Board of Directors
Jamie Clysdale, Chair
Jamie Clysdale is a graduate of Trent University and holds a Bachelor of Arts in the Honours Program. Throughout his career, he has stayed committed to the principles of continuous learning; having pursued professional and leadership training through Loyalist College, as well as the University of Ontario Institute of Technology.
For more than 21 years, he has worked in the field of Social Services and employment programming. In that time, he has worked in Northumberland County, the City of Kawartha Lakes, and Haliburton where, he has worked as a Caseworker, Intensive Caseworker and in a variety of Management Roles. Since 2017, he has worked as a Program Supervisor for Human Services in the City of Kawartha Lakes where he supports Ontario Works staff in both the Lindsay and Haliburton Offices. One of his key areas of specialty involves working with agency and Employment Ontario partners to develop employment and life stabilization programs, helping to enhance the employability of the participants in those programs.
An accomplished public speaker and presenter, Jamie has presented numerous times on a variety of subjects at the Ontario Works Forum, National Convention on Employment (CANNEXUS), Ontario Works SAIL Regatta, OMSSA Leadership Symposium and Ontario Works Human Services Integration forum. Committed to fostering and promoting programs and options that lead to real, substantive, and positive outcomes for some of the most vulnerable members of our communities, Jamie has worked on a variety of committees and initiatives over the past two decades to achieve that goal. In that time, he has worked with a diverse group of community partners to achieve those goals including non-profit, government, and private sector groups.
Jamie is a lifelong resident of the City of Peterborough and is the fourth generation of his family to call such home. Along with his much-loved and committed wife Karen, they are proud to be the parents of three involved, gifted, and fantastically passionate teenagers.
Jennifer Glover, Vice-Chair
Currently in the role of Ontario Works Manager for Northumberland County Community & Social Services, Jennifer has been working in Social Services since 2008. As Ontario Works Manager, she oversees both income and employment services through the Ontario Works program for the County. In addition to her experience in municipal government, she is a licensed Paralegal through the Law Society of Ontario (since 2009), and completed a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) degree at Trent University (2007) and Justice Studies Diploma (Paralegal Studies) from Loyalist College (2008). In her spare time, when she’s not on a golf course, Jennifer assists in her family’s agri-business ventures in Warkworth, ON, including attending a weekly Farmers’ Market on Sundays from May until October. She is also the current Secretary for the Codrington Farmers’ Market Board.
Developing strong relationships with the labour community and connecting job seekers to employment is foundational to Jennifer’s current role and what she looks forward to continuing and enhancing through her time with the Workforce Development Board.
Darla Price, Past Chair
Darla Price is the Executive Director of the Northumberland Manufacturers’ Association (NMA). She is responsible for managing the operations and activities of the NMA and advancing the strategic directions of the Association, supporting the Board and general membership. Darla provides organizational leadership, vision, strategic thinking, risk assessment/management, and fiscal responsibility.
Darla has worked for over 16 years in the marketing and communications field, managing and maintaining marketing strategies to develop new/existing sales, brand evolution, and programs/services for the corporate and non-profit sectors. With over 10 years in the non-profit realm, specific to member management, Darla brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her current career and personal goals.
As a mother of three beautiful children, an avid volunteer in her community, and a travel junkie; Darla brings energy, passion, and commitment to all that she does.
Michelle Maika, Secretary/Treasurer
Michelle has over 7 years of Human Resources experience, with a focus on recruitment and retention and holds her CHRP. Michelle has worked in employment services and has administered various Employment Ontario programs, assisting job seekers in finding meaningful, long-term employment. Her strong relationships with various community partners allows her to support some of the most vulnerable members of our community by providing information on current programs and services available.
Currently, Michelle works for Northumberland County Community & Social Services. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family and camping at provincial parks.
Meaghan Macdonald, Director
Meaghan Macdonald is a resident of Northumberland County and her professional career has been primarily working for Habitat for Humanity both in Northumberland County and briefly in the Peterborough area. Meaghan has a Bachelors degree in History but as a Canada Summer Jobs student she found a passion for community development work, specifically focused on affordable housing. Meaghan started full-time as the Program Manager with Habitat Northumberland in April 2007.
After a brief time working for the Peterborough Habitat affiliate in 2010-2011, Meaghan returned to Northumberland as the Executive Director in July 2011. In November 2023 Meaghan took her passion for building affordable housing and joined the Region of Durham as the Manager of Affordable Housing Development and Renewal. Through her time with Habitat for Humanity, Meaghan has also developed a passion for the important role that employment training and opportunities plays in building healthy communities. Meaghan is pursuing this passion through her work with the Workforce Development Board.
Amanda Conn, Director
Amanda Conn is a sales and marketing leader with over 17 years of experience in the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors, primarily in the technology industry.
As the Executive Director of the Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce, she works hand-in-hand with their board and staff to be the voice of business in Haliburton County, lead strategy for the organization, and create value for our members. Amanda is also a consultant for organizations of all sizes and a long-time board volunteer with her local lake association.
Amanda has managed teams from 1 to 30 across North America and believes that a healthy and effective workforce is essential to any company’s success. Amanda is excited to bring her perspective, experience, and knowledge to the WDB.
