Our Board of Directors
Community Living Parry Sound’s Board of Directors is a passionate team of dedicated volunteers who champion inclusion in our community.
MEET OUR BOARD
Chair
Linda Mitchelson
Linda Mitchelson has a Masters of Social Work degree and has worked in the Social Services Sector for more than 38 years most at a senior management level. She has worked in Child Protective Services and Municipal Social Services across the province including a period of time in Parry Sound. That is where she met her husband and they relocated to Peterborough where they lived while raising their family of two boys. Throughout that time however they built their cottage on Lake Manitouwabing and once they were both retired they relocated to live at the cottage full time. As well as her work experience Linda has many years experience on Not for Profit Boards including another Community Living. She looks forward to the opportunity to contribute to Community Living Parry Sound over the coming years.
Vice Chair
Julie Thorogood
Julie is a self-employed bookkeeper. She has been involved in her children’s school programs, class trips, curling tournaments and fundraising.
Treasurer
Matt Fisher
Born and raised in Parry Sound, Matt practiced as a lawyer in Toronto with Borden Ladner Gervais LLP before joining the Metrontario Group of Companies as its Chief Legal Officer. He has volunteered with community youth baseball and hockey organizations and served for many years on the Board of the Canadian Council on Africa.
Directors
Brad Keates
Raised in Parry Sound, Brad brings three decades of executive leadership experience to the board, including extensive work in the healthcare sector. He is an experienced team builder and innovator with a proven track record of developing and implementing successful programs. His recent work includes leading privacy and consent initiatives for the NFL and digital identity, privacy, and consent initiatives for Canada Health Infoway, a not-for-profit organization funded by Health Canada.
Christine McKernan
After spending recreational time in the Parry Sound region for over 40 years, Christine made her summer home near Orrville her permanent home in 2021. A 28-year career in healthcare fundraising prepared her for a role as Executive Director of the West Parry Sound Health Centre Foundation with extensive knowledge building in the challenges of providing healthcare and social services in remote and rural communities. Since retiring in December 2023, Christine wishes to dedicate her time and knowledge to ensuring the best possible care for the people supported by Community Living Parry Sound.
Sarah Ashford
Sarah is proud to call Parry Sound home as she raises her two daughters with her husband in the community where she grew up. She is an elementary school teacher and has valuable experience in the education field. In addition, Sarah has been actively involved in organizing volunteer initiatives as a member of various boards and community organizations. Passionate about inclusion and supporting individuals of all abilities, she looks forward to contributing meaningfully to the important work of Community Living Parry Sound.
Executive Director
Brad Horne
Board Information
Our Board of Directors helps to build an inclusive community that embraces people with disabilities and their families.
The Board works alongside staff and community partners towards the achievement of goals that will help improve the quality of life of the people we support.
Directors bring personal skills or knowledge in such areas as finance, law, fundraising, public relations, advocacy, banking, healthcare, or education to the organization. Some also bring the knowledge and perspective of a parent or other family member of the people we support.
The Board of Directors is responsible for the governance and accountability of the organization. Among their responsibilities are to establish the agency’s vision, mission, services principles, strategic priorities and overall direction, and to monitor progress as well as compliance with relevant legislation.
Directors attend Board meetings, which are held approximately nine times per year, and an Annual General Meeting in September. They also participate in one of the Standing Committees.
If you’re looking to make a difference, make it with Community Living Parry Sound.
For more information about joining Community Living Parry Sound's Board of Directors, please contact Sarah Cassidy, Executive Assistant at 705-746-9330 x 256 or email scassidy@clps.ca.