A page of Education about our Volunteer Board of Directors, their backgrounds, professional qualifications and other skills that professionalize Ontario's Trails.
Dan Andrews, B.Sc, HBOR, Land and Resource Planning Technician, at the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority. President
Dan Andrews has been with the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority since 2012.
In his current capacity, Dan provides strategic direction for the Conservation Lands portfolio in the areas of conservation areas planning, management and visitor experience enhancements. In his role at the authority related to the trails sector, Dan brings a collaborative approach to project management and engages external partner support to enhance the 100km+ of trail in the conservation areas system.
With Dan’s approach, trail enhancements have been achieved with improved accessibility, signage and nearby amenities for the 200,000+ annual visitors.
Dan’s successes at the Lake Simcoe Conservation Authority are built upon 25 years of professional outdoor recreation/trail experience including universal assessment, national/international trail information exchange, trail community capacity building, regional trail networking, trail project analysis, and funding support. A graduate of both Fleming College and Lakehead University in the schools of Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Tourism/Natural Science; as well as, continued outdoor skills training, Dan has forged a career aimed at improving access to our shared outdoor spaces.
Over the years Dan has participated in the development of Best Practices for Trails, including the publication - Trails for All Ontarians, co-designer of Regional Trail Committees, and the TCT-Ontario Economic Impact Analysis led by PwC. Dan has also engaged in provincial level trail sector advancement as a representative to the Ministerial Advisory Committee for the Ontario Trails Strategy, input into the Ontario Trails Act and as an expert advisor to the Provincial Trail Classification System.
Previously Dan was the GM for Trans Canada Trail Ontario and the National Coordinator of Trail Programming at Go for Green. An avid volunteer, Dan has been a member of the Ontario Recreational Canoeing and Kayaking board, enjoyed previous participation on the OTC board and continues to coach paddlesport to youth at risk, alongside his family members.
Wayne Terryberry - McMaster University, Vice President
Wayne is the Coordinator of Outdoor Recreation and Natural Lands McMaster University and a longtime volunteer with the Ontario Trails Council, Hike Ontario, Cootes to Escarpment Ecopark, Hamilton Burlington Trails Council and many other non-profit organizations.
A gifted leadership facilitator and seasoned wilderness guide, he is a true adventure professional.
Specializing in canoe tripping, wilderness hiking, climbing and natural history interpretation, Wayne enjoys helping people gain outdoor recreation skills and a passion for the outdoors.
https://www.facebook.com/wayne.terryberry.9
Paul Toffoletti - Urban Planning (Retired), Secretary
Paul lives in the City of Burlington and retired from working at the City of Hamilton as an Urban Planning Technician in 2021. He is a Hike Ontario Certified Hike Leader and enjoys hiking, cross country skiing and riding his bike on rail trails and multi use paths.
Paul has been volunteering on the Board of the Iroquoia Bruce Trail Club for the past 25 years in various roles. He just finished a three-year term as Club President and looks forward to continuing helping with trail maintenance and land stewardship projects.
He was also on the Board of the Bruce Trail Conservancy from 2012 to 2017.
Presently, Paul sits on the Cootes to Escarpment Ecopark Management Committee, the Hamilton Burlington Trails Council and the Halton Region Natural Areas Advisory Committee.
Kim Goodman - Director
Kim is owner of K.A. Community Consulting with a passion for developing and executing effective programs and services, administration procedures, protocols, focused on continuous improvement.
Kim has proven to be an exceptional relationship builder, energized by innovation, change and collaboration, with demonstrated success in creating synergies.
With excellent project/time management, verbal and written communication, problem-solving and decision-making skills Kim is proving to be a valuable volunteer. She is able to respond quickly to opportunities, with superior analytical skills and creative problem-solving abilities.
Kim is a talented leader directing and developing successful teams, with demonstrated experience leading divisional and cultural transformation through a multitude of initiatives.
Carl Stefanski - Director
I was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario. I graduated from Dunbarton High School and went on to receive my discipline in Architectural Technology from George Brown College.
I joined my Father’s Company, John Stefanski Limited, a prominent painting, decorating and drywall company and for the next 9 years I oversaw the general contracting for projects which included St. Lawrence Market, Cityhome, Toronto, Peel Village Estates, Brampton and Kitchener.
I then became the National Sales Manager for Satin Finish Hardwood Flooring. I was also the Technical Advisor and Educator for seminars. After 17 years with this Organization, I became a Partner with Beayni Management Group where I managed the renovations of various HSBC Bank Canada branches, King Tut Supermarket in Pickering, Mississauga Housing, Metro Toronto Housing and the CN Trafalgar Facility.
