The Friends of Gatineau Park can achieve its goals because of the work of its Board of Directors, its Coordinator and a motivated team of volunteers and interpreters of the natural and cultural heritage.
Our Board of Directors
The Board oversees the operations of the organization. It is made up of a maximum of twelve members including a representative from the National Capital Commission (NCC). The directors are elected during the Annual General Assembly for two year terms. The Board normally meets for two hour meetings which are held eleven times a year. The Executive Committee (President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer) meets monthly. On average, directors dedicate at least five to six hours per month to their respective responsibilities.
Gershon Rother
President
President
+ A little about Gershon
Gershon has been a Park user for the past 40 years or so - hiking, skiing, biking, camping, paddling, etc. He has a biology degree from McGill University and a Masters in Environmental Studies from York University.
Aside from short jobs with the Conservation Authorities and Parks Canada, his working career has been mainly with the NCC - alternating a few times between the Greenbelt and Gatineau Park. In the Park he has worked in the Conservation Section as a biologist and then in the Planning and Development Section. His last position at the NCC was as manager of the Greenbelt.
After retiring he joined the Friends of Gatineau Park where he sits on the Board of Directors and is the chair of our Program Committee.
Aside from short jobs with the Conservation Authorities and Parks Canada, his working career has been mainly with the NCC - alternating a few times between the Greenbelt and Gatineau Park. In the Park he has worked in the Conservation Section as a biologist and then in the Planning and Development Section. His last position at the NCC was as manager of the Greenbelt.
After retiring he joined the Friends of Gatineau Park where he sits on the Board of Directors and is the chair of our Program Committee.
+ A little about Graeme
Graeme is a founding member of the Friends of Gatineau Park. He has been a member of the Board since 2001. He has occupied all the officer positions, and is currently the treasurer, and the chair of the fundraising committee. The Roderick Award, given annually in recognition of an exceptional volunteer has been named in his honour. Graeme Roderick
Treasurer and acting Secretary |
+ A little about Allison
Allison Eagen is the National Capital Commission’s (NCC) representative on the Friends of Gatineau Park Board. She has been working in public programming and visitor services since 2008, and has been working for the NCC in Gatineau Park since 2012. Allison Eagen
NCC liaison |
Sébastien Pannier
Coordinator
Coordinator
+ A litlle more about Sebastien
As a nature and animals lover, he naturally decided to join the team. His atypical career from France to UK and now here in this beautiful region of outaouais.
Our Nature and Heritage Interpreters
To offer the majority of our programs, we rely on passionate interpreters who put heart and soul in their work to help visitors discover the marvels of nature and our historical heritage. It is thanks to them that we can offer quality activities about the Park. Since the list of interpreters we call upon changes slightly each season, we cannot introduce them to you here, but, come meet them by ordering a private group activity!
Our Volunteers
Many of our projects could not see the light of day without our fantastic volunteers team. Whether it be our events, NCC-Friends trail maintenance workbees, our general public activities, our programs, and more, the volunteers who contribute leave their mark by making these activities work and providing great experiences to the visitors.
Work Committees and Volunteer Coordination
Work stemming from Board decisions is taken on by the Coordinator and committees.
Committee chairs:
Committee chairs:
- Program Committee : Gershon Rother
- Fundraising Committee : Bertrand Duclos
- Communication Committee: Sébastien Pannier
- Citizen Science Program Management Committee : Catherine Dumouchel
- Volunteer Coordinator : Marie-Christine Bédard