Board & Committee Volunteers

In September 2021, Debbi proudly received a plaque, “Dufferin Community Foundation’s First Employee.” She was our first General Manager, instrumental in guiding the organization in our first few years of operation. She must have missed us (we certainly missed her) because she came back as a volunteer, joining the Board in 2022 and leading our Outreach Committee.

Originally from Kenora, Ontario, Debbi built a successful career in Calgary in recruiting and sales management before following her heart to the non-profit sector. As General Manager of a Community Association, she was responsible for facilities operation, administration and financial management. Building on her passion for music and festivals, she also developed strong community-based programming in collaboration with non-profit organizations.

When Debbi “retired” to Mono in 2008, she began volunteering for the Orangeville Blues & Jazz Festival before becoming its Executive Director from 2012 to 2014. She managed all aspects of festival operations, with a focus on branding and community engagement that resulted in increased sponsorships and spectator attendance. She was appointed to the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Grant Review Team for Waterloo, Wellington, Dufferin and has been a Grant Reviewer for both Dufferin County and the Dufferin Community Foundation.

Debbi and her partner Karen are active in many community programs and events, acting on their shared belief that volunteers are a community’s greatest asset.

Shirley has been a resident of Mulmur for 17 years, having moved from Richmond Hill. She and husband Tom were delighted to discover that Tom’s great grandfather had been a blacksmith right in their immediate community before moving on to Creemore.

Her early community contribution was spending several years on the Board of NDACT addressing the Mega Quarry application. Shirley was instrumental in the evolution of their Food & Water First campaign, advocating to community groups and councils across southern Ontario. During that time, she also spent seven years heading up Headwaters Communities in Action (HCIA). Under her leadership, HCIA expanded the portfolios and partnerships to include DC MOVES, Volunteer Dufferin and the Dufferin Community Grant assessment process.

Shirley now supports her community as a councillor for Mulmur, championing issues of well-being and protection of the environment and watershed via the Board of the NVCA. She is delighted to be part of Dufferin Community Foundation, an exciting and growing organization.

Avery Delisle is a lifelong resident of Orangeville who enjoys getting involved in the community. She earned a degree in Accounting & Financial Management from the University of Waterloo. During her time at university, Avery volunteered as part of the David T. Carter Foundation Review Team, providing financial analysis of potential grant recipients for $12 million in funding from the Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation, and continues to sit on the internal audit committee for the City of Waterloo.

In Orangeville, Avery has volunteered for various local sports organizations and has participated in the annual tax clinic for low-income individuals in the community since 2016. She currently works as a Senior Accountant at BDO in Orangeville. Through her job, Avery works with many local non-profit clients and sees firsthand the immense impact grant funding can have on these organizations and the broader community. Avery holds the Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation and the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation. In her personal time, she loves travelling, reading and staying active.

Fatima Medeiros leads a dynamic settlement services team in Orangeville, ensuring successful integration for immigrants and refugees. As a dedicated Red Cross Emergency volunteer since 2018 and a committed Alzheimer’s Society supporter, she is valued for her skill and compassion.

From a successful career as a Corporate Vice President in the logistics industry, Fatima followed her heart and transitioned into the realm of community service. She now uses her logistical business expertise to navigate the challenges of settlement services for newcomers to our community, leaving a positive impact on their lives. Fatima holds several certificates, including Conflict Transformation and the Social Context of Mental Health & Illness.

Fatima is thrilled to be part of the board of directors, and is committed to making Dufferin County an even more welcoming and supportive haven for all who call it home. She shares life with her husband, son, and her adorable Rottweiler babies.

Diane Lawson has been an active volunteer in Dufferin County since 1973.  From 1997 to 2011 Diane lead an Orangeville Minor Hockey initiative to ensure local youth were able to afford hockey equipment through an equipment exchange program. For 15 years the Minor Hockey equipment exchange benefitted local hockey players and families alike. In addition to her involvement with Minor Hockey, Diane has been an engaged volunteer with Bereaved Families of Ontario, local churches, Headwaters Health Care Centre, Canadian Cancer Society and for 25 years has organized the Kaycee Gardens Memorial Angel Tree. Diane continues to provide grief support through her business Good Grief. Since 2020, Diane has been the Spiritual Care Coordinator at Headwaters Health Care Centre, where she is tasked with leading the compassionate chaplains within the Headwaters community. Diane’s husband of 38 years, Keith, has been a police officer in the area since 1980. In their spare time they enjoy travelling the globe and look forward to exploring more when it’s safe to do so again. Diane is thrilled to be a member of The Dufferin Community Foundation and to have the opportunity to continue to give back to a community that has given her and her family so much.

MaryAnn’s 50+ year professional career includes elementary, secondary and university teaching; management consulting to Canadian and international public and private sector organizations; and leadership roles in a large global firm. She is best known for her strategic thinking and coaching skills. She credits opportunities provided to her at age 14, as a youth member of the YWCA Board in Elgin County, for a lifelong dedication to community involvement and mentorship. She has led boards and committees that address education, healthcare, local economic development, international development and women’s issues. MaryAnn lives in Mulmur, where her husband, Keith, is also active in community organizations. Their two children and their partners are all active volunteers in national and international not-for-profits.

Michele Maycock is a Dufferin County resident who came from London to Orangeville in 1986 to teach elementary school initially at Princess Elizabeth Public School. She then taught at Credit Meadows Elementary School, Mono Amaranth Public School, Primrose Elementary School and East Garafraxa Public School. During her 30 year teaching career, Michele taught Primary and Junior classes, Early Literacy and Special Education. 

Michele’s greatest joy has been raising four wonderful sons, each of whom are following their passion. Of course, raising children is a team effort and Michele gives huge credit to the positive, uplifting influence of her husband Warren, who is an ever present and ever loving supportive Father.

Michele’s community involvement includes being a Big Sister for 6 years with the Big Brothers Big Sisters Dufferin organization. In her retirement Michele has become involved with being a CFUW (Canadian Federation of University Women) member, being a member of the Westminster United Church Fundraising Committee for the Lower Level Renovation (2019), and being the Speaker and Luncheon Co-ordinator for DAC (Dufferin Arts Council). 

Michele has taken Creative Writing courses at University of Toronto, School of Continuing Studies and is a pianist, writer, swimmer, badminton player and alpaca enthusiast! 

Michele is delighted to join the board of the Dufferin Community Foundation to contribute her time, energy and creativity to such a very worthwhile cause.