Our Board and Volunteers

BOARD

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Officers:

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Maureen Geddes, President - Maureen brings extensive experience in community development, nonprofit governance, and organizational leadership. Her work spans public, private, and nonprofit sectors, with a focus on strengthening governance, building inclusive systems, and advancing purpose-driven initiatives that respond to local needs. She has served in senior leadership and advisory roles, including as interim CEO of United Way of Chatham-Kent.

Deeply committed to community resilience and civic engagement, Maureen is also the publisher of Imagine Chatham-Kent 2023!, a locally focused publication highlighting ideas, voices, and opportunities for the region’s future. She holds an MBA, a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours), and is a Certified Human Resources Leader. Her role with OVCLT reflects her commitment to equitable housing, collaborative partnerships, and community stewardship.

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​Barbara DoForno, Treasurer - A lifelong resident of Chatham, Barbara has worked in all three sectors of the community –business, government and charitable/nonprofit. She has served as a retail store manager, as a Race Relations Policy Co-Ordinator for the Chatham-Kent Police Services and as a nonprofit staff member with United Way and the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Barbara brings expertise in real estate and budgeting to our small home initiative. She has also demonstrated a passion for social justice and the environment in all of her work and volunteer positions and is committed to helping make Chatham-Kent an even more inclusive community.

Directors: 

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Dave Cullen - Dave moved to Chatham in 1999 for work, knowing nothing about the community beyond the Wheels Inn. Through the years, Dave cofounded the Young Professionals of Chatham-Kent and the Ground Floor. He also spent time on the Community Strategic Planning Commitee. Now a not-so-young professional, Dave is still proud to call Chatham-Kent home while recently re-entering the consulting world, Dave pairs his passion for the community  with an interest in net-zero  building to OVCLT, hoping to innovate in ways that can be used in future both locally and abroad. 

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Marcie Ellis - Marcie Ellis is a graduate of Wayne State University with a Bachelor of Science in Education. Throughout her career she has worked in varying environmental science industries. Her roles within these industries have been focused in data and finance. Her passion for involvement in the community, has seen her volunteer with local hockey and special needs organizations. Her involvement with OVCLT reflects her desire that home ownership should have an affordable solution for all, and not a select few.

Karen Kirkwood-Whyte -  Karen has devoted her entire career to serving her community – through various roles in the business, government and nonprofit sectors. A graduate of the Windsor Business College in the late 60’s, this life-long learner achieved her Certificate in Economic Development from the University of Waterloo in 2007. Following a 36-year career as CEO of the United Way of Chatham-Kent, Karen retired in 2018 and ran for a seat on Municipal Council, serving as a Ward Six Councillor until October of 2022. She was the first female member and President of the Rotary Club of Chatham and a recipient of the Chatham-Kent Family YMCA’s Women of Excellence Award in 2000 and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Award in 2012. In addition, she has experience in other volunteer commitments with several local nonprofit boards and committees.

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David Morrison - David Morrison has spent over 25 years as a Program Manager leading major projects for automotive manufacturers in Canada the US and Mexico. In addition to serving on the OVCLT board he has focused on assisting children in need locally and internationally. As a foster parent David and his wife Tracy provided a safe and nurturing environment for many at risk youth in Chatham-Kent over the last 10 years. In addition, he held board positions with RISE House International (formerly Hime for Help) in Haiti and served as President of the Canadian Relief Fund for Chernobyl Victims in Belarus (CRFCVB). David was born in Chatham, raised in Wallaceburg and resides in the area with his family.​

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Rebecca Stevens - Becky started working in Chatham in 2010 and eventually moved to Chatham in 2016.  Becky brings us over 15 years of supply chain experience in both the public and private sectors, as well as experience in the last few years in business development.  Becky believes that everyone deserves a safe and stable home and understands that affordable housing isn’t just about structures; it’s about building thriving communities.  By joining the OVCLT board, Becky aims to leverage her expertise to aid in addressing housing disparities and creating lasting change in housing accessibility.

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Kim Vitek - Kim Vitek brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to sustainable communities to her role with the Opportunity Villages Community Land Trust. Kim’s career at Union Gas/Enbridge Gas has spanned roles in project management, change management and process improvement.  She is known for her collaborative approach and her passion for building partnerships across teams and sectors.  Kim was born and raised in Chatham and knows the personal and financial benefits of home ownership and she is dedicated to advancing OVCLT’s mission of developing affordable housing for Chatham-Kent.

VOLUNTEERS

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In addition, we thank the following volunteers, who have contributed specific expertise since OVCLT’s inception, as key players with this initiative:

• Rose Linseman: Project manager 

• Ron Male: Construction manager (design build/estimator) 

• Brad Campbell: Founding Director

• Gabriel Clarke: Environmental assistance

• John Clark: Legal assistance

• Judith Decou: Past President

• Randi Depooter: Bookkeeping assistance

• Shawn Douglas: Environmental assistance

• Gary Eagleson: Landscaping

• Terence Johnson: Social enterprise investor

• Michael Lowther: Financial reporting assistance

• Christine Muckle: Financial reporting assistance

• Steve Pratt: Founding President

• Jon Quaglia: Legal advice

• Dava Robichaud: Fundraising and special events

• Dragica Robinson: Board member

• Kimberly Roe: Board member

• Terry Smith: Bookkeeping advice

• James Snyder: Community development/government relations

• Andrew Tompsett: Marketing and communications

• Gary Zock: Business plan development and life lease consultant

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     Currently active volunteers bolded​