Guelph ON, – Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC) is promoting from within with the appointment of the organization’s newest CEO. Industry Services Manager Kelly Somerville will assume the role effective September 3, replacing retiring CEO Mike McMorris.
Somerville, a University of Guelph Animal Science graduate, has an extensive background in the beef industry as well as past roles with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture and the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association. She also co-owns a small herd of purebred Angus cattle.
“Over the past year, Kelly has impressed us with her passion, drive and vision for the livestock industry, as well as her expertise and ability to build relationships across our industry and beyond, positioning her well to lead this organization into its next chapter,” says LRIC board chair Don Gordon. “LRIC is an innovation organization, and we believe Kelly is an innovative hire who is very reflective of the generational shift in our industry as young, innovative people move into leadership roles.”
Since joining LRIC last year, Somerville has been heavily involved in developing and leading many of the organization’s current projects. This includes the farming innovation tour series to introduce government, academia and industry representatives first-hand to farmers and innovation on livestock farms, the Horizon Series webinars, and the Engineering a Better Farm initiative to help bring engineering expertise and innovation to livestock farming by building relationships with engineering schools at several universities.