Ian Findlay has a long history as a community leader/organizer and business entrepreneur/ mentor in Guelph. He served on Guelph City Council for two terms and was owner/operator of Thomas Video for 34 years. Ian has also had involvement with several not-for-profit boards of directors including eMERGE 100% Renewable Energy, Guelph Public Library and the Elliott Long Term Care Community. He currently sits of the Board of Directors for Shared Value Solutions and the Friends of the Guelph Public Library. For the past 20 years, Ian has been a construction manager developing and building sustainable, energy efficient homes. Ian currently lives in Guelph with his family in an historic home behind Ten Tall Trees.

Chloe Blair is a passionate advocate for environmental and social initiatives. Through her educational background in Art History and Visual Culture she cultivated an interest in the intersection of art and land-based education.  Chloe believes strongly in the power of community-led solutions, which she endeavours to support through her work at Yorklands Green Hub.

Chair: Lynn Bestari, now retired, has worked in the non-profit and municipal sector for over 30 years in research, social planning, community development in indigenous and non-indigenous communities and in child health and development.  She has been on the Yorklands Board since 2018. Lynn loves to spend time in nature, hiking, canoeing and walking her dog.  Her passion is preserving nature, the environment and promoting biodiversity.  

Vice-Chair: Tyson McMann is an economic developer with site selection and land development expertise, and has worked in both the private and public sector. He is a firm believer in sustainable development and believes the Yorklands Green Hub meets those objectives. Tyson is sitting on the Land Acquisition Committee.

Secretary: Lynn Roodbol is a retired X-ray technician and after retiring became a wellness coach for Homewood Health. She recently completed a bachelor’s degrees in psychology and adult development at the University of Guelph. She is one of the founding members of the Yorklands Green Hub having been inspired to join by Norah Chaloner, our former Chair. Lynn has worked on different committees over the years and cherishes the Yorklands as a place people go to for peace and quiet and to enjoy their time there. She is committed to the idea that this land should always be accessible to the public and wants to make this a reality.

Treasurer: Jatin Choudhary holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Management Economics and Finance and a minor in Accounting.  He is currently pursuing his CPA and has hands-on experiences with accounts receivables/payables, financial reporting through his past work experience.  He is passionate about using his skills to contribute to community-focused, sustainability driven organizations like Yorklands Green Hub.

Member-at-large: I’m Ramzi Al Halaby, an IT and business professional passionate about sustainability and community development. With experience in technology management and a strong commitment to fostering inclusive, resilient communities, I look forward to contributing my skills and enthusiasm to support Yorklands Green Hub’s environmental initiatives in Guelph.

Member-at-large: Jamie Cockburn is a practicing lawyer in the area of municipal and land use planning. He is passionate about sustainability, conservation and environmental education. He loves to spend time in the outdoors and currently sits on the governance committee.

Member-at-large: Catherine Killen has had a lifelong commitment to protecting wilderness and urban green spaces alike. She is a PMP certified project manager currently working for an agency that supports the not for profit sector. She is happy to help YGH to carry out its mandate.

Member-at-large: Eva Kuczynski brings over 15 years of experience in various capacities with environmental, conservation, and Indigenous nonprofits across Canada and the US to her role on the Yorklands Green Hub board. With a BSc in Ecology from the University of Guelph and an MSc in Ecology from the University of Alberta, Eva is passionate about conserving the site to expand accessible green space for all Guelph residents.

Member-at-large: Susan Ratcliffe is the Past President of the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario and President of its Guelph and Wellington Branch.  A retired English teacher and part-time librarian, she conducts talks and workshops, is site coordinator for Doors Open Guelph and has been a historical walking tour guide in Guelph for 30 years.  She received the Ontario Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Award for Lifetime Achievement.

Member-at-large: Tony Winson. I am a professor emeritus in the Dept of Sociology and Anthropology at the University of Guelph with a life long interest in ecological issues, about which I taught for many years. I have published books dealing with such topics as the historical development of the Canadian food system, industrial decline in small Ontario communities, and the 150 year  evolution of what I call the “industrial diet” and its role in undermining nutritional health across the globe. More recently I have launched a podcast called Edible Ocean that deals with the dramatic changes in marine ecologies and issues related to the global seafood industry.

Membership Secretary: Kim Wakeford. After Kim retired from her job as a French teacher, she moved to Guelph in 2020.  Kim enjoys being involved in the Guelph community especially with initiatives that help foster a deeper connection between people and the environment. Kim joined YGH as the Membership Secretary in 2024.