Meet the Board

Elaine Turner Community Outreach Coordinator

Elaine Turner was appointed as the Community Outreach Coordinator of The Perth and District Community Foundation in December 2008 following her retirement from RBC Royal Bank where she enjoyed a successful thirty seven year career in a number of management positions, most recently as Manager of the Perth branch. Elaine attended University of Guelph, holds an Associate of the Institute of Canadian Bankers and has a Personal Financial Planning Diploma from the Institute of Canadian Bankers. Elaine grew up in rural Eastern Ontario, and she has been an active member of the Perth business community since 1994. She has extensive volunteer experience with numerous local organizations including the Perth and District Chamber of Commerce, the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital Capital Campaign committee, and the Rotary Club of Perth which honoured her with Rotary International’s prestigious Paul Harris Fellow Medal.

Bob Leitch - President Educator/Businessman Sonoptic Media & Communications; Lanark Network Associates

Bob Leitch has a Masters of Education and is an educator and businessman specializing in e-learning and community development projects. He is a Principal of Sonoptic Media & Communications and a Senior Partner with Lanark Network Associates. Bob has been a teacher and a Coordinator with the Lanark County Board of Education as well as being responsible for Information Technology. He has been an educational advisor to the Department of Communications and the Executive Director of the Lanark Communications Network. In 1996, the Perth and District Chamber of Commerce honoured Bob as "Business Person of the Year" in recognition of his vision, dedication and leadership in the creation of the Lanark Communications Network. Bob has served on the Board of Directors of the Perth & Smiths Falls District Hospital, and was President of the Perth and District Chamber of Commerce. He has been a member of the Ontario Community Access Panel and Industry Canada's Multi Media Learnware Review Panel. He was appointed to the Board of Directors of The Perth and District Community Foundation in 2006.

Jim McIntosh, Past President President McIntosh Perry Consulting Engineers     Jim McIntosh grew up on his family’s farm on the outskirts of Perth. Mr. McIntosh attended Queens University in Kingston and graduated in 1978. He attained his P.Eng. status in 1980. Mr. McIntosh worked for the Town of Perth as an Engineer for 10 years. Since leaving the Town of Perth in 1990, he has been the president of McIntosh Perry Consulting Engineers and recently combined forces with the Ontario Land Surveying companies in Perth to create McIntosh Perry Surveying. As a life long resident of the Perth area, Mr. McIntosh understands the needs of the community and is committed to providing opportunities for youth to grow through education.

Kathrine Stolee MD, FRCPC - Secretary Specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation     Kate's undergraduate degree was from the University of Guelph (1981). She attended McMaster University for her degree as Doctor of Medicine (1986) and the University of Ottawa for her fellowship in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (1993). Since graduation, she has had a private practice in Lanark County, currently with an office in Perth. She thoroughly enjoys her role as medical consultant to the in-patient rehabilitation unit at the Perth site of the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital. As an active member of the medical staff, she has served as chairperson and member of various hospital committees. She has been a member of the Southeastern Ontario Regional Stroke Steering Committee since it's inception in 2000. She has served as a board member for the Lanark County Brain Injury Association and for many years has participated as a member of a corporate scholarship selection committee for disabled students attending university across Canada.  In 2009, Kate joined the board of the Alzheimer Society of Lanark County.

Scott Blair Funeral Director, Blair & Son Funeral Home     Upon graduating with a 3-year Diploma in Business Administration in 2000 and a Diploma in Funeral Service Education in 2002, Scott worked as a Licensed Funeral Director gaining experience in the Toronto area for close to four years.  In March of 2006, he joined his family at Blair & Son Funeral Directors and is continuing a tradition of four generations of family ownership.  The Blair family is also involved in Blair & Son Home Furnishings, where Scott assists the management team in various facets of the furniture industry. Since returning to Perth, Scott has been involved in various volunteer efforts including the Stewart Park Music Festival. Scott looks forward to being involved in a wide range of community initiatives in the coming years.

Colin Stephenson Community volunteer / former consultant and central banker

Colin Stephenson was raised in Perth and he and his wife have recently returned to take up residence in Glen Tay. Colin has a Bachelor of Commerce degree and an MBA. He was the principal of the consulting firm Socratic Systems Int., which specialized in business and strategic planning for start-up companies. He was also a former senior officer of the Bank of Canada in Ottawa for many years, with responsibilities at various times for finance, human resources, infrastructure management, corporate services and security. Colin has been active in the volunteer sector all of his adult life.

Craig Halpenny Barrister & Solicitor Associate with Barker Willson

Craig is an associate with Barker Willson with a general practice extending into all areas of corporate-commercial, real estate and wills and estates law. Prior to joining Barker Willson, Craig practiced in a large firm in Toronto where he focused on corporate commercial matters with a particular emphasis on corporate finance and securities law. He joined Barker Willson in January 2005. Craig graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Philosophy. He completed his Bachelor of Laws degree at Queen’s University and was called to the Bar in 2003. Craig is a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada, the Canadian Bar Association and the law associations in Ottawa and Lanark County. Born and raised in Eastern Ontario (South Mountain) Craig enjoys being actively involved in the community and volunteering his time with local organizations. In addition, he finds time to play hockey several times a week, golf, curl and enjoy the outdoors.

Ron Thornbury Television and Video Producer (retired)     Ron holds a B.A.A. (Bachelor of Applied Arts, Radio and Television Arts), Ryerson University and is a past member of the Broadcast Executives Society and The Broadcast Promotion Association. During a career span of some 35 years, he has held production and marketing positions with TV Ontario, Global Television, CTV and CJOH Television. Ron was a part owner of Topek Productions Inc., a video production facility in Ottawa that produced video projects for a number of federal government departments, high tech firms and private companies. His past volunteer activities included the United Way of Ottawa-Carleton, The Ottawa Rehabilitation Center, The Ottawa Board of Trade, The Ottawa Heart Institute and the Ottawa Health Coalition. Ron is a member of the PDCF Marketing Committee.   Steve Hillier, CFP, CIM Hillier & Associates     Steve Hillier has lived and or worked in Perth for over 20 years.  He is a Financial Planner who has gained valuable experience in the area of Charitable Giving through volunteering to serve on various committees and boards during his career.  Steve is active in sports and music.  He is married to Wendy.  Steve and Wendy have two adult daughters.