2026- 2027 Board of Directors:
L-R: Mayor Matt Wren (present for swearing in), Leslie Thompson (Wills Transfer Ltd), Dave Smith (Career Services Brockville),Jessica King (Employment & Education Centre), Kelly Brintnell (Brockville Tourism), Wajahat Khaleeque (Sunset Grill/Mary Brown’s Chicken), Keeley Patterson (O’Farrell Financial Services), Riley Pyke – YPN (City of Brockville), Teanne Larocque (Calian), Zeke Cox (TD Commercial Banking), Christina Covey-Shannon (RBC), Rob Williams (Canadian Tire Brockville/Prescott), Michael Richards (St. Lawrence College Brockville), Melissa Hindman (United Way of Leeds & Grenville) and Lindsay Haley (Amsted Design Build)
Missing from photo: Robyn Holmes (John Howard Society of Kingston & District)
Being a board director of the Chamber of Commerce is a position of significant responsibility and leadership within the local business community. As a board director, you are entrusted with the task of guiding the strategic direction of the Chamber, advocating for the interests of its members, and fostering economic growth and prosperity in the region. This role involves active participation in decision-making processes, collaboration with fellow directors, engagement with stakeholders, and representing the Chamber in various public forums. It also requires a commitment to upholding the values and mission of the Chamber, promoting transparency, accountability, and integrity in all endeavors. Ultimately, serving as a board director offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the business landscape and contribute to the overall well-being of the community.
Executives
President – Teanne Larocque – Calian
Teanne is an experienced recruiter with over 15 years of success at creating search strategies and executing talent acquisition plans.
Teanne was raised in Brockville and is passionate about the community and its success. She joined the Chamber board to better help assist businesses in the area with resources, collaboration, and partnerships.
Started on the board: March 2021
Vice President– Robyn Holmes – John Howard Society Kingston & District
Past President – none
Secretary/Treasurer – Christina Covey-Shannon – Royal Bank of Canada
Started on the board: Sept 2020
Directors
Michael Richards- St. Lawrence College
Michael brings over a decade of experience in post-secondary education, having served in various roles across Student Services, Employment Service, Career Services, and Student Engagement. With a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), he has a strong grasp of workforce needs and student development. In his previous role with Career Services, Michael built strong relationships with local employers by hosting large-scale career fairs and employer-focused workshops. Now, he leads the implementation of college-wide co-curricular and student leadership programming.
His extensive collaboration with internal and external stakeholders has given him a clear understanding of the skills and qualities employers seek alongside academic credentials. Michael is passionate about translating these insights into accessible pathways that help students enhance their career readiness and meet the evolving demands of the job market.
A proactive and resourceful collaborator, Michael serves as an important connection point between the Chamber of Commerce and the College. Born and raised in Brockville, Michael has a strong sense of pride for the region and, as the son of entrepreneurs, he understands the vital role played by the Chamber. A father of three young boys, Michael, and his wife, Loni, recently moved back to the area to raise their family.
Started on the board: March 2024
Keeley Patterson – O’Farrell Financial Services
Keeley has been working in the financial industry for over 35 years. She is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and worked in the Personal and Commercial Banking sector for over 20 of those years. She has helped countless individuals and business owners make important financial decisions through the years, so it was a perfect match when she joined O’Farrell Wealth & Estate Planning in the spring of 2009 as a partner.
Thanks to Keeley’s time in the industry, she has worked with numerous financial statements and partnered with lawyers and accountants to help her clients make solid decisions. Her experience provides her with a unique perspective when she is providing financial and estate planning services to business owners as she is deeply familiar with both the challenges that arise and how to handle them skillfully. As a financial planner, it’s fundamental to know what is truly important to her clients. She then designs ways to help them attain the lifestyle they want, the protection they need, and achieve the clarity to make great decisions for their businesses, for the next generation, and beyond.
Keeley has been involved with Chambers for over 25 years – it is a great way to meet people, other businesses in our community we want to do business with, and give back to an organization that is easy to work with. She is very passionate about living, working, and dealing with local businesses – the Chamber is the best place to do that. The Chamber Board is the voice of business; if your business wants to be part of the local business network, advocacy, and economy – you need to get involved with your local Chamber.
Started on the board: March 2015
Leslie Thompson – Wills Transfer Ltd
Leslie Thompson is an Executive Assistant at Wills Transfer Limited, where she has been employed for the past seven years. Working closely with the President, she is a member of the senior leadership team, providing high-level administrative and strategic support. Her role involves extensive planning, organizational management, and collaboration across all levels of the workforce. Leslie also contributes to departmental support initiatives, employee training, and supports the company’s community-giving efforts.