Scott Ovell, Director
Scott is currently employed with the County of Haliburton as their Director of Economic Development and Tourism along with being the Deputy CAO. He grew up in and Muskoka and after high school moved to British Columbia where he attended Thompson Rivers University gaining a degree in Tourism Management and a minor in skiing on his days he wasn’t in class.
In 2007 after graduating Scott worked in rural parts of Chile and Bolivia where he participated in a program focused on utilizing tourism as an economic development tool for rural communities. This was his first introduction into the industry, and he’s been actively involved in this field ever since, working with both Municipalities and First Nations Territories.
He currently resides in Bracebridge, where tries to spend his summers on the golf course and winters on the ski hill.
Amanda Payne, Director
Amanda is the Employee Relations and HR Program Management Lead at The Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group and holds a Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation. Prior to entering HR, Amanda spent 9 years as a Facilitator, Resource and Information Counsellor and Job Developer at VCCS Employment Services in the City of Kawartha Lakes.
As an active volunteer Amanda joined the Workforce Development Board in 2023. In addition, she serves as the Chair, Professional Development on the Human Resources Professionals Association Board, Peterborough Chapter. Previously Amanda participated on the Trent Lakes Municipality Economic Development Committee and was the Co-Executive Director with the Canadian Association for Prior Learning Assessment.
Amanda holds a Diploma from Fleming College in Human Resources Management and is presently completing her Ba. Professional Arts – Human Services from Athabasca University.
Amanda has two young children and enjoys spending her summer on the lake.
Melissa Wemyss, Director
Melissa Wemyss is long-time resident of the City of Kawartha Lakes and is the Chief Executive Officer of Wards Lawyers PC, a mid-sized law firm located in Lindsay, Ontario. Melissa joined Wards Lawyers PC in 2004, shortly after its doors first opened, and has played an integral role in the success of the firm over the past nearly 20 years, watching it grow from a staff of only 3 to now 25.
In her current role, Melissa is responsible for strategic planning, human resources, finance, and information management at the firm. Melissa has also been a key player in the firm’s efforts to support youth mental health in the community, co-founding and organizing several large-scale community fundraising events.
Carl Heinlein, Director
Carl is an experienced professional who has worked for organizations, both large and small, across a range of industries and in executive and operational positions. He is a Professional Engineer in Ontario, with a First Class Honours degree in Mechanical Engineering from Loughborough University and an MBA from the University of Bath in the UK.
He is the Chief Operating Officer for Palette Skills and Upskill Canada, a non-profit organisation, providing transition pathways for individuals who want to upskill and transition into great careers in innovative sectors. Before this, his accomplishments include being the Chief Operations Officer at Active Dynamics Group, the President and Chief Operations Officer for ABI Inc, a manufacturer of custom-designed industrial equipment, Vice President and Plant Manager positions at Kubota Canada and General Electric, and Product Engineering roles at Meritor Inc, an automotive tier-1 supplier.
As an Engineer, Carl is a numbers and process person, and he is always focused on meeting the Customer’s needs. He enjoys working collaboratively with his team to find the best solutions and prevent problems.
Carl lives near Peterborough, ON, with his wife Vicki. Between them, they have 5 children and 2 grandchildren, who fill their lives with joy. Carl loves the water and countryside around Peterborough, and he likes (or is encouraged…) to tackle various improvement projects in their home.
Tonya Kraan, Director
Tonya Kraan, the CEO of SHCG Inc., a management consulting firm based in Bridgenorth, has a wealth of experience in economic and workforce development. She works closely with municipal governments, non-profits and local businesses on a variety of projects, including Business Retention + Expansion plans, strategic plans, economic development strategies, and stakeholder engagement strategies. SHCG works with Rogers Communications to produce content in support of Rogerstv North Durham-Kawartha, showcasing local businesses and organizations.
Tonya is also a part-time instructor at Fleming College, where she imparts her knowledge and expertise in Project Management through various courses. Her career includes past roles as the General Manager of Community Futures Peterborough, the Manager of Innovation at the City of Kawartha Lakes, and the Corporate Senior Manager, Marketing at EHC Global. These roles have equipped her with a unique perspective and a deep understanding of both the public and private sectors.
A committed community leader, Tonya has served as the President of the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism (now known as the Peterborough & Kawarthas Chamber) and the Chair of WDB Local Employment Planning Council’s Business & Industry Engagement Working Group. Her work at SHCG Inc. and Fleming College exemplifies her dedication to creating a sustainable economic future.
Jessica Marlow, Director
Jessica Marlow is based in Peterborough, ON and is the Community and Workplace Partnerships Manager at Trent University, which oversees Trent’s Community-Based Research program, Experiential Learning opportunities across a variety of disciplines, and looks to build meaningful connections between students and community/workforce needs. Jessica joined the Experiential Learning team of Careerspace in 2022 and has provided leadership to the experiential learning and Trent Community Research Centre teams since 2023.
Jessica brings a background in advocating for individuals facing barriers in the community, as well as a strong history of building connections and collaborations to solve challenges. Jessica believes experiential learning and community-based research provide an impactful opportunity for Trent students to make a difference that can really move initiatives forward.
Her previous work includes working with individuals facing barriers to employment, advocating for adults with developmental disabilities, and supporting refugees through the refugee determination process.