Meet our Pathstone Foundation Champions
Chair – John Darch
John is an Insurance/Financial Advisor and owner of John Darch Insurance & Investments Inc., representing The Co-operators in Beamsville and Grimsby. He is a lifelong resident of Niagara and father of three.
Vice Chair – Sarah Ane
Sarah works in the municipal government sector in Niagara. She is a proud Brock University alumna and remains actively involved in research efforts with the university. Sarah believes in giving back to her community and is an avid volunteer. Currently, she acts as a Family Ambassador for the Niagara Children’s Centre and serves on the Board of Directors for Parks and Recreation Ontario.
Secretary-Treasurer – Janice Calverley
Janice is the Senior Vice President, Strategy & EPMO at Meridian Credit Union. She has over 20 years of experience in treasury, financial analysis, financial operations, accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, and planning. A recognized hands-on, expert problem solver, Janice can rapidly resolve cross-functional business process problems, formulate strategic plans, and implement change. Previous to joining Meridian, Janice served in progressively senior roles at Canadian Tire Financial Service. A member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada, Janice is a passionate advocate for the advancement of women in the workplace and of mental health issues. Janice has been married 25 years, has two young adult children and enjoys hiking with her two border collies.
Directors
Ken Chan
Ken brings leadership experience from the private, non-profit, and public sectors. His roles included Assistant Deputy Minister at the Province of Ontario, Vice President at Brock University and Cystic Fibrosis Canada, and Public Affairs Director at Vertex Pharmaceuticals. He also previously worked in London, England, where he served as a Senior Advisor in the Mayor’s Office and as an Assistant Director at the UK Government’s Better Regulation Executive. Earlier in his career, Ken served as a Constable with the Peel Regional Police. An experienced director, Ken is also on the boards of Alterna Savings Credit Union, Alterna Bank, ALS Canada and Open For Business (UK). He holds the ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.
An experienced director, Ken is on the boards of Alterna Savings Credit Union, Alterna Bank, FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre and ALS Canada. His prior board experience included roles in the health and education sectors in Canada and the United Kingdom. He holds the ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.
Ken has a Master of Forensic Accounting from the University of Toronto, a MBA from the City University of Seattle and a BA from Simon Fraser University.
Chelsey Gauthier
Chelsey is a lifelong resident of Niagara. She is a lawyer at Lancaster, Brooks & Welch LLP, practicing in family law. Chelsey is fully bilingual in French and English, and is passionate about supporting the community. She believes there is nothing more important than helping our community’s children, to ensure a bright future for all.
Owen Hughes
Owen is the Senior Vice President at Colliers International Niagara Ltd., fulfilling roles as a senior appraiser, sales representative and project consultant. He is designated with the Appraisal Institute of Canada at the Sauder School of Business at UBC, and proud alumni of Brock University. He is an active and engaged member of the Niagara community, participating in Board of Director roles and Committee participation to contribute from his field of expertise. Owen is also a proud father of two.
Blake Lane, CPA, CA
Blake is an Assurance Manager with Grant Thornton LLP and provides various assurance, tax, and advisory services to the region. He is designated with the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario (CPA Ontario) and is a Brock University alumnus. He is a lifelong resident of Niagara where he currently resides with his family. Blake is passionate about the Niagara Community, and actively volunteers his time and expertise to local organizations.
Ruth Peters
Ruth is the Director of Marketing at 13th Street Winery and enjoys all that the Niagara wine industry offers our region. She is passionate about supporting her local community and has volunteered for the Canadian Cancer Society, parent council at her children’s school and is a lead volunteer at the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games. Ruth graduated from McMaster University with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and has spent over 30 years in marketing for the travel, tourism and hospitality industry. She lives in Niagara with her husband and two daughters.
Patricia Reles
Patricia is a Human Resources Professional in the private sector with over 15 years of experience. She is passionate about community involvement and has previous board experience with Victim Services Niagara. She is a graduate of Niagara Collage and is a proud mother of four. She is highly involved in volunteering in children’s sports and is active as a coach and as a participant on sporting organizations steering committees.
Ashley Waters
Ashley has been recognized by the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce as one of Niagara’s Top 40 Under 40 Business Leaders for her achievements in the non-profit sector. She has worked as a Non-Profit manager with Scouts Canada for the past 13 years. An avid volunteer, she spearheaded a successful fundraising campaign for Pink Pearl Canada, which supports young women affected by cancer. She’s a founding member of NEXTNiagara, an organization focused on championing the next generation of community leaders. A recent candidate in the Provincial election, Ashley is committed to making Niagara a place for community members to stay, and thrive, in. She holds a degree from Brock University, and lives in Niagara Falls with her husband Jeremy, and two children, Liam and Sasha.
Ryan Wagner
Ryan is the Manager of Strategy at The Beer Store and brings his experience in corporate strategy, fundraising, leadership, and planning. Prior to this, Ryan spent 6 years as management consultant at EY in data & analytics and operations. Ryan also plays professional lacrosse in the NLL with the Philadelphia Wings and is passionate about growing the game through coaching minor lacrosse in St. Catharine’s. He was born and raised in Niagara, graduated from Queen’s University with a degree in Mining Engineering and now lives in Port Dalhousie with his wife Brooke.