Prior to joining Wills, Leslie spent a number of years living and working in the private school sector in the role of Dean of Students – supporting student life, activity programming, and community-based initiatives.
Raised in the Brockville region, she maintains strong ties to the local community.
Outside of work, Leslie enjoys staying active and participating in sports, attending community events and spending time with family and friends.
Started on the board: March 2026
LinkedInKelly Brintnell – Brockville Tourism
In the newly created Tourism Development role, Kelly Brintnell strives to create and evolve innovative tourism products, experiences, and services for the market, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge in the tourism and hospitality field, particularly within Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs).
With over 15 years of experience in sales, customer service, and the tourism industry, Kelly’s career has focused on corporate, government, conference, and trade sectors, showcasing a proven track record in project management and business development.
Most recently, Kelly worked with Explore Waterloo Region, managing business events and sports while developing the travel trade market. Before that, she worked at Queen’s University and with Tourism Kingston, where she successfully managed all aspects of Meetings & Conferences and Travel Trade portfolios, including budgeting and tactical planning.
Known for her specialization in people management, communication, stakeholder relations, and partnership development, Kelly has consistently delivered effective outcomes. She is dedicated to fostering a positive and professional culture, facilitating meaningful discussions, and exploring strategies to enhance the City’s tourism reach.
In her new role with the City of Brockville, Kelly will leverage her expertise to implement growth initiatives, drive the objectives outlined in the Tourism Master Plan, and lead event attraction campaigns. Her strategic mindset aligns seamlessly with the Plan’s vision.
Kelly is passionate about volunteering with local organizations that benefit the community and is committed to the region’s success as a destination.
Started on the board: March 2024
Zeke Cox – TD Commercial
Zeke is a University of Toronto alumnus with a diverse career background, including commercial real estate management in the western United States and enterprise software sales across Canada. He and his wife, Jaime, owned and operated a full-service marina in Gananoque for 13 years. After selling their business, Zeke joined the Business Development Bank of Canada as a Senior Commercial Lender in southeastern Ontario in 2015.
Passionate about supporting the growth of small and medium-sized businesses, Zeke has provided financial support ranging from “tens of thousands” to “tens of millions” across various industries in the Brockville area. He has also volunteered for local initiatives such as the Otter’s Den.
In his personal time, you might find Zeke boating on the St. Lawrence River with family and friends, golfing, or exploring the mysteries of the twelve-bar blues.
Zeke joined the Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce Board to focus on supporting the business community, particularly small businesses.
Started on the board: March 2021
Wajahat Khaleeque – Sunset Grill/Mary Brown’s Chicken
I, Wajahat Khaleeque, am a restaurant owner and entrepreneur based in Brockville, Ontario. I currently own and operate two restaurants in the city: Sunset Grill and Mary Brown’s Chicken. Through these businesses, my goal is to provide high-quality food, great customer service, and welcoming places where families and friends can come together to enjoy a meal.
I opened my first restaurant, Sunset Grill, in Brockville in 2020. Sunset Grill is a family-style breakfast and lunch restaurant that focuses on fresh, made-to-order meals. Our menu includes a wide variety of breakfast and lunch favourites such as fresh eggs, pancakes, waffles, sandwiches, burgers, and lighter options. From the beginning, my goal was to create a friendly and comfortable environment where people in the community could enjoy fresh food and good service.
In 2025, I expanded my business by opening Mary Brown’s Chicken in Brockville. Mary Brown’s is a well-known Canadian quick-service restaurant brand that specializes in fresh, hand-cut fried chicken, the Big Mary sandwich, chicken wings, chicken tenders, and other popular menu items.
Being involved in the community is also very important to me. Through my businesses, we try to support local organizations and events whenever possible. In the past, we have helped raise funds for the Brockville Food Bank, the Cooperative Care Centre, and the Canadian Cancer Society. We have also supported and sponsored community events such as boat cruises, golf tournaments, and other local fundraisers. Giving back to the community that supports our businesses is something I truly value.
Looking ahead, I plan to continue growing my businesses in Brockville. My focus is on maintaining high-quality service at Sunset Grill and Mary Brown’s while exploring opportunities to open another business in the future. My goal is to continue investing in the city, create more local jobs, and provide more dining options for the community.
