Board of Directors

Our GTHS Board of Directors is comprised of compassionate animal lovers from around the Georgian Triangle Area.

DAVID GARNER, Chair

A recently retired executive with 35 years experience in the employee benefit field. A values based CEO with proven experience in setting strategy, building implementation plans, leading and transforming teams and organizations. A strong history of active involvement in Board work both in business and supporting education and social causes.

BARBARA FOSTER, Vice Chair

Barb had a professional career with Xerox until 2003 and has been involved with fundraising since then! She has participated in multiple Executive and Chair Committee with several charities including GTHS Sunset Cruise & Lee’s Luncheon. Barb understands the challenges GTHS faces and has a deep passion in committing to addressing them.

KELLY GLASS, Member

Kelly has extensive experience in the financial services and technology sectors domestically and globally. She has over 25 years of experience coaching and advising leaders in her capacity as a Human Resources Executive and Coach. She has held leadership positions in some of the most respected companies. She has worked with several start-up technology ventures from inception through acquisition. Kelly has a degree in Management and a Masters of Business Administration.

MONIKA MERZ, Member

As President of Toys R Us (TRU) Asia Pacific, Monika Merz oversaw all operations and business activities for the company’s growing number of stores in Japan, Southeast Asia, Greater China and Australia. In this role she was responsible for sales of 2 billion U.S. and the growth, profitability and success of the company in these markets. Since retiring in June 2016 Ms. Merz consulted for companies interested in buying a stake in the TRU/BRU Asia Pacific, Canadian and Australian businesses. She served on the TRU Canada Advisory Board when the company was acquired by Fairfax Financial Holdings. She is an Ontario Director of the Canadian Forces Liaison Council which supports Reservists with civil employers, educators and the military. Ms. Merz since 2016 has been an elected member and Treasurer of the Condo Board of Palace Place (504 units). She has volunteered for the Georgian Triangle Humane Society for the past number of years as Chair and Co-Chair of the Walkathon Committee and as a member of the fundraising committee.

DERRICK MARCH, Member

Derrick is currently a senior Vice President of Business Development at Canada Life, having spent his entire career in the financial services industry. Derrick and his family are avid animal lovers, benefiting daily from the unconditional love of their four dogs and two cats. He and his family have volunteered with the GTHS for many years, providing love and care for animals until they are ready for adoption. As an active member of his community, Derrick is incredibly proud to serve on the Board of the GTHS and to support projects that enhance community wellness.

JAMIE SIMMONDS, Member

Jamie is a retired Chartered Accountant with over 40 Years of experience in the Investment Industry with a particular focus in Regulatory Compliance, Finance, Operations and Risk Management. Prior to joining the GTHS Board, Jamie held Board positions with 2 local organizations. When not out sailing on the waters of Georgian Bay, Jamie and his wife may be found out with their dogs somewhere on the extensive trail system the region has to offer, or home laughing at the antics of their two GTHS alumni cats. Jamie & his wife are true animal lovers, having had several furry friends over their married life and in particular fostering Golden Retrievers for Golden Rescue over the past 10 years. Jamie is looking forward to serving on the GTHS Board and to contributing to the organization’s future endeavors.

KEVIN DRYNAN, Member

In 2013, Kevin retired as CEO and Chairman of the Board of State Street Trust Company Canada. Over the years, he has served on numerous boards and committees in various capacities in both the profit and NFP sectors. He brings to the GTHS a keen focus: on good governance, collaboration, and the achievement of strategic imperatives. To this day (2023), he continues to serve on the State Street board and a number of its committees alongside being a member or chairperson of 5 Independent Review Committees (IRC's) supporting the Canadian Mutual Fund industry. Kevin and his wife Cheryl, while splitting their time between Canmore, Alberta and their farm in The Town of the Blue Mountains, are passionate about animal welfare and the impact that healthy animals can have on human wellness in our communities. They adore their 3 rescues (2 from the GTHS) and are strong supporters of the GTHS and its mission in the Georgian Triangle and beyond.

CHARLENE SCHAFER, Member

Charlene is a partner with Torys LLP specializing in corporate law (commercial real estate and private equity funds). Prior to joining Torys, she was a partner with another national law firm. She is a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School. Charlene has been involved with a variety of organizations dedicated to animal welfare in a voluntary and pro bono capacity. She was also an auxiliary police officer with Toronto Police for many years. She is a resident of The Town of Blue Mountains and is passionate about animals, the environment and the human/animal bond. She has completed her level 1 Reiki certification and is working towards additional certification in this area, with a view to helping animals and their owners. She has two cats, Rex and Oliver.

Stay informed on GTHS events, initiatives and programs. Learn how the GTHS team is serving the pets and people of the South Georgian Bay Area. Read heart-warming Happy Tails about GTHS Alumni. See a lot of really cute pictures of dogs and cats!