Board of Directors
Jim Armstrong: Chair
Jim Armstrong is President of Kawartha Works Community Co-operative and has dedicated his time to improving the community infrastructure. The Grove Theatre is its latest and biggest project in its five years since incorporation. Jim is retired from a career in health care management and consulting, developing and reorganizing services in hospitals and community clinics. He has been a community volunteer for many years with healthcare, recreation, cultural and social services.
Mike Barkwell: Secretary
Mike Barkwell is a long time volunteer in community activities and public affairs. He has extensive experience as a real estate agent in Fenelon Falls. Mike also has valuable management experience with Northern College, North Bay General Hospital, and the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board. Mike previous served three terms as the Vice-Chair of the Nipissing Board of Education.
Art Hornibrook: Director
Art Hornibrook is currently President of the Kawartha Cycling Club with membership throughout the Kawartha Lakes and beyond. Art is retired following a career primarily in aluminum manufacturing leadership in Canada, the US and Asia.
Since retirement Art has been privileged to serve on the Ross Memorial Board, including Chair. He has also participated in infrastructure discussions regarding active transportation in the City of Kawartha Lakes as well as leading the local cycling Club.
Art is a strong believer in the potential for our area to significantly leverage and enhance existing assets and infrastructure to develop the most active and environmentally sound community in the future.
Maureen Lytle: Director
Maureen Lytle is the current General Manager of Kawartha Settlers’ Village, a popular local tourist attraction in Bobcaygeon. She is a dedicated participant and supporter of community events and projects. Maureen is a long-term resident of the area and is committed to the growth of arts & culture in the region.
Carol Milroy: Director
Carol’s career and life long volunteer activity has always focused on enriching experiences for people and their communities. Easy to work with and a great listener, Carol identifies social needs and makes things happen to help people. Her passion lies in creating safe and nurturing learning environments and opportunities that are equitable and accessible. Most notably she envisioned, created and lead the The Lindsay Learning Centre, an initiative associated with Boys and Girls Club of Lindsay.
Carol is currently a very active volunteer in the Fenelon Falls Museum, the Fenelon Falls Horticultural Society, Grannies for Grannies with the Stephen Lewis Foundation, Feeding Fenelon and Parents and Friends of Lesbians And Gays (PFLAG). Carol’s creativity, enthusiasm, caring and advocacy for fair treatment of all children is a tremendous asset for the Kawartha Works Community Co-Op and ultimately for the social needs of our rapidly evolving community.
John McEachen: Communications
John is a retired operations executive after a successful career in the financial services industry. He is now co-owner of A Wee Tree Farm located just outside Fenelon Falls. This family farm is being shaped with a unique blend of farm business and community activity . John brings his desire to contribute during this unique period of population growth and community change. His strong planning and operational skills are a welcome addition to the Board.
Doug Hawe: Communications
Doug is very excited to be part of the KWCC Board . He is passionate about contributing to Kawartha’s growth with a focus on human sustainability and its role in supporting the well-being of communities. Doug, a local REALTOR® in the Kawarthas, has a strong connection to the area as he has enjoyed Fenelon Falls, North Kawarthas and Haliburton Highland his whole life.
Doug brings valuable experience from a career focused on technology. He enjoyed many roles in marketing, communications, product management and digital product development and design. This work enabled him to develop skills in understanding people’s requirements and translating insights into practical digital solutions.
Denise Benning: Social Media
Denise Benning is an entrepreneur and owner of The Subtle Shift. Specializing in energetic wellness and intuitive services, Denise is dedicated to creating positive shifts in people’s lives. With a passion for building connections and community, Denise looks forward to supporting the Kawartha Works Community Co-op. As a former manager of the Bobcaygeon Chamber of Commerce and a current member of Impact 32, she understands the crucial role of community programs that foster growth and help communities thrive. In addition to being a small business owner, Denise brings 30 years of event management and marketing expertise to the Board. After enjoying 7 years as a part-time resident, Denise moved to the region permanently in 2017 and has never looked back. She is also an Olympian, having competed in the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics in pairs figure skating.