CYSA Inc. Board of Directors

Honorary Chair: Dr. J. C. (Clare) Rennie (Guelph, ON) – An agricultural consultant who served in a leadership role for many years at the University of Guelph, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food, and Semex Alliance.

Chair: D. E. (Ted) Young (Guelph, ON) – President and CEO of Edward Young International Inc. EYI Inc. owns and manages two operating companies which service the domestic and international marketplaces. Ted also operates the family farm near Wiarton, Ontario, where he is actively involved in the beef industry with a herd of Hereford Beef cattle. Ted enjoyed a long career in public service, having worked for a variety of government departments and Crown corporations provincially and federally. Current volunteering includes serving for many years with the University of Guelph Alumni Association (UGAA), where he presently holds the office of Vice President of External Affairs, and also serving as the Senate Representative for the OAC Alumni Association. Ted has played a major leadership role with the public speaking competition, having held many offices since its inception in 1995.

Past-President: Deb Hart (Edmonton, AB) – Development Coordinator with the Potato Growers of Alberta. She has also been active with many national organizations, including the Canadian 4-H Council.

President: Eric Dalke (Morden, MB) – 2005 CYSA Champion. Raised on a cattle and grain farm, he is currently pursuing a BA in Political Studies at Queens University.

1st Vice-President: Adam Meyer (Milton, ON) – A professional agrologist currently working with the Economic Development Division of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs in Guelph, Ontario. Adam has held previous roles in agribusiness, notably with grain merchant Parrish & Heimbecker, Ltd. and industry association Pulse Canada. A graduate of the University of Manitoba in Agroecology & Agribusiness (Hons.), Adam has been heavily involved in student and youth programs.

2nd Vice-President: Katie Cheesmond (Guelph, ON) – Agricultural Account Manager with Royal Bank and a past participant in the CYSA competition.

Jennifer Christie (Grimsby, ON) – A graduate of the University of Guelph Agricultural Business program, Jennifer joins the board as a past CYSA competitor – twice a finalist – bringing with her a wealth of experience in youth ag-competitions. Jen grew up on a dairy farm near Tara, Ontario and was a 4-H member for several years. Jennifer currently works as a marketing supervisor with John Deere.

Pam Emmott (Drayton, ON) – Raised on a dairy farm in Northumberland County, Ontario, Pam is a University of Guelph graduate in Agriculture. She was actively involved with 4-H and Junior Farmer organizations, along with a local fair ambassador program. In 2001, Pam was honoured to be named the CNE Ambassador of the Fairs. Currently, Pam is employed as a Member Services Representative with Gay Lea Foods Co-operative.

Rebecca Hannam (Guelph, ON) - 2006 CYSA Senior Champion. Raised on a cash crop farm, she is currently studying Agricultural Business at the University of Guelph and is honoured to give back to the CYSA competition following her experience as a participant.

John J. MacDonald (Miscouche, PE) – Manager of the Greater Summerside Chamber of Commerce, also a farmer and a long-time leader with both the Canadian Federation of Agriculture and the Canadian 4-H Council.

John L. McGee (Guelph, ON) – Now retired after a 35 year career with Farm Credit Canada. Has been involved with the Young Speakers competition and Board since 1989.

Anna Marie O’Connell (Guelph, ON) – Now a Supervisor with the City of Guelph, formerly with Farm Credit Canada, and has been involved with the competition for a number of years.

Owen Roberts (Guelph, ON) – Owen Roberts has held the position of Director of Research Communications at the University of Guelph for nearly 20 years. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (communications) from the University of Windsor, a Masters of Science (rural extension studies) from the University of Guelph, and is a candidate for a Doctorate of Education (agricultural education) from Texas A&M University and Texas Tech University.

Nicole Swain (Blackstock, ON) – 2001 CYSA Champion and currently a high school teacher with the Durham District School Board.

Marie Winter (Simcoe, ON) – Program Manager with 4-H Ontario. Has been a proud committee member since 2002.

Secretary-Treasurer: Anne McGee (Guelph, ON) – Served as Secretary of the competition since 1989, and has been heavily involved with the competition over that 20 year period. Completed a 25 year career with Farm Credit Canada.