Board of Directors
Jennifer Glover, Chair
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.
Amanda Conn, Vice-Chair
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.
Jamie Clysdale, Past 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.
Melissa Wemyss, Secretary/Treasurer
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.
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. In November 2023 Meaghan took her passion for building affordable housing and joined the Region of Durham as the Manager of Affordable Housing Development and Renewal. 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 pursuing this passion through her work with the Workforce Development Board.
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 Director of People and Culture at Lakefield College School and holds a Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation.
As an active volunteer Amanda joined the Workforce Development Board in 2023. In addition, she previously served as the Chair, Professional Development on the Human Resources Professionals Association Board, Peterborough Chapter and participated on the Trent Lakes Municipality Economic Development Committee.
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.
Carl Heinlein, Director
Carl is an experienced professional who has worked for organizations, both large and small, across a range of industries and in executive and operational positions. He is a Professional Engineer in Ontario, with a First Class Honours degree in Mechanical Engineering from Loughborough University and an MBA from the University of Bath in the UK.
He is the Chief Operating Officer for Palette Skills and Upskill Canada, a non-profit organisation, providing transition pathways for individuals who want to upskill and transition into great careers in innovative sectors. Before this, his accomplishments include being the Chief Operations Officer at Active Dynamics Group, the President and Chief Operations Officer for ABI Inc, a manufacturer of custom-designed industrial equipment, Vice President and Plant Manager positions at Kubota Canada and General Electric, and Product Engineering roles at Meritor Inc, an automotive tier-1 supplier.
As an Engineer, Carl is a numbers and process person, and he is always focused on meeting the Customer’s needs. He enjoys working collaboratively with his team to find the best solutions and prevent problems.
Carl lives near Peterborough, ON, with his wife Vicki. Between them, they have 5 children and 2 grandchildren, who fill their lives with joy. Carl loves the water and countryside around Peterborough, and he likes (or is encouraged…) to tackle various improvement projects in their home.
Tonya Kraan, Director
Tonya Kraan is the Director of Community Impact at United Way Peterborough & District, where she leads initiatives that strengthen local communities through strategic partnerships, program development, and collaborative action. In this role, Tonya works closely with non-profits, community organizations, businesses, and government to address pressing social issues and foster inclusive, sustainable change across the region.
She brings a wealth of experience in community development, with a strong background in strategic planning, fund development, and community consultation.
Tonya also serves as a part-time instructor at Fleming College and is an Expert in Residence at the Innovation Cluster. Her previous leadership roles include General Manager of Community Futures Peterborough, Manager of Innovation at the City of Kawartha Lakes, and Corporate Senior Manager, Marketing at EHC Global—positions that have given her a unique perspective on both public and private sector dynamics.
A dedicated community leader, Tonya has served on several boards, including as President of the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism (now the Peterborough & Kawarthas Chamber), and as a board member for Women’s Resources and Easter Seals. While she has currently paused new projects at SHCG Inc., the management consulting firm she founded, her commitment to community and economic development continues to shape her work and impact.
Jessica Marlow, Director
Jessica Marlow is based in Peterborough, ON and is the Community and Workplace Partnerships Manager at Trent University, which oversees Trent’s Community-Based Research program, Experiential Learning opportunities across a variety of disciplines, and looks to build meaningful connections between students and community/workforce needs. Jessica joined the Experiential Learning team of Careerspace in 2022 and has provided leadership to the experiential learning and Trent Community Research Centre teams since 2023.
Jessica brings a background in advocating for individuals facing barriers in the community, as well as a strong history of building connections and collaborations to solve challenges. Jessica believes experiential learning and community-based research provide an impactful opportunity for Trent students to make a difference that can really move initiatives forward.
Her previous work includes working with individuals facing barriers to employment, advocating for adults with developmental disabilities, and supporting refugees through the refugee determination process.
Carolyn Leeson, Director
Carolyn is a graduate of Fleming College’s Career and Work Counsellor program and holds provincial and national certifications as a Career Development Practitioner. With over 25 years of experience in the field, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role as a Career Educator at Fleming College’s Career Services Department. In this capacity, Carolyn assists students with job search preparation and career decision-making, helping them navigate their professional journeys with confidence.
As an active member of Career Professionals of Canada, Carolyn contributes to the Professional Development Team, supporting the growth and development of her peers. Her commitment to community service is evident through her past involvement with Peterborough’s National Youth Week organizing committee, the Competency Portfolio Community Alliance, and the Employment Networking Group.
Carolyn’s extensive career in and around the Peterborough area includes roles such as Job Developer, Job Coach, Employment Counsellor, Facilitator, Corporate Trainer, Project Leader, and Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist. She is an accomplished facilitator and presenter, recognised for her work in developing and delivering employment programs tailored for persons with disabilities, youth at risk, injured workers, older workers, and employers.
A lifelong resident of Peterborough, Carolyn enjoys spending quality time with her husband and three children. Together, they cherish outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, hiking, and gardening.