Members:
President – Dennis Geelan
Mr. Geelen was raised in Little Britain and attended Trent University where he received his honors degree in Computer Science. Now a father of 3 and with over 20 years experience in project management, business analysis, and strategic planning in multiple industries he is proud to serve as the Chair of the Board for the Kawartha Lakes Food Source (KLFS). Giving back to the community over the years as a youth baseball and hockey coach, a volunteer at the Lindsay Boys and Girls Club, and helping to feed the hungry through KLFS has been an important part of Mr. Geelen’s life outside of work. Kawartha Lakes is a great place to raise a family and helping the community grow and flourish is a tremendous honor.
Vice President – Rose Barg
After Rose retired from her role as a senior manager in the Provincial Government, she and her husband Rob relocated to Lindsay, where they both enjoy having increased time to contribute to the community and to the lives of their children and grandchildren. Rose’s interest in food security was sparked at an early age, due to experiences in her family of origin and her local community. In her professional life, Rose obtained a Masters degree in Counseling Psychology and a Doctorate in Education and she put her education to use, working as a counselor, optician and educator. She taught for many years, at the high school, college and university levels, and subsequently oversaw the development of diploma and certification programs for a number of professions. Rose continues to sit on two accreditation bodies; one that accredits international fire service certification agencies and one that accredits opticianary diploma programs across Canada.
Treasurer – Matthew Haire
Matthew, a Chartered Public Accountant (CPA, CA) since 2013, has been involved in the public accounting practice at BDO Canada LLP in Lindsay since 2016, where he specializes in accounting and assurance for clients in municipal and non-profit sectors, including lower and upper tier municipalities, hospitals, and other non-profit organizations. Matthew has worked for and participated on many non-profit boards over the years.
Secretary/Rotary Representative – Garry Burns
Major the Reverend Garry Burns was appointed to the Kawartha Lakes Food Source (KLFS) Board of Directors as a Representative of the Rotary Club of Lindsay. Since joining the KLFS Board, Garry has been quite active and in the past year took on the roles of Secretary and Executive Committee Member. In civilian life, Mr. Burns is the Chief of Staff for research and development laboratories known as Omachron with facilities in Hampton, Bobcaygeon and Pontypool. As an active member of the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve since 1980, Major Burns was promoted to his current rank in 1990. Within the military, he presently he serves as an Area Elemental Advisor for the Southeastern Ontario Area. Ordained as a Minister in 2016, Reverend Burns is Chaplain of Bobcaygeon Branch 239 of the Royal Canadian Legion and has an active street ministry involving veterans, the homeless and all searching for the Good News.
MAAG Liaison – Sharon Woodhouse
Bio coming (new Board member! LOL!)
MAAG Liaison – Donna Anderson
Bio coming (new Board member! LOL!)
Rotary Representative – Mike Puffer
Mike is the Communications Officer with the Community Care Health & Care Network. In his role with Community Care, Mike is responsible for all public relations, marketing and communications for the organization. He works with the local media, and any and all other local groups and agencies to build partnerships and promote their work in order to better inform the residents of our communities about the services that are available to the public. Mike has volunteered with many local organizations for close to 35 years, including the Lindsay & District Chamber of Commerce, Kawartha Lakes Lacrosse Association, Lindsay & District Sports Hall of Fame, Lindsay Boys & Girls Club and Kinsmen Club of Lindsay. Mike and his wife had two children – son James is a graduate of Queen’s University, and daughter Marin is in her fourth year of studies at the University of Guelph.
Chair of Finance Committee – Jeff Disher
Jeff is a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones here in Lindsay. His wife is Beth, and she coaches figure skating and Learn-to-skate programs in Lindsay and Woodville. We have a 3-year old son named Jacob, and 1-year old daughter named Charlotte who we call Charlie. Having only lived in Lindsay for 2 years he wanted to become involved in charitable work that was focused locally. The KLFS was an easy choice of where to volunteer as the organization helps with one of the most basic human needs, and the need is very apparent in the Kawartha Lakes. Having a very busy work and family life offers little time for other endeavors, but I know my time is always well spent with the KLFS.
Those wishing to communicate with the Board are invited to do so through the General Manager (Heather Kirby) by calling at 705-324-0707 or filling out the contact us form
