Our Team.
The Temiskaming Foundation is managed by a volunteer board of directors. They are supported by a full-time Executive Director and Strategic Initiatives Intern.
Board of directors
Chris OslUnd
president |haileybury, on
Chris is currently the CAO/Clerk-Treasurer for the Township of Coleman and has worked in Public Administration for over 25 years. His passion for local history led to extensive volunteer work in the Cultural Heritage sector, including a term as President of the Ontario Historical Society. In addition to his involvement with numerous heritage organizations, Chris has served in a leadership capacity with the Haileybury Legion, Silver Lodge A.F. & A.M., the Haileybury Heritage Museum and the Temiskaming Foundation. In his spare time, Chris enjoys reading, golf, travel and spending time with family and friends.
rebecca hunt
vice-president | new liskeard, on
I moved to Temiskaming Shores in 2006 for the position of Library CEO with the Temiskaming Shores Public Library. I previously worked in public, school and university libraries in Alberta and Nova Scotia. In my free time I enjoy visiting my daughters in Sudbury and Woodstock, singing in the community choir, curling, playing darts, puzzling, reading, petting my cats and taking advantage of all of the outdoor activities available to us here.
lynne bernier
treasurer |new liskeard, on
Lynne moved to Temiskaming Shores in 2016 and has been working alongside fellow board members and volunteers to give back to the community since 2019. She is a graduate of Laurentian University and is honored to have an active role in shaping the foundation’s financial future. She is a mother of two young teenagers and spends her free time painting, drawing, volunteering, camping, travelling and exploring the outdoors.
michelle sowinski
secretary |new liskeard, on
An effective, self-driven communicator with a diverse background in academia, customer service, and project management. A lifelong learner, passionate about research and collaboration. Eager to engage in initiatives to promote social change. The Temiskaming Foundation provides an avenue to give back to the district that has been my home base and the foundation for my own family. I am fascinated by the wealth of experiences available in the area, from accessibility to nature to a sense of community. I look forward to contributing to the continuance and development of more opportunities for present and future residents of the Timiskaming district.
Samara Alexander
director |earlton, on
Samara has been involved with the Temiskaming Foundation since 2022 as a Community Fund committee member and recently joined the Board of Directors in 2024. She has served on several boards over the years including the Temiskaming Art Gallery (staff-intern), New Liskeard Fall Fair (market beef director and associate director), Armstrong township Public Library (Library CEO, secretary, and treasurer). Samara currently works remotely for RBC Royal Bank- (IRP assistant) and spends her free time socializing with family and friends. She has two young children and enjoys gardening, landscaping, baking, berry picking, home canning, pottery, and music.
Mathew bahm
director|new liskeard, on
Mathew was born and raised in North Bay and has been living in Temiskaming Shores with his family since 2019. He is a graduate of the University of Waterloo and has been working for the City of Temiskaming Shores as the Director of Recreation for 5 years. He is also a member of the Planet Youth Temiskaming steering committee and spends his free time playing sports such as hockey and baseball or camping with his family.
helene culhane
director|cobalt, on
She is a born and raised, proud resident of Cobalt. She is an active member of several committees and boards throughout the area. Helene retired from the local Chamber of Commerce in 2023 and is currently working with the Literacy Council. She is an avid volunteer and is happiest when being of service to her community. Spending time with family and friends is always an absolute joy. In her down time she enjoys reading, jigsaw puzzles, computer games and binge watching an interesting series or getting lost in a good movie. She relates to “board” and clearly not “bored.”
jo-anne farmer
director|englehart, on
I am a retired educator. I devote my time to my family and to volunteering.
danielle girard
director|new liskeard, on
I am a partner at a local accounting firm and have been a board member for 6 years.
peter graydon
director|new liskeard, on
Peter was born, raised and schooled in New Liskeard. His first employment was with Northern Telephone Ltd where he advanced through the ranks to District Manager and transferred to Timmins. In Timmins was actively involved in the community and became President of the Kinsman Club. After five years in Timmins, he had the opportunity to become an independent business man and applied for and was successful in becoming a McDonalds Restaurant owner/operator back in his home town. with his wife Sharron they continued to operate the restaurant for forty years. Peter has been active in the community for several years. He was a founding member of the Dymond Fire Department, a school trustee in Dymond, and a Dymond Councilor for 7 years.
johanna paradis
director|englehart, on
Johanna was raised in the area and returned with her family in 2006. With over 20 years of experience in education, she is now the Community Services Coordinator for the Town of Englehart where she strives to improve daily life and increase opportunities for all residents. Along with her husband, she is the owner of two small businesses in the Town of Englehart. She is a Rotarian and a member of the Temiskaming Drug and Alcohol Strategy. She looks forward to working with The Temiskaming Foundation to better understand the values and priorities of the people in our district.
bonnie sackrider
director|kirkland lake, on
I recently retired after a fulfilling 35-year career with the Town of Kirkland Lake, where I most recently served as the Director of Community Services. Throughout my career, I was dedicated to ensuring that community members had access to a wide range of engaging recreational and cultural opportunities, enhancing the quality of life for residents of all ages. Now in retirement, I am eager to stay actively involved with organizations that make a meaningful difference in our community. I am particularly excited about spending more time with my grandson and the rest of my family. Additionally, I look forward to continuing the activities I love, such as hiking, kayaking, cross-country skiing, reading, cooking, volunteering and traveling. By remaining engaged in these pursuits, I aim to stay connected to the community and contribute to its vibrancy and well-being.
laurie wilson
director|new liskeard, on
Raised in Haileybury, Laurie returned to the area after graduating from the University of Waterloo School of Optometry, retiring in 2019 after 36 years of practice. Laurie and husband Mike have 2 married children and 4 grandchildren. She cherishes family time above all else. Laurie’s strong sense of community was instilled in her by her mom who always said, “If you don’t care about your community, who do you think will?” Her volunteer portfolio includes ECCS parent council, Temiskaming Shores Minor Hockey, Tri Town Ski and Snowboard Village, CT Scan Foundation, Harder for Carter Skatepark, One Foot Forward, Temiskaming Bike Exchange, & 100+ Women Who Care.
staff
brigid wilkinson
executive director | haileybury, on
Brigid Wilkinson was appointed Executive Director of the Temiskaming Foundation (TTF) in January, 2024. Prior to joining TTF,
she was a solicitor with Kemp Pirie Crombeen and Evans Bragagnolo & Sullivan LLP. She has volunteered on the boards of the Temiskaming Shores Public Library, New Liskeard Non-Profit Housing Corporation, Classic Theatre Cobalt, Temiskaming Festival of Music, Temiskaming Law Association and Federation of Ontario Law Associations, serving as the Northeastern Ontario representative. She pops up now and again singing and playing baritone saxophone.
kevin carino
strategic initiatives intern | haileybury, on
Prior to coming to the Temiskaming Foundation, worked in a broad range of industries from car manufacturing, night auditing, and corporate law clerk. Aspires for change in development, kindness, and hope for a better future.
An introverted gent who enjoys reading at the lake too much.