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.

Contact the Board

Chair of the Board: chairbod@guelphhumane.ca

Secretary of the Board: board@guelphhumane.ca

Meet the GHS Board of Directors:

Meaghan is passionate about community engagement and animal welfare. She has served on several boards through her career, including the Canadian Dachshund Rescue. Meaghan shares her home with Evinrude, a little black cat adopted from GHS. Meaghan has worked in the not for profit, academic and tech sectors since returning to Canada 15 years ago.

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.

Peter moved to Guelph in late 2015. Anxious to integrate into and contribute to his new home, he joined the boards of three community non-profit organizations including the Guelph Humane Society where he also volunteers. Peter is passionate about animal welfare having rescued and cared for stray cats, including 11 in and around his home on South Florida prior to returning to Ontario. He also volunteered for 100+ Abandoned Dogs of Everglades Florida. Peter is a CFA© charterholder and has had a long and successful career in finance living and working in Canada, the U.S., Mexico and Brazil in addition to a long-term project in China. He and his wife Jackie share their Guelph home with two former GHS foster kittens, Hershey and Lily.

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.

Alex is an environmental and municipal lawyer practicing at Garrod Pickfield LLP in Guelph. He also co-teaches a graduate course at the University of Guelph and sits on the Board of Directors for Our Energy Guelph and Vegfest Guelph.

A passionate animal advocate and vegan since 2008, Alex advocates for animal rights through public events, writing, and representation of clients who protect animals’ interests.  Alex can be found running or cycling Guelph’s trail system, woodworking or paddling in his homemade canoe.

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.

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.

Jim is a retired high-tech executive with a background in engineering, business and law.  Since retiring, he has become involved in the not-for-profit sector including volunteer Board positions and Committee work.  Jim believes that society has an obligation to safeguard and advocate for the animals in our community and that otherwise touch our lives.  He has had many dogs over the years including some that were adopted from GHS.

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.