The Georgian Triangle Humane Society is a non-profit charity that operates an Animal Centre serving the South Georgian Bay region. Founded in 1999, we provide shelter to more than 1,200 homeless animals each year, adopting them to caring families. At the same time, we help to keep more than 3,000 pets out of the shelter system through our numerous programs and services designed to keep pets with their families during emergencies and crisis.
Our life-long purpose is to learn, understand, educate, and evolve with our community. We do so to empower and inspire positive change.
Our Board of Directors is comprised of diverse community members who share this purpose, that have great compassion for animals and the people who care for them and are ready and willing to contribute their time, professional advice and resources to the GTHS.
It’s a privilege to serve as a Board Director and to support the important work at the Georgian Triangle Humane Society. With such dedicated and skilled Board and staff members, I am excited to continue serving so we can make a meaningful impact for both pets and people in our community.
– James S., GTHS Board Member
Our Board of Directors
Monika Merz, Chair
Monika has spent her career in leadership positions in a variety of retail formats in Canada and Asia. In 2016 she returned to Canada retiring from her role as President and CEO of Toys R Us Japan, China and Asia Pacific. Monika has served on a number of boards and committees in both the profit and nonprofit sectors. A supporter of the GTHS since its inception, she initially volunteered as Chair of the Walkathon which resulted in her deeper involvement to support the cause of animal and community welfare. Monika has received many awards and recognition including the International Dale Carnegie Leadership award as well as induction into the Canadian Toy Hall of Fame. She was a frequent speaker in Japan covering management and advancement of women. She and her husband have 2 rescue cats.
Derrick March, Vice Chair
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, Treasurer
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 on the Golf Course, Jamie and his wife can be found on the extensive trail system the region has to offer, or at 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 for over 10 years. Jamie currently chairs the GTHS Finance & Risk Committee and is a member of the Construction Committee for the Regional Centre for Pets & People.
Jeff Cornett, Member
Jeff is pleased to be part of the GTHS and support the mission and values of this important organization that serves our communities. Jeff has had a long career first in the for profit world and then applying that expertise into the charitable and not-for-profit world. He has served in senior positions with Plan Canada, Canadian Cancer Society and the Canadian Kennel Club bringing a thoughtful and strategic focus to help improve organizational processes, finances and drive more impact for their members. Jeff and his wife live in Thornbury and feel strongly about the impact our pets and beloved animals can make in our lives and in our society.
Shannon Wood, Member
Shannon is an accomplished executive leader driving organizational excellence in financial services. Known for her strategic vision and hands-on approach, she leads cross-functional teams to deliver AI, machine learning, and automation initiatives that increase revenue, elevate client experience, and strengthen operational efficiency. As Vice President of the Front to Back Design Centre at Scotiabank, she is a trusted advisor focused on innovation, employee engagement, and measurable impact. A strong advocate for gender equity, she supports women’s advancement through GO WOMXN and the RBC Women’s Forum, and mentors emerging leaders. A Thornbury resident, she enjoys outdoor activities, time with her family and dogs, and supporting local animal and child welfare organizations.
Dina Barazza, Member
Dina is President and Chief Learning Officer of The Talent Consortium, a leadership development and human resources consulting practice. With more than 35 years of experience across healthcare, manufacturing, construction, professional services, and municipal sectors, she is recognized as a trusted advisor to executive leaders and boards, helping organizations navigate growth, change, and transformation.
Dina enjoys life surrounded by animals and nature as the proud owner of three dogs — including two adopted through the Georgian Triangle Humane Society — and a cat. Her passion for animal welfare, wellness, and compassionate living reflects both personally and professionally through her community involvement and advocacy work.
Catherine Cepin Grant, Member
Catherine is a former marketing executive with extensive experience in the financial services, loyalty, and non-profit sectors, including leadership roles at CIBC, AIR MILES, and CAA. She is known for delivering results with expertise in strategic planning, customer engagement, brand development, and building high-performing teams. Following her successful corporate career, Catherine taught marketing at the post-secondary and graduate levels, where she particularly enjoyed mentoring students. A lifelong animal lover, she is passionate about supporting organizations that improve the lives of animals and strengthen the community. Catherine lives in Thornbury with her spouse and rescue cat, Pumpkin, and is proud to support the mission of the Georgian Triangle Humane Society.
Darlene Farrow, Member
Darlene retired from a 32-year career in telecommunications in 2022. For the past 3 years she has been proud to serve on the Board of Bethell Hospice (Caledon).
Throughout her career Darlene held various senior management positions leading teams of engineering, strategy, project management, sales support, and customer service operations professionals. Darlene holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Systems Design Engineering from the University of Waterloo.
Darlene, her husband, and daughter, are looking forward to establishing new roots in the beautiful Blue Mountains. They are eager to explore the beautiful landscape and trails with their 3 dogs, 1 cat, and 4 horses.
Darlene is honoured to join the GTHS Board and the extended GTHS community.
Dr. Jackie Greenwood, Member
Jackie graduated from OVC in 1980 and practiced small animal medicine and surgery in Toronto for almost four decades. During that time, she also had the privilege of travelling to underserviced communities in Uganda, Peru, NWT and Northern Ontario to deliver veterinary care. Proud mother of four and grandmother of six, she has been an active member of the Georgian Bay Squall Masters Swim Club since moving to Thornbury three years ago. She is excited to join the GTHS board and be a part of such a wonderful community.
Nick Samurkas, Member
Nick has spent his career in various leadership roles in the Payments Industry in Asia, Canada and United States. Most recently he was Interim CFO at Moneris, Canada and prior to this was the COO BlackHawk Network in California. An experienced Senior Executive leading large multi-national organization, he brings a deep financial and operational expertise to GTHS. Nick and his wife, Terri, recently moved to Thornbury to enjoy the active lifestyle that this beautiful community has to offer. Not long after their move, they adopted their second rescue dog which they enjoy taking on hikes and swimming in Georgian Bay. As an animal lover, Nick is excited to serve on the Board of GTHS and provide his expertise to support initiatives that help our community.