Board Members
The 1000 Islands Community Development Corporation operates under the care and control of a volunteer board of directors that is representative of the economic sectors and communities of our service territory. The current board of directors includes:
Mr. Ron Merkley – Chairman
Mr. Ron Merkley, Chairman, is owner/operator of a real estate appraisal and sales operation. He is past president of the Ontario Real Estate Board and has chaired the 1000 Islands Community Development Corporation since 2017.
Mr. Lawrence Fielding – Past-Chairman
Mr. Lawrence Fielding, Past Chairman, is an independent financial advisor with several years experience in the banking industry. He is a past director with St. Vincent DePaul Hospital and is actively involved with many local charitable initiatives. He chaired the 1000 Islands CDC for several years.
Ms. Wendy Merkley – Vice-Chairman
Ms. Wendy Merkley, Vice Chairperson, owns and operates a successful marina and general store in the community of Rockport. She is a former councillor for the Township of Leeds & The Thousand Islands and sits on and volunteers with a number of community boards. She has recently played an integral role in raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to restore the Rockport Customs House property.
Mr. David Boyd
Mr. David Boyd, Director, owns a sporting goods wholesale company buying and selling sporting goods in Canada, USA, South America and Europe. Among his community contributions, he is particularly proud to coach rowing to the young people of our area. He also presently sits as director and treasurer for the Brockville Rowing Club.
Mr. David Hain
Mr. David Hain, Director, is a retired solicitor who offered services in Brockville for almost 40 years. He has continued to remain active in the community with multiple volunteer commitments, particularly in the fields of education and music.
Ms. Trish McNamara
Ms. Trish McNamara, Director, is Program Manager at Kingston Employment Youth Services (KEYS) Job Centre serving Gananoque and the northern Leeds area. She is past president of the Thousand Islands Gananoque Chamber of Commerce and remains active with multiple community development and volunteer associations throughout the region.
Mr. Bob Runciman
Mr. Bob Runciman, Director, is former leader of the official opposition in the Ontario Legislature. First elected as Member of Provincial Parliament in 1981, he held the seat continuously for 29 years. He was appointed to the Senate of Canada in 2010 and for almost 6 years chaired the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee. He retired from the Senate in August, 2017. He is current Chairman of the St. Lawrence Parks Commission and he volunteers in support of several causes of great importance to the community.
