Board of Directors
Jamie Clysdale, Chair
Jamie Clysdale is a graduate of Trent University and holds a Bachelor of Arts in the Honours Program. Throughout his career, he has stayed committed to the principles of continuous learning; having pursued professional and leadership training through Loyalist College, as well as the University of Ontario Institute of Technology.
For more than 21 years, he has worked in the field of Social Services and employment programming. In that time, he has worked in Northumberland County, the City of Kawartha Lakes, and Haliburton where, he has worked as a Caseworker, Intensive Caseworker and in a variety of Management Roles. Since 2017, he has worked as a Program Supervisor for Human Services in the City of Kawartha Lakes where he supports Ontario Works staff in both the Lindsay and Haliburton Offices. One of his key areas of specialty involves working with agency and Employment Ontario partners to develop employment and life stabilization programs, helping to enhance the employability of the participants in those programs.
An accomplished public speaker and presenter, Jamie has presented numerous times on a variety of subjects at the Ontario Works Forum, National Convention on Employment (CANNEXUS), Ontario Works SAIL Regatta, OMSSA Leadership Symposium and Ontario Works Human Services Integration forum. Committed to fostering and promoting programs and options that lead to real, substantive, and positive outcomes for some of the most vulnerable members of our communities, Jamie has worked on a variety of committees and initiatives over the past two decades to achieve that goal. In that time, he has worked with a diverse group of community partners to achieve those goals including non-profit, government, and private sector groups.
Jamie is a lifelong resident of the City of Peterborough and is the fourth generation of his family to call such home. Along with his much-loved and committed wife Karen, they are proud to be the parents of three involved, gifted, and fantastically passionate teenagers.
Ryan Sisson, Vice-Chair
Ryan Sisson is based in Peterborough, ON and is the Community + Workplace Partnerships Manager at Trent University, which involves overseeing and leading the Skills Development Fund: Community Concierge Project, and Trent’s Community-Based Research program, supporting and enhancing employment and ongoing educational opportunities for students and new graduates; overseeing the cultivation of existing and potential experiential learning opportunities and partnerships; ensuring the successful preparation and placement of students; and representing the university in issues pertaining to careers and experiential education. Ryan is a certified Environmental Professional (EP) through ECO Canada, and holds an M.Sc. from the University of Michigan’s School for Environment and Sustainability.
He is a passionate educator of environmental science, and advocate for expanded experiential learning opportunities in academia. Ryan has served as a part-time faculty for Fleming College’s School of General Arts and Sciences and has previously taught with Aurora College, NWT, and the Canadian University of Dubai, U.A.E.
Darla Price, Past Chair
Darla Price is the Executive Director of the Northumberland Manufacturers’ Association (NMA). She is responsible for managing the operations and activities of the NMA and advancing the strategic directions of the Association, supporting the Board and general membership. Darla provides organizational leadership, vision, strategic thinking, risk assessment/management, and fiscal responsibility.
Darla has worked for over 16 years in the marketing and communications field, managing and maintaining marketing strategies to develop new/existing sales, brand evolution, and programs/services for the corporate and non-profit sectors. With over 10 years in the non-profit realm, specific to member management, Darla brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her current career and personal goals.
As a mother of three beautiful children, an avid volunteer in her community, and a travel junkie; Darla brings energy, passion, and commitment to all that she does.
Michelle Maika, Secretary/Treasurer
Michelle has over 7 years of Human Resources experience, with a focus on recruitment and retention and holds her CHRP. Currently, Michelle works at Watton Employment Services Inc. (WES) as part of the Employer Liaison Team. During her employment with WES, Michelle has fostered relationships with many employers in Northumberland and is aware of the labour market concerns in this region.
She also has the opportunity to administer various Employment Ontario programs, assisting job seekers in finding meaningful, long-term employment. Michelle supports WES in their partnership role with the Northumberland Manufacturing Association and attends regular Chamber of Commerce meetings on behalf of WES.
Within the community, Michelle is involved with the “Youth Wellness Hub Research Project” which investigates the idea of universal access to services for youth in mainly rural areas such as Northumberland.
Jennifer Glover, Director
Currently in the role of Ontario Works Manager for Northumberland County Community & Social Services, Jennifer has been working in Social Services since 2008. As Ontario Works Manager, she oversees both income and employment services through the Ontario Works program for the County. In addition to her experience in municipal government, she is a licensed Paralegal through the Law Society of Ontario (since 2009), and completed a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) degree at Trent University (2007) and Justice Studies Diploma (Paralegal Studies) from Loyalist College (2008). In her spare time, when she’s not on a golf course, Jennifer assists in her family’s agri-business ventures in Warkworth, ON, including attending a weekly Farmers’ Market on Sundays from May until October. She is also the current Secretary for the Codrington Farmers’ Market Board.
