Staff
Emma King – Interim Executive Director
Born and raised in Wallaceburg, I have chosen to settle here with my three sons. I have worked locally in the public sector for over two decades through sales, marketing and customer service. I have a passion for helping people thrive and ensuring they receive the support they require, which is why I pursued a diploma in Social Service Work.
I have gained insight into our Chamber through my two years of sitting on the Board of Directors for the Wallaceburg Chamber of Commerce, and I am eager to have the opportunity to collaborate with other like minded people to promote positive change for a place we all call home!
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Brad Paraskevopoulos- Chair
Financial Advisor The Co-operators Wallaceburg
“I am honoured to serve as the Treasurer on the Board of Directors, leveraging my expertise in finance to contribute to the organization’s success. I earned my degree in Economics from Brock University, which provided me with a strong foundation in economic principles and analytical thinking. As a Financial Advisor at The Co-operators, I bring a comprehensive understanding of financial management and investment strategies to the table. I joined the board of directors because I am passionate about contributing to the community of Wallaceburg and believe in the importance of supporting its growth and development. Outside of my professional life, I enjoy staying active in sports and keeping up with the latest trends in the stock market.”
Chris Glassford – Director
Chatham Capital Theatre-Arts & Culture & Owner of Glassford Productions
Chris Glassford is a young (32-year-old) entrepreneur from Chatham who moved to Wallaceburg roughly 9 years ago. During this time, Chris started a family here in town. Chris’s first business he started when he was 11, DJing local school dances. This business would later translate into live sound for bands, and then events and event promotion.
Chris currently works with the Chatham Capitol Theatre in Arts and Culture and owns many festivals such as the Chatham Ribfest.
Chris’s passion for business has been a lifelong endeavor, through junior achievement, multiple grants with business classes, and meetings with economic development. Chris is always starting new endeavors and testing the market with side projects to see what the community likes to support or has to offer.
Crystal Mitchell-Director
Owner Wallaceburg & Blenheim Pet Valu
My name is Crystal Mitchell and I am the owner of the Wallaceburg Pet Valu. I grew up in Wallaceburg and attended WDSS before going to the University of Windsor. For many years I have had a career with Onroute as an Operations Manager. I have always had a passion for animals and I missed being away from my home town. When the Opportunity for the Wallaceburg Pet Valu became available I knew it would become my labour of love. I am enjoying being a part of my home town again. Joining the Chamber of Commerce has given me another opportunity to have a positive impact in my home town. I look forward to working with the board and meeting more of the community.
Dalton Authier -Owner
Par72 Golf Lounge
With over a decade of sales experience in our community, I’ve learned that genuine connections and passion are paramount. Golf is my passion, and through Par 72 Golf Lounge, I’ve merged this love with my skills to create an unforgettable experience for our town. Wallaceburg is not just my home; it’s a place I’m committed to enhancing. By fostering community engagement and addressing local issues, we’re shaping a brighter future together. Par 72 isn’t just about golf; it’s about enriching lives and making Wallaceburg the best place to live. Thank you for your support on this incredible journey.
Meredith Whitehead- Director, RN, MScN, CMP
Vice President Transformation and Chief Nursing Executive
Chatham-Kent Health Alliance
As Vice President, Transformation and Chief Nursing Executive (CNE), Meredith is responsible for Nursing and Allied Health, Professional Practice, Quality, Human Resources, Organization Development and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Under this portfolio Meredith fosters and builds connections that benefit our staff with respect to practice, quality and evolving standards. As the CNE, Meredith sits at the Board of Directors and provides strategic direction on the organization’s practice environment. The new strategic elements of this role include a major focus on developing CKHA’s Diversity & Equity framework. In addition, the VP, Transformation and CNE will be providing professional practice support to the Chatham-Kent Ontario Health Team and its pursuit of a Best Practice Spotlight Organization Designation with the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario.
Meredith is a dynamic health care professional with over 18 years of experience as a Registered Nurse and over twelve of those years in progressive leadership roles in professional practice, operations and informatics. Most recently, as the Chief Nursing Information Officer with the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre in Barrie, she led a collaborative clinical systems strategy for four hospital partners. A graduate from Nipissing University and Canadore College Collaborative Program in North Bay in 2006, Meredith completed her Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing and then her Master of Science in Nursing from York University in 2010. Her international certifications in both change and project management are invaluable to CKHA and the delivery of local health care.
Meredith is also a former Executive Board Member of the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO) and just completed her term on the Board of Directors of the Nursing Leadership Network of Ontario. She has just joined our Board of Directors in November 2023.