bouldering, both indoors and outdoors. 

Stefanie first moved to Guelph in 2006 for studies at the University of Guelph and has called it home ever since. She values the City’s strong sense of community and is excited about the opportunity to give back through the Board. Stefanie is currently a manager in provincial government and brings over a decade of public administration and regulatory compliance experience. As a pet parent to Australian Shepherd “Harvey”, Stefanie knows first-hand how enriching animals are to the human experience and was drawn to the GHS as an opportunity to support animal welfare in the community.  In her spare time, Stefanie and her husband can be found out for a walk on one of Guelph’s trails, enjoying a cup of coffee or meal at a local cafe and spending time with family and friends.  

Mike and his family moved to Guelph in April 2021. Together with their two dogs, Finn and Louie, Mike and his partner spend their time exploring the city’s great outdoor spaces. Mike is a Human Resources executive with 15 years of experience within various Canadian and multinational organizations, with a specialization in labour relations and a passion for the employee experience. Mike’s love of animals led him to GHS and he hopes to contribute to the organization’s mission to advocate for all animals.

Troy joined the Guelph Humane Society board in the summer of 2018.  He wanted to give his time back to the community through an organization who was known for their care and compassion.  GHS provides that both to the people and the animals who make up this great city.  Professionally, Troy has worked in the financial services industry for over 20 years and willingly brings his experience and knowledge to the board.

Emma Harris is a PhD Candidate at the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph. Her research is focused on economic and demographic factors that impact access to companion animal veterinary care in Ontario, Canada. She currently holds a Vice President role at Vetster, a global veterinary telemedicine company based in Toronto, Canada. She is very passionate about advancements in innovation and technology within veterinary medicine and holds a variety of volunteer committee positions across several different community organizations. She is a mother of three children under the age of three and is also the caretaker of two Labrador Retrievers and one Norwegian Forest Cat. She, her husband, and their children and pets reside in Ancaster, Ontario. In her free time, she enjoys functional fitness training and reading.  

Tricia has been a lifelong supporter of the Guelph Humane Society. During university she volunteered her time as a dog walker. Tricia and her family adopted many animals from the Guelph Humane Society over the years including cats, dogs, guinea pigs, rabbits and even a dove. Given her love of animals, and concern for animal welfare, she thought that a position on the board was the perfect role for her.  Tricia is a lawyer practicing in the area of criminal law. She spends much of her spare time entertaining her animals, including a dog, cat and very talkative dove. 

Mike moved to Guelph in 2003 with his wife and daughter. His son was born in Guelph, and he is now the proud grandparent of 2. Mike is a CFA charterholder who spent 27 years working in senior corporate roles within the financial services sector. Leaving corporate life has allowed him the flexibility to dedicate time to a very worthy cause in the Guelph Humane Society.

Mike and his family split time between their home in Guelph and their family farm north of the city. He spends an inordinate amount of his time cleaning up fur and drool left behind by his two Newfoundland dogs Angus and Kane.

Lena is a veterinarian who works as the Saputo Dairy Care Program Manager in Population Medicine at the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC).  She helps support student learning around dairy cattle welfare. As her areas of interest and experience revolve around animals and animal welfare, Lena felt the GHS board was the perfect opportunity to contribute to her community and help support the positive roles animals play in our lives.

Lena says her house is kept in constant chaos by two Boston Terriers, Maggie and Violet, who were “foster fails” from Toronto Animal Services. In her free time, Lena can be found taking the dogs out for a walk, reading, playing volleyball, enjoying yoga, and singing in the U of G choir.

Jim is a family law lawyer in Guelph, with 20 years of experience. He is currently focusing his practice as a family law mediator.

Jim is a passionate animal advocate, with a keen interest in animal rights and educating the public about animal welfare. Jim began his involvement with the GHS as a volunteer, walking dogs. He and his wife have had two “road trips” to Nova Scotia to ensure that rescued dogs were able to secure safe and friendly homes.

In his spare time, Jim enjoys going to see live indie music at small venues, listening to his record collection and making noise on his drum kit.  Jim loves to spend time with his wife, Danielle and their assortment of animals that they have rescued and fostered. What started out with their initial foster, “Marley” (who they will never forget and who remains in their hearts), is now a lively household consisting of “Stella”, “Harper” and “Spencer”, all of which are “foster fails.”

Animals bring joy to Jim’s daily life and he wants to ensure that they are treated humanely, with respect and compassion.