Started on the board: March 2026
Lindsay Haley – Amsted Design-Build
Lindsay Haley is the General Manager and Director of Construction at Amsted Design-Build, bringing over 20 years of experience in renovations and custom home construction. A dedicated entrepreneur and seasoned industry leader, Lindsay brings a practical, people-first approach to building businesses, teams, and long-standing relationships within the community.
Prior to its successful merge with Amsted in 2021, Lindsay owned and operated Precision Contracting for 17 years, growing it into a respected local business known for quality and integrity. He also contributes to broader industry interests, recently serving as Chair of the Renovators’ Council for the
Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association and as a member of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association’s Canadian Renovators’ Council.
Lindsay has strong ties to Brockville and is proud to call the area home. He is actively involved in the community, raising his family locally, volunteering in minor hockey, and continuing to run Amsted as a business rooted in small-town values. He is passionate about supporting local businesses and helping the Brockville community continue to grow and thrive.
Started on the board: March 2026
Melissa Hindman – United Way of Leeds Grenville
Melissa enthusiastically supports local businesses through events and initiatives aimed at enhancing our community. With a passion for civic engagement and communication, she joins the Chamber Board of Directors with great enthusiasm.
Melissa established herself locally as a Young Professional when she returned from college in 2011, commuting to complete her BA in Psychology at Carleton University while working full-time and running a small business. Since 2016, she has been involved with the Brockville & District Chamber events and became the Media Director for the Brockville Young Professionals Network in 2020, successfully expanding their network.
Most recently, Melissa has started a family, which has enhanced her perspective and drive to support opportunities that strengthen the economic environment for community members and businesses.
Started on the board: March 2022
Dave Smith- Career Services
Dave is currently the Business Operations Manager of Career Services and the President of Career Services Group Ltd (Kollage SQUARE™”). With over 30 years of manufacturing experience, including 22 years with Career Services, Dave initially came to Brockville in 1995 after graduating from Queen’s University to work for Brock Telecom/SCI working in both production and logistics and as a team member sent to Belleville and Boston for production transfers to Brockville. In 2003, Dave became the Industrial Services Manager for Career Services. He was promoted to Business Operations Manager in 2016, a role he continues to hold while also serving as President of Career Services Group Ltd., which manufactures knitting needles under the Kollage SQUARE™ brand. Through the years Dave has had the privilege via Career Services to contribute to the United Way, the Brockville Food Bank, and the Brockville Winter Classic via sponsorships and fund-raising initiatives. Dave is passionate in championing change and innovation, operational efficiency, and fostering inclusive employment initiatives for individuals with disabilities facing barriers to employment. In his personal time, you might find Dave kayaking down the St Lawrence and most certainly checking out all the amazing offerings at Brockville’s Farmers Market every Saturday morning. Dave joined the Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce Board to focus on relationship building, inclusive employment opportunities and to support economic development in Brockville.
Started on the board: March 2025
Jessica King- Employment + Education Centre
Jessica is a dedicated Job Developer with the Employment + Education Centre, passionate about connecting individuals with meaningful employment opportunities. She has been a part of the Brockville community since 2012 and graduated from Algonquin College’s Radio Broadcasting Program in 2009. An avid athlete, Jessica grew up playing competitive volleyball and continued her athletic career landing a spot on Algonquin College’s women’s volleyball team (Go Thunder).
For over two years, Jessica played a key role in Business Development for the EEC’s social enterprise, CareerLabsVR, helping to expand career exploration opportunities through virtual reality. Now, she is excited to take on the role of Job Developer, continuing to support individuals in finding success in the workforce.
Outside of work, Jessica is a Muay Thai coach/instructor and competitive fighter with Boss Thai Boxing & Fitness. She is also a proud mother to a 10-year-old daughter who plays competitive hockey with the Brockville Angels, is passionate about baking and also steps into the ring from time to time.
Started on the board: March 2025
Rob Williams- Canadian Tire Brockville
Rob Williams is a dedicated community leader and business owner, with a diverse background shaped by his 17 years of service in the Canadian Armed Forces and 12 years as a police officer. His experience in high-pressure environments, coupled with a Master’s degree in Disaster and Emergency Management, has honed his problem-solving skills and leadership abilities.
In 2015, Rob transitioned from policing to entrepreneurship, purchasing his first Canadian Tire franchise. Over the years, his dedication to excellence in business led him to expand, and today, he proudly owns his forth Canadian Tire location, in Brockville. Rob moved to Brockville in 2023 with his family, embracing the community and its values. He is passionate about contributing to local growth and development, bringing a wealth of experience and a strong sense of civic responsibility to his work.
