PECAHC Governance Team

OUR TEAM

Phil St. Jean, Board Chair, is a third-term Picton Councillor. Phil's portfolios have included the Picton BIA, Picton Town Hall, Committee of Adjustment, Audit, Nominating committees and Visit the County interim director. Born and raised in the County, Phil has a deep commitment to the county and is an active volunteer with the Picton Kinsmen, Picton Farmers Market and the Christmas Angel Tree program. As a residential contractor for 19 years he brings his first-hand construction experience to the board.

Greg Sorbara is a long time part-time resident of Prince Edward County (Edwin County Farm) and developer of the Royal Hotel in Picton. He spent 27 years as a legislator and cabinet minister in the Ontario Government where he applied his legal and private sector background in the areas of transit, health care, finance, education and other community-building initiatives. He is also a partner in the Sorbara Group of Companies, which has a 75-year history in commercial, low-rise, and high-rise development.

Joyce Barretto has over 35 years of experience in the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors. The executive roles she has held focused on change management, corporate servcies and project leadership, and she also has a strong background in board governance, strategic planning and organizational change. Her combination of private, public sector and non-profit real estate skills have given Joyce a long-standing passion for the issues of social housing.

Katherine Chislett is an executive leader with more than 30 years of experience in human resources for both provincial and municipal governments. As the Commissioner of Community Services for York Region and President of Housing York Inc., she is responsible for the management, oversight and development of community housing and housing ho

Rebecca Loewen has 10 years of experience working in anti-human trafficking, youth mental health and child and youth care. She holds a Master's degree in social work from the University of Toronto and has a background in social work and not-for -profit leadership, along with a strong knowledge of social services in Canada. As housing lies at the intersection of all of her work, Rebecca understands the complexities of creating affordable housing and is committed to finding innovative solutions.

Gunta Mackars has 35 years of experience in the public and private sectors working on both local and global projects. As the current Vice-President of Design for Planning and Development at Metrolinx, she has a breadth of knowledge in project management and planning principles, as well as architectural, universal, customer, site, urban and sustainable design. Gunta holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from the University of Toronto and is a research candidate pursuing a Master's degree in Landscape Architecture. She is a member of the Toronto Community Housing Corporation's Design Review Panel since 2016 during their major redevelopment phases.

Brad Nieman is a third term Councillor representing Bloomfield and Hallowell, and has previously had Agriculture, Prince Edward Lennox & Addington Social Services, Traffic and the Hiring Committee portfolios. Currently an Underground Infrastructure Supervisor for Loyalist Township, Brad brings three decades of municipal training and a life time of County experience to the Board.

Dr. Mark Rodgers has over 30 years experience working in the charitable and non-profit sector for some of Canada'Dr. Mark Rodgerss top organizations. As the former CEO and COO of one of Canada's largest national charities, Habitat for Humanity Canada, Mark is obsessed with helping individuals and organizations achieve breakthrough results, maximize their social impact, and make a difference in their community and world. Having recently returned to live in The County, Mark has established a leadership and career coaching agency called Leadership Village and enjoys co-hosting a regular radio program on 99.3 County FM entitled "Dare to Lead". Mark holds a PhD in organizational development and is a Certified Leadership Coach. He possesses broad experience in non-profit management, executive leadership, and academic instruction. Winner of numerous academic, leadership, and community awards, he has been named one of Canada's Top 25 Social Leaders, all of which aligns to his life and leadership motto: "Live to make a difference!"

The Board of Directors is supported by the following County Housing Division staff, bringing a combined 70+ years in housing related management.

Director Chuck Dowdall has held various senior management positions in the non-profit sector and brings to the organization considerable expertise in the development and sustainability of affordable housing in a community-based approach. Prior to entering the non-profit sector, Chuck spent 20 years in the financial services industry as a commercial and corporate banker. Chuck holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) degree in finance and MBA from Queen’s University. Chuck is the past Treasurer of the Kingston Community Health Centre and is currently a Board Member of Willis College and Teknowave Aboriginal Technology

Elis brings extensive non-profit experience in housing issues. A County resident and beekeeper, Elis is very passionate about affordable and sustainable housing in Prince Edward County. Elis is a very active volunteer in the community including past Secretary of the Affordable Housing Corporation, Chair of the Picton Town Hall Board of Management and Treasurer of the South Marysburgh Recreation Board of Management.