Board of Directors

Chair of KMA

John Jankowski

Site Leader, GE Vernova Site, Peterborough 

John is a Mechanical Engineer with over 22 years of experience in both local and global manufacturing operations in various roles.  From leading production teams, to implementing large strategic projects John has gained experience across a wide range of industries and processes.  His role oversees the local site operations as well as supports the global network of manufacturing facilities in the Power Conversion business. 

With a passion for manufacturing and a focus on safety he continues to look for opportunities to support the local manufacturing community in Peterborough and the Kawartha Lakes which is why John has supported the Kawartha Manufacturers Association over the past fifteen years.  For the past two years, John has served as the Chair of the KMA focusing on building a sustainable organization that continues to support local manufacturing well into the future. 

Vice Chair of KMA

Vicki Goulah

Human Resources Executive Mariposa Dairy Ltd, Lindsay

Vicki plays a pivotal role in ensuring Mariposa is a great place to work.  She does this through effective employee development, talent acquisition and performance management for a renowned food and manufacturing company based in Lindsay.  With a strong background in Human Resources/Labour Relations management she is dedicated to fostering a positive work environment and supporting the company’s mission/values.

Vicki has worked in diverse organizations (Suncor, Sysco Foods and General Electric) in various Human Resources/Labour Relations Manager roles.  Her passion for helping people is why she supports the KMA serving as Vice Chair continuing to support local manufacturing in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. 

Secretary of KMA

Sherry Hill

Chief Financial Officer, Peterboro Matboards Inc.

Sherry is a manufacturing professional who has dedicated over 20 years supporting continuous improvement by focusing on sharing experiences and knowledge with staff to foster their growth and volunteering with our community.  Beyond overall financial management, reporting relevant analytics and corporate risk, as Chief Financial Officer she oversees operations incorporating the principals of Kaizen, Lean Manufacturing and root cause analysis.  An exciting part of her role is continuous improvement reviews resulting in the exploring and incorporating of new technologies and potential funding opportunities which drives the results for the profitability and sustainability for the company.  Administering the corporate infrastructure of information technologies through the implementation of the ERP system including a WMS and being responsible for Human Resources, Health and Safety, legal compliance and corporate policies and procedures, Sherry brings her knowledge to the KMA.  Sherry serves on the Board of Directors as the Secretary and is very passionate about local manufacturing sustainability for the future generations.

Treasurer of KMA

Dustin Rhodes

President, Lucky Strike Bait Works Ltd.

Dustin is the President of a fourth generation manufacturer producing fishing lures and nets in Peterborough since 1929.  Lucky Strike metal stamps, electro-plates, paints, assembles and packages all within the same facility.  At university Dustin developed many projects focused around the family business and decided after graduation that he could incorporate a lot of his education and experience into the growth of sales.   He worked into his current role and leads the sales and marketing projects. Dustin’s responsible for incorporating the latest technologies and innovative product development into the company’s manufacturing techniques while ensuring quality control.  Being a proud fourth generation family owned local manufacturing business, Dustin wanted to collaborate and contribute to the KMA in an effort to bring the community of manufacturers together and foster continued longevity, he serves on the Board of Directors as the Treasurer.

Board Member, KMA

Dan Kitchen

Owner/Co-Founder, Make Stuff Move Inc.

Dan Kitchen is a lifelong tinkerer who has honed skills in art, design, building, CNC and electronics.   His passion for problem-solving led him to start Invent Art Inc. where for 10 years, he has blended art and invention to solve problems in a unique way.  Wanting to share this knowledge with the next generation, Dan co-founded Make Stuff Move Inc. which designs and manufactures kits bridging STEM and Hands-On/skilled trades in ways that inspire anyone to build skills for any environment.

Dan brings his unique engagement for youth to choose a career in the local manufacturing sector by connecting the KMA with the channels to ensure a healthy workforce for continued sustainability into the future.  Dan’s talent and passion for growth in the manufacturing sector is what led him to join the KMA Board.  Dan participates in the KMA on the Event and Membership Committee.

Board Member, KMA

Roslyn Miller, B.Sc., EP

Managing Director, Atlech Environmental Group

Roslyn is a highly skilled and accomplished environmental professional with over 20 years of experience spearheading environmental approvals, reporting, and sustainability initiatives for Ontario manufacturers.  She assists clients in developing and implementing sustainability reporting programs and greenhouse gas reduction plans, further enhancing environmental compliance and sustainable practices within the manufacturing sector. 

Born and raised in the Kawartha Lakes, Roslyn now resides with her family in Fenelon Falls.  Her journey began with a Bachelor of Environmental Science degree from Trent University and an Environmental Technology diploma from Canadore College followed by being certified as an Environmental Professional, designated by the Canadian Environmental Certification Approvals Board (CECAB). Roslyn’s knowledge and passion for local manufacturing and environmental sustainability is such a contribution to the KMA members.  Rosyln participates in the KMA as a Board member and is on the Events and Membership Committee.

Board Member, KMA

Mike McQuarrie

Account Manager, Canada Colors and Chemicals Ltd (CCC Plastics)

Mike began his career 20 years ago starting as a mechanical engineer summer student at a local plastic injection moulder.  He has a well-rounded skill set in engineering, sales & marketing, product development and project management.  In his current role he is responsible for new business development opportunities, management of commercial issues, making key sourcing decisions for new tooling and capital projects, as well as development and execution of long-term sales goals and annual business plans. Having grown up in the Kawarthas, he has called Peterborough home for most of his life.  Mike has been working with the KMA for 15 years and enjoys meeting local manufacturers, learning about their processes, and manufacturing challenges. Mike joined the KMA Board to help promote local manufacturers and help with sustainability for a strong future for the manufacturing industry in the region.  Mike is on the Events and Membership Committee.

Board Member, KMA

Gavin Barrie

Operations Manager, Merit Precision

Gavin was born and raised in Peterborough.  After attending McMaster University he began working at McCloskey International and was focused on obtaining his CPA certification.  With the valuable experience gained from 7 years at McCloskey’s he left to join his family’s business at Merit Precision.  Gavin’s role is the Operations Manager where he has been working at Merit Precision for the past 6 years.  Merit provides injection moulding for customers in various industries including automotive, consumer goods, and industrial products

Growing up around manufacturing Gavin joined the KMA Board to support the local manufacturers and currently is on the Finance Committee. 

Support to KMA

Diane Richard BSc. C.Dir 

Owner, Diatom Consulting and Training Ltd.

Diane has over three decades in progressive functional and leadership roles in manufacturing.  Diane spent 17 years at DuPont Canada, 10 years at Pepsico Foods Canada and currently is the President of Diatom Consulting and Training Ltd, a company that she founded 10 years ago supporting local companies and their growth strategies.

Diane is a Certified Board Director and has served with several organizations focused on economic and social development.  Diane assists the KMA Board of Directors with governance and methods to promote manufacturing in the region.

Support to KMA

Cyndy Palleske 

Executive Director, Community Futures Eastern Ontario

Cyndy has strong roots in rural eastern Ontario and is passionate about supporting businesses and economic growth, leveraging over 3 decades of senior roles in manufacturing operations and most recently in association management. Her combined education, background and experience working in manufacturing, entrepreneurship, and association management gives Cyndy unique insight into developing strong processes and partnerships to help businesses grow.

Cyndy assists the KMA Board with governance and methods to promote manufacturing in the region.