Developing strong relationships with the labour community and connecting job seekers to employment is foundational to Jennifer’s current role and what she looks forward to continuing and enhancing through her time with the Workforce Development Board.
Meaghan MacDonald, Director
Meaghan Macdonald is a resident of Northumberland County and her professional career has been primarily working for Habitat for Humanity both in Northumberland County and briefly in the Peterborough area. Meaghan has a Bachelors degree in History but as a Canada Summer Jobs student she found a passion for community development work, specifically focused on affordable housing. Meaghan started full-time as the Program Manager with Habitat Northumberland in April 2007.
After a brief time working for the Peterborough Habitat affiliate in 2010-2011, Meaghan returned to Northumberland as the Executive Director in July 2011 and continues in that position today. Meaghan is passionate about the positive impact that a safe and affordable home has for individuals. Through her time with Habitat for Humanity, Meaghan has also developed a passion for the important role that employment training and opportunities plays in building healthy communities. Meaghan is looking forward to pursuing this passion through her work with the Workforce Development Board.
Greg Ingram, Director
Greg is currently working as an Educational Consultant in support of the Skilled Trades sector in Ontario. This is a new career focus for him after retiring in July 2021 as Superintendent of Education with the Kawartha Pine Ridge School Board. Greg’s career in education spanned over 30 years with the first 22 with Trillium Lakelands District School Board as a teacher, principal and system leader of secondary school improvement. He has also served on various regional and provincial Boards focused on improving education and overall outcomes for students. As Superintendent, Greg was responsible for supervision of elementary/secondary schools, instruction and curriculum, online learning, alternative/adult education, specialized programming (technology, dual credits, youth apprenticeship, etc.) and community partnerships.
Greg has been an active community participant for many years in the Lindsay and Peterborough regions. His experiences include elected positions to Village Council and Hydro Commission as well as volunteer commitments to Bobcaygeon/Langton Daycare Board, Parks/Recreation Board and Minor Hockey as a coach and board member. Greg also served as a Board member and President of Victoria County Career Services.
Greg has an Honours Degree in English Literature/History from Trent University and a Masters of Education from the University of Toronto. He has four adult children and enjoys gardening, golfing and travel.
Amanda Conn, Director
Amanda Conn is a sales and marketing leader with over 17 years of experience in the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors, primarily in the technology industry.
As the Executive Director of the Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce, she works hand-in-hand with their board and staff to be the voice of business in Haliburton County, lead strategy for the organization, and create value for our members. Amanda is also a consultant for organizations of all sizes and a long-time board volunteer with her local lake association.
Amanda has managed teams from 1 to 30 across North America and believes that a healthy and effective workforce is essential to any company’s success. Amanda is excited to bring her perspective, experience, and knowledge to the WDB.
Scott Ovell, Director
Scott is currently employed with the County of Haliburton as their Director of Economic Development and Tourism along with being the Deputy CAO. He grew up in and Muskoka and after high school moved to British Columbia where he attended Thompson Rivers University gaining a degree in Tourism Management and a minor in skiing on his days he wasn’t in class.
In 2007 after graduating Scott worked in rural parts of Chile and Bolivia where he participated in a program focused on utilizing tourism as an economic development tool for rural communities. This was his first introduction into the industry, and he’s been actively involved in this field ever since, working with both Municipalities and First Nations Territories.
He currently resides in Bracebridge, where tries to spend his summers on the golf course and winters on the ski hill.
Amanda Payne, Director
Amanda is the Employee Relations and HR Program Management Lead at The Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group and holds a Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation. Prior to entering HR, Amanda spent 9 years as a Facilitator, Resource and Information Counsellor and Job Developer at VCCS Employment Services in the City of Kawartha Lakes.
As an active volunteer Amanda joined the Workforce Development Board in 2023. In addition, she serves as the Chair, Professional Development on the Human Resources Professionals Association Board, Peterborough Chapter. Previously Amanda participated on the Trent Lakes Municipality Economic Development Committee and was the Co-Executive Director with the Canadian Association for Prior Learning Assessment.
Amanda holds a Diploma from Fleming College in Human Resources Management and is presently completing her Ba. Professional Arts – Human Services from Athabasca University.
Amanda has two young children and enjoys spending her summer on the lake.
Melissa Wemyss, Director
Melissa Wemyss is long-time resident of the City of Kawartha Lakes and is the Chief Executive Officer of Wards Lawyers PC, a mid-sized law firm located in Lindsay, Ontario. Melissa joined Wards Lawyers PC in 2004, shortly after its doors first opened, and has played an integral role in the success of the firm over the past nearly 20 years, watching it grow from a staff of only 3 to now 25.
In her current role, Melissa is responsible for strategic planning, human resources, finance, and information management at the firm. Melissa has also been a key player in the firm’s efforts to support youth mental health in the community, co-founding and organizing several large-scale community fundraising events.