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.

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 services 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

Maria DiMauro is a resident and business owner in Prince Edward County. A lawyer with years of experience in both the provincial and municipal governments with more recent experience in the private sector. Maria has a driven commitment to our community and is an active volunteer with many local organizations.

Cristal Laanstra is a Municipal Manager and Land Use Planner with almost 15 years experience in the profession. She is a Registered Professional Planner (RPP) with the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI) and is a Member of the Canadian Institute of Planners (MCIP). She holds a Master's degree in Rural Planningand Development and has an Executive Diploma in Municipal Management. As a land use professional,Cristal is well versed in examining a multitude of critical considerations when creating and protecting housing stock within the Province. She is an advocate for interdisciplinary approaches across professions, tapping into innovativesolutions to realize housing potential. Her interests lie in effective governance with a focus on clear, transparent, and efficientprocess. Cristal grew up in Prince Edward County and resides in Sophiasburgh where she and her husband are raising their family.

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.

The Board of Directors Are Supported by the Following Municipal Staff

Assuming the role of Housing Director January 2, 2024, Adam Goheen joined the County of Prince Edward in July 2020 as the Director of Operational Services, overseeing a number of municipal services. Mr. Goheen has volunteered on the board of Habitat for Humanity Prince Edward-Hastings since May of 2021 Housing Director Adam Goheen joined the County of Prince Edward in July 2020 as the Director of Operational Services, overseeing a number of municipal services. Mr. Goheen has volunteered on the board of Habitat for Humanity Prince Edward-Hastings since May of 2021.

As Affordable Housing Supervisor, Elis Ziegler brings thirty years of management experience in housing issues including transitional housing and a full range of housing access and stabilization programs to a variety of communities and target populations, as well as sector-specific training for front-line staff.