Through his successful business ventures, Rob continues to support the local economy and foster a sense of community. His leadership, dedication, and commitment to service make him a valued member of the Brockville Chamber of Commerce and an asset to the community.
Started on the board: March 2025
Riley Pyke – City of Brockville (Young Professional Rep)
Riley Pyke is a Financial Analyst with the City of Brockville, where she applies her extensive background in finance to support responsible financial planning and decision-making for the community she proudly calls home. Born and raised in Brockville, Riley is passionate about contributing to the continued growth and success of her hometown.
Beyond her professional role, Riley is actively involved in community leadership and service. She serves as Treasurer for the Brockville Young Professionals Network, helping support initiatives that empower emerging leaders and strengthen local connections. She is also a frequent volunteer with United Way Leeds & Grenville and regularly contributes her time to a variety of community initiatives throughout the region.
Riley is particularly passionate about highlighting the impact young women can have in their communities and believes strongly in encouraging the next generation of leaders to get involved and make a difference.
Outside of her professional and volunteer work, Riley enjoys spending time with her fiancé Christopher Dang as they plan their wedding for this upcoming summer, spend lots of time volunteering together, and work on projects around their home alongside their corgi, Sushi. In her free time, she plays soccer, enjoys reading and crafting, and values time spent with friends and family.
Started on the Board – March 2026
New Policy – Feb 2021
Diversity & Inclusion Policy
This policy is intended to provide a framework for inclusion to promote diversity and inclusion at the Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce. The Board of Directors of the Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce believes in the benefits diversity brings and it recognizes that diversity of thought contributes to the formation of a strong organization. This has been demonstrated across the business community of which the BDCC serves. The board recognizes that the most innovative and successful businesses, communities and economies are the most diverse. Having a board, management and staff that are composed of people with diverse skills, experience, backgrounds and perspectives can contribute to:
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- a robust understanding of opportunities, issues and risks
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- inclusion of different concepts, ideas and relationships
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- enhanced decision-making and dialogue
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- heightened capacity for oversight of the organization and its governance
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- sustainability of the organization
For purposes of this policy, diversity includes, but is not limited to:
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- skills and experience
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- sex and/or gender identity
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- race
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- culture/ethnicity
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- sexual orientation
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- income
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- disability
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- age
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- language
The board and management team will make good use of these differences and distinctions among individuals to determine the optimum composition of the board, management and staff. All board, management, and staff appointments must collectively reflect the diverse nature of the environment in which the organization operates and be made on merit, in the context of the skills, experience, independence and knowledge which the organization requires to be effective. The board is committed to ensure and maintain diversity and to diligently act to effect change. This policy applies to the board, management and staff of the Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce.
Principles
Diversity of thought is enhanced through intentional effort. The Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce will be intentional in ensuring diversity and inclusion. Credibility is enhanced through board and leadership diversity. There is a significant relationship between board and leadership diversity. Therefore, the BDCC will pursue a well-rounded, diverse, and credible approach to ensuring board and leadership diversity.
The board values a diversity of voices and sees the value that they can contribute to creative and innovative thinking within the organization. To ensure the diversity strategy of the organization is viewed as a legitimate process, all appointments will be made on merit. However, the board acknowledges that there are many different skills and knowledges that will enhance the organization, its decision-making, and successful delivery of its mandate and so understands that merit is relative to the needs of the organization. Being transparent and public about the BDCC diversity and inclusion strategy is a helpful step in holding the board and management accountable, setting an example for both members and stakeholders, and providing thought leadership in the sector. Accessibility is enhanced through a powerful, collective voice. The board will balance the intent of this policy with the need to be a powerful voice for diversity in all of its forms.
Process
To achieve its diversity aspirations, the board will:
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- ensure the board’s composition considers the balance of skills, experience, knowledge, perspectives, independence and characteristics in alignment with the strategic needs of the Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce and the environment in which it operates
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- identify suitable candidates for appointment to the board, considering candidates on merit against objective criteria, and with due regard for the benefits of diversity on the team
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- continue to maintain an ongoing list of potential candidates for board positions
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- work with management to ensure that all aspects of the organization, including its talent recruitment and business practices reflect the diversity and inclusion objectives of the board
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- monitor and report annually to the membership, both at the Annual General Meeting of the organization and on the BDCC website its progress with respect to this policy
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- work with management to encourage Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce members to adopt similar diversity and inclusion policies, practices and goals, and ensure that the organization continues to educate its membership about the merits of building and maintaining a diverse workplace and inclusive business practices.
Review
Annually by the Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
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