Building A Culture of Rural Philanthrophy

Anita Hayes, Executive Director

Anita Hayes began her foray into the nonprofit and voluntary sector over 15 years ago as a volunteer in program delivery within the social service sector.·Contribution to community and a desire to make a difference were her motivation then and remain at the heart of her commitment today.

It is not surprising then that Anita has chosen to work with the Foundation for Rural Living, (FRL) a charity that advances the rural nonprofit and voluntary sector, builds sustainable rural capacity and enhances the quality of life for rural citizens. Anita joined FRL in September 2000 as the Coordinator of Community Relations.· In January 2006, she became FRL’s Executive Director.

As Executive Director, Anita works in partnership with FRL’s Board of Directors to develop the vision, mission, mandate and strategic directions for the organization. Since becoming the Executive Director of FRL, Anita has promoted the role of the rural nonprofit and voluntary sector in building vital rural communities and has been invited to speak to both national and international audiences including: Community Foundations of Canada National Conference (Saskatoon 2006); National Peoples Congress of China (Beijing 2007); Senate of Canada; Standing Committee on Agriculture & Forestry (Ottawa 2007); and Canada-China Legislative Co-operation Project Delegation (Guelph 2008)

Grace Gruber, Program Manager

Grace Gruber joined FRL in 2008, bringing with her a long history of work in the nonprofit sector as well as a strong background in human resource management. She was born and raised in rural Alberta, and believes that the rural way of life holds similar challenges and opportunities across Canada. Passionate about supporting grassroots initiatives, Grace is continually excited by the opportunities created through FRL’s connection to rural communities.

Prior to working at FRL, she served two terms as an elected official in the role of Trustee for Parkland School Division, where she held the office of Chair for four years. Grace's work in the nonprofit sector also includes a long-standing relationship with the Pembina Institute, a national nonprofit environmental organization.

Grace received a Human Resource Management Certificate (with Distinction) from the University of Alberta in 2008. This training, combined with her role in union negotiations while with the School Board, and her HR Management experience while at Pembina, has given Grace a wide breadth of experiences that she is now lending to the work of FRL. She has also acquired certification as a True Colors © Facilitator and has already begun to incorporate this new capability into the FRL RDO Program.

Her world is completed by her partner in life, her two grown daughters and their spouses, and her teenaged stepson and stepdaughter.

Jennifer Girvin, Learning Centre Coordinator

Jennifer Girvin joined the Foundation for Rural Living in 2008 as a part of the Rural Development Officer Program, taking on the role of Community Relations Coordinator. In 2009 she made the transition from the RDO program into the role of FRL’s Learning Centre Coordinator.

A graduate of the University of Guelph’s Diploma in Agriculture Program, Jennifer is passionate about promoting agriculture and rural communities. In 2004, she served as President of the Junior Farmers’ Association of Ontario (JFAO), a province-wide organization that builds future rural leaders through self-help and community betterment. Currently, Jennifer maintains her strong ties to rural Ontario through her role as 1st Vice President of the Erin Agricultural Society, the organizing body of the annual Erin Fall Fair.

Through her work with both of these organizations, Jennifer has further developed her leadership skills, and is pleased to put her organizational capabilities and her personal insight into issues facing rural community groups to good use at FRL.

As a semi-professional musician Jennifer keeps busy singing with her country band and participating in musical productions with local musical theatre companies.

Melissa Bosselaar, Project Coordinator

Melissa Bosselaar joined the Foundation for Rural Living in November 2009 as the Project Coordinator for the Rural Development Officer program.

In 2006, Melissa received an Honours BA in Psychology from the University of Western Ontario, and then moved on to complete the Post-Graduate Diploma program in Human Resources Management at George Brown College. She is an active member of the Human Resources Professional Association of Ontario and has received her Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation.

Prior to joining FRL, Melissa worked as an Employment Centre Advisor, where she had the opportunity to assist individuals adversely affected by the downturn in the automotive sector. The experience allowed her to recognize her passion for helping others transition back into the workforce and secure meaningful employment opportunities.

Raised in a rural community supported by a strong agricultural and manufacturing base, Melissa recognizes the value of support networks in enhancing local community growth and sustainability. She sees her work at FRL as an opportunity to help provide this support to rural communities while putting her HR experience and aptitude for helping people re-enter the workforce to good use in FRL’s RDO program.  She embraces every opportunity for professional development and works to learn continuously from those around her.

James Finlay, Finance

James started his accounting career in 1996, acquiring his first diploma in Canada. He then moved to the UK where he gained his accounting designation. Whilst in the UK he also obtained his Certification with the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, an organization committed to fighting fraud worldwide. After his return to Canada he worked in both the manufacturing and charity sectors before starting Finlay & Associates, a small business providing accounting services to clients in the manufacturing, nonprofit, and service industries.

James is deeply committed to the nonprofit sector, and has volunteered for over 18 years in a diversity of roles including Probation Officer, Income Tax Officer, Treasurer and Board Director. He is currently a volunteer Director with Hamilton Extend A Family, an organization which works to help children with developmental, physical, or emotional challenges. James has also been appointed by the Ontario Government to the Trillium Grant Review Team for Hamilton.

James has memberships with the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, Institute of Internal Auditors, The Guild of Industrial, Commercial and Institutional Accountants and has a Fellow Membership with the Association of Accounting Technicians.