Photo: Shannon Kelly, Claire Daly, Camille Black, Angie Giles, Sarah Van Engelen. Front: Brad Found, James McMillan

President

James McMillan

Having served two years as Executive Director of Marketing, James McMillan takes over as JFAO President from Durham East member Brad Found. Graduating with an MA in Journalism from the University of Western Ontario, James works as a television producer in Hamilton, where he is currently a member of the Wentworth JF club. He joined in 1999 in Haldimand, having grown up on a small dairy and cash crop farm near Nanticoke, and also spent time as a member of the Middlesex club. After two years of expansion, and strong expectations of another increase in membership for 2009, James sees strengthening JFAO from within as a key priority for the year.

“With our top club awards going to brand new clubs this past year, (York & Niagara) our newest members are proving they have the JF spirit,” James says. “Now we need to take that spirit and spread it throughout the entire province.”

Past President

Brad Found

Brad Found's Junior Farmer journey began back in 1997 at Sing Swing in Peterborough, and he’s been going strong ever since. Brad currently works with his parents on a beef, swine and sheep farm in Durham Region. Never one to back down from a challenge, he expects the role of Past President to no doubt be one. Although a "veteran" at the JFAO board table (possibly holding a record for his commitment), Brad is excited as he enters his final year of membership to work with the new executive to take Junior Farmers to the next level in 2009.

Executive Director of Finance

Shannon Kelly

Shannon Kelly is thrilled to be following in her father’s footsteps in Junior Farmers, as she herself is now a five year member. This year she takes on the position of Executive Director of Finance. While Shannon grew up in a small farming community in Bruce County, she is not from a farm. She joined the Ripley JF club when it restarted in 2004, and is currently finishing up her Honours Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences at McMaster University in Hamilton. This fall Shannon will begin study at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto, and she hopes one day to work as a Doctor of Chiropractic in a rural community. Shannon enjoys travelling and feels she has especially benefited from the opportunities within JF to experience other cultures through visiting Wales in 2006 and El Salvador in 2008.

Executive Director of Membership

Claire Daly

Excited for her first full-term as Executive Director of Membership after taking over in a by-election last summer, Claire Daly discovered JF at the University of Guelph and quickly became an involved member. Claire grew up in the town of Uxbridge without a farming background, but has always had a love for agriculture. She believes there is a lot offered within JF for both those from on and off the farm, as is proven by the diverse backgrounds of so many members. Claire is excited to move forward with JFAO as membership numbers continue to rise. Right now Claire is taking Animal Science at the University of Guelph and will be completing her degree in 2010.

She says, “Being in Junior Farmers has helped me build my leadership skills, get involved in my community, network and build great friendships.”

Executive Director of Community & International Programs

Angie Giles

Following in the footsteps of many of her family members, Angie Giles joined JF three years ago in Lanark, and now takes on responsibility for JFAO’s exchange programs as Executive Director of Community & International Programs. Although raised in the country, Angie did not have a barn in her backyard, but gained an appreciation for agriculture from family and friends. Angie received a diploma in Early Childhood Education from Loyalist College, and now works with kindergarten children at the Almonte Daycare Centre. She also helps plan networking and professional development for other child care workers with the Lanark Early Learning and Child Care Association. Encouraging more JF members to consider an exchange is high on Angie's list of goals, and she looks forward to using her hosting experience as JFAO prepares to welcome its international delegates from Europe and Australia this summer.

Executive Director of Fund Development

Camille Black

Peterborough member Camille Black is excited to join the JFAO executive as Director of Fund Development. Entering her third year as a Peterborough JF member, Camille is currently attending Sir Sandford Fleming College where she is enrolled in a Biotechnology Technologist Forensics program. She has hopes of some day becoming a police officer, as well as being a part of the fourth generation to operate the family farm in Grey County. Community involvement and agricultural awareness are very important to Camille, who is also heavily involved with the North Grey Plowmen’s Association and the Markdale Agricultural Society. She too is a multi-generational JF member, and looks forward to continuing to build a stronger JFAO in 2009.

Executive Director of Marketing

Sarah Van Engelen

Sarah Van Engelen also became a JF member at the University of Guelph where a friend convinced her to go to a meeting during her first year. Having never heard of Junior Farmers before, she was soon hooked, served on her club exec and got involved in square dancing – winning a couple awards along the way. After graduating, she helped start a new JF club in Wellington County and has now joined the JFAO executive as Director of Marketing. Having grown up on a farrow to finish hog and cash crop farm in Lambton County, Sarah decided to study agriculture and now works in agricultural communications.

Alumni Representative

Cecelia McMorrow

Never one to back down from a JF opportunity, 2007 JFAO President Cecelia McMorrow gets a bonus year with the executive by stepping into the ex-officio non-voting role of Representative to the Alumni. A member of the Victoria, University of Guelph, and now Kawartha clubs since 1999, Cecelia has a degree in International Development and currently works as a Communications and Marketing Assistant in Lindsay. A primary focus of her role in 2009 is the JFAO 65th Anniversary Reunion.