After 2 years, I decided to incorporate my own Company, Ashlar Incorporated, where I managed the day-to-day operation of hardwood manufacturing, supply and installation of products. In 2018 I retired and my wife of 38 years, Mary Lou, and I made the decision to move to Gilmour, Ontario, a small community an hour north of Belleville.
I then decided to run for the Office of Mayor, Township of Limerick. I was successful and for the next 4 years I was Head of Council for the Township, which also included representing the County of Hastings. I am currently the Chair, Hastings Destination Trails Inc., Vice Chair, North Hastings Economic Development Council. I am past Master of Wellington Lodge.
I am an outdoor enthusiast and enjoy studying languages.
Bob Freeman, Policy Advisor Ministry of Tourism Culture and Sport (Retired) - Director
Bob Freeman grew up in Streetsville where he played hockey in the Streetsville Minor Hockey Association.
He also played box lacrosse and soccer. In high school he played football and track and field.
He received an Honours degree from University of Toronto and has post graduate studies in journalism, advertising and applied social research.
Bob took up long distance cycling and hiking in the 80s and held memberships in the Toronto Bicycle Network, Bruce Trail Club and the High Park Hiking and Cycling Clubs.
Working with the Ontario Ministry of Tourism and Recreation, Bob completed sections of the Ontario Trails Plan, including work on Activity Guides and the Trail Classification System.
Bob has hiked in Alberta, Newfoundland, Utah, Arizona and several Caribbean islands.
Natalie Faught, Senior Coordinator, Credit Valley Trail and Indigenous Engagement at Credit Valley Conservation - Director
Natalie is an avid hiker and exploring residing in the Hamilton area.
As newcomer to the OTC board, she brings valuable experience in the field of community-based conservation and has a passion for heritage preservation, stewardship and environmentalism.
In her current role with Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) Natalie facilitates engagement with Indigenous partners and leads the coordination of CVC’s collaborative legacy project, The Credit Valley Trail.
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Igor Hoogendoorn, IMBA Canada, University Lecturer - Director
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Ken Hoeverman – Professional Trail Builder
Ken is an experienced builder with a demonstrated history of working in the recreational facilities and services industry.
Happy Trails Construction builds and maintains high quality sustainable trails across Ontario. Walking, Hiking, mechanized and motorized trails totaling over 600kms; municipal, public, clubs and private properties.
Skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, Budgeting, Sales, Event Management, and Global Positioning System (GPS).
Ken is a returning board member, he served as treasurer from 2005 for 6 years.
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Dave Naulls, Trail Builder and Trail Educator - Director
Dave is a motivated, confident individual with exceptional multi-tasking and organizational skills.
At the Board level Dave often exhibits confidentiality, discretion, tact, diplomacy and professionalism when dealing with directors or senior managers and customers.
Dave has extensive experience of working in the public sector in an educational environment.
In addition, Dave has helped individuals who suffer from a variety of mental health issues such as: anxiety and depression through my experience in helping clients build resilience, coping strategies and creative skills that can lead to better relationships.
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Patrick Connor - B.A. Hons, S.S.A., C.A.E., Dipl. M.M. - Executive Director - Ex-Officio
For 30 years Patrick has led significant social safeguard initiatives for safer streets, improved community health, and welfare, as well as completion of hundreds of national and provincial trail planning and development projects. Key achievements include securing $10M+ in funding for Trans Canada Trail (TCT) lands through the National Trails Coalition project of 2009-16 that resulted in thousands of kilometers of TCT trail refurbished and maintained for continued public use.
Since 2003, Patrick has worked closely with TCT to complete the Ontario section of the trail. A convenor of conferences, publisher of papers, and enactor of change, Patrick is equipped with extensive trail development experience aided by a unique practice-based methodology and a keen understanding of trail planning processes and stakeholders in Canada.
In 2012, Patrick was awarded the QEII Diamond Jubilee Medal for Service to Canada. Dedicated to working locally, provincially and nationally to assist in widening community development and strengthening the communities that agencies serve, Patrick believes in an accepting and tolerant Canada, supported by healthy vibrant communities within it. He is a CSAE Accredited Non-Profit Executive, President of the Canadian Trails Federation, Chair of the National Trails Coalition, A Member of Economic Developers Association of Canada and other community justice and betterment initiatives.