Steve Martin is the retail manager at Martin’s Family Fruit Farm – a family run ‘labour of love’ for almost two centuries. While apples are their main product and are shipped Canada-wide, Martin’s also works with other local producers to provide additional fruits and vegetables in its retail store, and for customers. The Martin family has farmed these Ontario lands since 1820. The apple growing part of our history began with a suggestion from Branko Premlec, a Yugoslavian exchange student with a background in horticulture. Branko and Leighton Martin agreed that the region’s combination of warm summer sunshine, adequate rainfall, rich soil, and cool autumn nights would be perfect for producing the sweet, juicy apples that the Martin’s Family has become famous for. With a future full of fine apple varieties in mind, they planted their first trees and waited patiently for them to mature.

Amy Proulx is a professor at Niagara College, Canada, and coordinator of the Culinary Innovation and Food Technology Program at the Canadian Food and Wine Institute. She acts as research leader at the Niagara College Food Innovation Centre, where she and her colleagues provide technical, regulatory and product development support to the food and beverage manufacturing sector, and conduct research in culinary, food science, brewing and winemaking.

Brad McKay is President of McKay Consulting. Prior to this, he was President of Wholesome Kids Catering, a leading supplier of nutritious meals to day care centers, and before that was Chief Executive Officer of Healthcare Food Services, a leading marketer of meals for the healthcare sector. Prior to this Brad was Vice President Ingredients and Export for Parmalat Canada and before that held progressively senior marketing positions at Procter & Gamble, Kraft/Nabisco, and Novartis Pharmaceuticals. Brad is a Board member of Food Processing Skills Canada and has been a Board member of the Yves Landry Foundation, the International Union of Food Science and Technology, and the Canadian Institute of Food Science and Technology where he was also President. He is a graduate of the University of Waterloo in Systems Engineering.

After graduating from the Holland College Fisheries Technology Program Lynn has worked in the seafood industry for over 25 years in various positions. Lynn has spent most of her career with Acadian Fishermen’s Co-operative as Quality Manager and then moving into Production. In 2016 Acadian Fishermen’s Co-operative was bought by Acadian Supreme and at this time she moved to the position of Operation’s Manager for the company. She is directly involved with Quality, Production, HR, and Financing within the company. Lynn works closely with members of the Federal and Provincial governments on issue to do with HR, TFW as well as product development and automation. She also works with Holland College, UPEI and other industry members to develop products and equipment to help with staffing issues in the seafood industry. Both to keep plants producing for a longer period by extending our season as well development of automation to help with staff shortages.

Pending Update

Elliott Gauthier is the Americas Lead for Solutions Integration at Burson, a Burson Group Company, where he specializes in data-driven insights and performance measurement. With a background in research, analytics, and advocacy, he has advised top clients and led large-scale projects across the Americas. Elliot is a recognized leader in mix-mode and cross-disciplined brand and reputation research and analytics methods, and a senior trusted advisor to some of Burson’s largest clients. An experienced corporate leader, Elliott has also served as Board Chair of The Ottawa Senators Foundation and as a director for the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Foundation. He holds a Business and Commerce degree from Heritage College and is a recipient of the Forty Under 40 Award.

Aliya est une éducatrice enthousiaste, créative et expérimentée, forte de plus de dix ans d’expérience dans la transformation de l’apprentissage en un parcours stimulant de recherche et de réflexion critique grâce à une approche holistique. Elle est reconnue pour son aptitude naturelle à concevoir des programmes d’études au contenu pertinent et stimulant, ainsi qu’à mettre en œuvre des programmes d’apprentissage à distance pendant la pandémie de COVID-19. Récemment, Aliya était directrice adjointe et responsable du collège de la Blyth Academy. Sous sa direction, l’établissement a piloté le développement du premier collège virtuel, notamment en élaborant un programme d’études basé sur une approche par projets favorisant la flexibilité et le bien-être mental. Elle a également favorisé un environnement collaboratif permettant aux enseignants de partager les meilleures pratiques pour surmonter les obstacles en constante évolution. Aliya travaille actuellement chez Aliya’s Food, où elle évalue les processus existants afin d’identifier les limites, de rechercher des ressources potentielles et de proposer des plans stratégiques pour la mise en œuvre d’un progiciel de gestion intégré (ERP) personnalisé. Au cours de ses dix années au sein de l’entreprise, elle a également encadré et formé plus de 200 employés à l’utilisation des technologies et des meilleures pratiques en production.

Suman Corcoran is a multi-talented, strategic leader with a proven record of driving transformational change within organizations. She contributes to corporate strategy and results by ensuring the organization has the right people, processes, and tools necessary to meet client needs and corporate growth expectations. She has successfully managed organizations in periods of major business and personnel changes while translating strategic objectives into actionable plans, ensuring financial feasibility, and establishing internal systems and processes to ensure business continuity. Spanning a variety of industries, the value she brings is her strength in people leadership, operational excellence, and ability to galvanize organizational change to drive bottom-line results. Regardless of industry or company, Suman has a passion for progress. Coupled with her diverse industry and functional experience, she is a valuable fit for a variety of organizations.

Paul Taylor is an experienced human resources executive with extensive experience in strategic HR management, labor relations, recruitment and selection, compensation, payroll and benefits, training and development, and policy and program development. With strong analytical and tactical business skills, his expertise is enhanced by his experience as a high-performance sports coach. Known for his problem-solving skills, he possesses a unique talent for quickly building relationships, gaining trust, and understanding the diverse needs of teams at all levels, from senior management to front-line staff. His experience spans numerous industries, including manufacturing, professional services, engineering consulting, banking and financial services, public education, automotive leasing, and retail.

Jennefer Griffith is a nationally recognized leader and innovator in workforce development, training, and inclusive employment. As Executive Director of Food Processing Skills Canada, she has propelled the organization to national prominence, leading transformative programs, digital innovation, and sector-wide policy change for the food and beverage manufacturing industry, Canada’s largest manufacturing sector and a vital pillar of our economy. 

This essential industry feeds our communities, supports food security, and employs hundreds of thousands of Canadians. Without the people behind it, our food banks, grocery stores, and tables would be empty. Jennefer’s work ensures this workforce is skilled, supported, and ready to meet the needs of today and tomorrow.

With a deep commitment to purpose, underpinned by sustainability and cost-effectiveness, Jennefer has pioneered initiatives such as the Learning Recognition Framework, FoodCert platform, and Canadian Food Processors Institute, redefining skill development and recognition, particularly for women, newcomers, youth, and Indigenous Peoples.

Jennefer is celebrated for forging strategic partnerships across government, academia, and industry, blending strategic vision with genuine compassion to drive tangible progress. Her leadership not only advances systems, it empowers people, communities, and futures. Her work exemplifies the spirit of “rising by lifting others”, driving innovation that carries everyone forward