GUELPH – The board of directors of the Rural Ontario Institute (ROI) has announced the appointment of AJ Adams, Chris Wray and Graham Hoogterp as ROI directors.
“The ROI board of directors represents Ontario’s rural and agricultural knowledge, skills and experience, to better plan and oversee the rural economic development work of the organization,” said ROI board chair Joe Dietrich in a release. “We are excited to welcome members who will bring new ideas and perspectives to this critical work.”
AJ Adams comes to ROI with a background in communications, equality, diversity, and human rights. As the owner of Good Work Creatives and Community Agency in Stratford, Adams brings a business and marketing slant to the organization as well as strong community advocacy.
“I’m excited to be joining the [ROI] board of directors. ROI facilitates collaboration on issues facing rural and northern Ontario. I’m honoured to bring the queer voice to the rural Ontario table,” Adams stated.
Black River Matheson CAO Chris Wray comes to ROI as a seasoned, senior municipal professional with strong board and governance expertise as well as extensive knowledge of northern Ontario. Chris’s financial and management savvy is a welcome asset to the organization.
ROI is welcoming Graham Hoogterp, a sales professional with Syngenta and an individual with a wealth of commercial, agricultural and Indigenous knowledge and expertise. Graham is a graduate of Class 14 of the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program.
“The ROI board has always brought the best of rural Ontario to the table. Our current membership, including our new board members, bring wisdom, strength and diversity to the organization as we promote our vision of thriving rural communities,” stated ROI executive director Ellen Sinclair.
“The board recruiting procedure enables ROI to make sure that our mission is understood clearly and gives all voices the chance to speak for people in rural Ontario.”
ROI is a non-profit organization committed to developing leaders, informing decision makers and facilitating collaboration on issues and opportunities facing rural and northern Ontario communities.
