ROI announces three new members to the Board of Directors

GUELPH, ON,  - The Board of Directors of the Rural Ontario Institute (ROI) is pleased to announce 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.”  says Joe Dietrich, Chair of the ROI board. “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 & Community Agency in Stratford, Ontario Adams brings a business and marketing slant to the organization as well as strong community advocacy. “I'm excited to be joining the Rural Ontario Institute 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,” shares AJ Adams.

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.

Additionally, ROI extends a warm welcome to 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 (AALP). ROI is pleased to have Graham return in this governance capacity.

“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,” says 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,” reflects Ellen.

The Rural Ontario Institute 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.