Board Of Directors

Timothy L. Ross:
Chairman of the Board
Family Advisor ® Professional Investments "Where Client Goals Become Our Goals"®

Tim has been involved with Environmental Connections since Shelley Gallagher first envisioned education programs at the Mac Johnson Wildlife Area. In 1994, he helped Shelley devise a feasibility plan to ensure that area teachers and administrators were as keen to support the programs as Shelley was to provide them.
As president of the Kiwanis Club of Brockville, he excited other members as to the worth of the outdoor education programs. To help cover start-up and administrative costs, the club donated $6000 over a period of four years.
Tim’s long-term vision and enthusiasm has been the key to Environmental Connections transformation from a small one-lady show to a non-profit organization. This vision will help Environmental Connections forge ahead creating links between other environmental educators around the Thousand Islands.

Lee Johnson:
Director at Large
Vise-Chair of the Friends of Mac Johnson

Lee’s love of this wilderness area runs deep. Long before her father’s name was graced upon this park, Lee and her family were involved in protecting and enjoying all the magic this area to offer. It is in recognition of Mac Johnson’s efforts and vision that the park was renamed in his honour.
As the vise-chair for the Friends of Mac Johnson , Lee is a strong bond between the two organizations at the park. Her dedication to the land and to educating people about it are what make her such a motivating member.

Shelley Gallagher:
Executive Director
Founded Environmental Connections in 1994

Shortly after moving to the Brockville area, Shelley went for a walk at the Mac Johnson Wildlife Area. There she found acres of forest, field, lake, pond, wetlands and a little-used nature center. After eight years of teaching outdoor education at the Waterloo and North Umberland Centers, Shelley was entranced by Mac Johnson’s potential as an Outdoor Education facility. With the help of the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority, she was able to use the land and buildings to launch her vision. Three powerful programs now flow from the Mac Johnson Wildlife Area and over 9000 children have participated.
Shelley is now the Executive Director of Environmental Connections Outdoor Education Association and works very closely with the board of directors to create opportunities for people of all ages to connect to the environment.

Jack Henry:
Director at Large
Grenville Land Stewardship Council Coordinator

Jack came to the Mac Johnson Wildlife Area in 1995 to observe the new outdoor education programs that were being offered to school children. Before long, his suggestion and support of a summer day camp became a reality. Through donations, hours of assistance and participant sponsorship through Big Brothers and Girls Inc., the Grenville Stewardship Council has been supporting programs ever since.
As part of the Environmental Connections board of directors, Jack’s experience and knowledge have been a solid force of motivation. His dedication to providing environmental stewardship ethics to others has strengthened the vision we each share.

Norm Ruttan:
Director at Large
Executive Director of The Thousand Islands-Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve

As the most recent addition to the Board of Directors, Norm brings with him fresh ideas and a healthy dose of ‘big sky thinking’. The Thousand Islands-Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve is looking for a coalition of educators to deliver programs on a variety of Biosphere themes and objectives. Environmental Connections is committed to helping create this coalition and co-ordinate programs throughout the Biosphere (Kingston-Brockville-Westport).

Claire Lefrançois:
Secretary/Treasurer
Outdoor Educator

After meeting Shelley Gallagher in 1997, Claire was moved by Shelley’s dedication to Environmental Education and the role it plays in shaping not only our view of the future but our view of ourselves. Since that time, Claire has taught elementary outdoor education and helped found the Preschool Nature Buddy Program.
Her role as secretary/treasurer on the Board is part of her dedication to seeing Environmental Connections Outdoor Education Association remain educating people in this area for many years to come.

Ron Gardiner:
Recording Secretary
Outdoor Educator former UCSB Principal

Thirty-six years of teaching experience have made Ron a valuable asset to the children, adults and educators who participate in Environmental Connections Programs. After retiring from 24 years as principal for the Leeds/Grenville Board of Education, Ron began to teach Environmental Education at Mac Johnson.
Ron is an active board member of the Friends of Mac Johnson Wildlife Area. His involvement with Environmental Connections goes much deeper than the school bookings, recording, teaching and program creation for which he is so skilled. He carried Environmental Connections through a period of time in which Shelley Gallagher was at home caring for two young daughters. EC would not have been ready to become a non-profit organization if not for Ron’s commitment.

John Chatburn:
Director at Large
Environmental Consultant

With a fresh, enthusiastic approach, John’s M.Sc. in Zoology, computer and naturalist/researcher background will be a strong addition to the team.

Joanna Peterson:
Director at Large
Editor of Blue Planet Magazine
Member of Elizabethtown/Kitley Environment Advisory Committee

Joanna is an important link to the Township in which the Mac Johnson Wildlife Area makes its home. EC is also very lucky to have somebody as dedicated to making a difference for the environment. Her publishing skills and knowledge will be an asset to many of the organizations involved with EC.

Colin Boag:
Past Director at Large
Chairman of the Friends of Mac Johnson Wildlife Area

Once the Environmental Connections Board made the decision, Colin spent many hours in 2003 ensuring that Environmental Connections became a non-profit corporation. His hard work and eye for detail contributed greatly to strengthening Environmental Connections on many different levels.
As Chairman of the Friends Group, Colin is again drawing on his own strengths to build upon the foundation of hard work, friendship and environmental stewardship the Friend’s Group represents. They ‘Preserve, Protect and Promote’ the Mac Johnson Wildlife Area.