Four Directors Join the Guelph Community Foundation Board
We are excited to welcome four new members to the Guelph Community Foundation Board of Directors: Lloyd Longfield, Meg Ryan, David Hong, and Karen Menard. We are also pleased to congratulate director Eric Johnstone as he steps into the role of Board Chair from Vice-Chair. We express our gratitude and thanks to former Board Chair Carly O’Brien as she steps into the Past Chair role on our Board.
David Hong, Former CAO at Ontario College Application Service
David Hong brings more than two decades of executive leadership experience spanning organizational growth, strategic transformation, and governance. His community leadership experience also includes serving as Vice-Chair of the Guelph Community Health Centre’s Board of Directors, providing valuable governance insight.
Lloyd Longfield, Happily Retired
Lloyd Longfield has spent his career building connections between business, government, and community organizations. During his time being an MP for Guelph and the President of the Guelph Chamber of Commerce, he brings extensive experience in public service, economic development, and collaborative leadership. His volunteering experience has included leadership roles with the YMCA, United Way GWD, Immigration Services, River Run Centre, and Boundless Accelerator (formerly Innovation Guelph).
Karen Menard, Founder and CEO of Measured Strategies
Returning Board Member Karen Menard brings both valuable knowledge of GCF and significant expertise in governance and strategy. She has helped organizations across the charitable, post-secondary, and health sectors turn complex challenges into actionable plans. Karen previously served as the Chair of GCF’s Grants Committee and is on the board of directors for the YMCA of Three Rivers and 10C Shared Space.
Meg Ryan, Program Assistant at Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington
Meg Ryan joins the Board with a strong background in nonprofit operations, fundraising, volunteer engagement, and community development. Through her work at Hope House, the Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington and as an MBA graduate of the University of Guelph, she brings a valuable combination of frontline community experience and strategic insight. Committed to community impact in the downtown area, she continues to volunteer at Hope House on their Hope in the Street Event Planning Committee.
Eric Johnstone, Vice President, Finance, Chief Financial Officer at Conestoga College
GCF also recognizes an important leadership transition on the Board. As Carly O’Brien concludes her term as Chair, we extend our sincere thanks for her dedication, leadership, and service. Her contributions helped strengthen GCF’s governance and deepen its impact across the community, and we are fortunate she will continue to serve as a member of the Board.
Building on that strong foundation, Eric Johnstone has been elected Board Chair after serving as Vice-Chair. Since joining the Board in 2022, Eric has contributed through the Finance, Investment, and Nominations Committees. His financial expertise, governance experience, and steady leadership will help guide GCF through its next chapter.
The Board of Directors
GCF’s Board plays a vital role in guiding our strategic direction, providing fiduciary oversight, and ensuring we have the resources needed to advance our mission and strategic priorities. The experience and leadership these individuals bring will help strengthen our impact across Guelph and Wellington County. We look forward to the contributions of our new Directors as we continue creating lasting impact throughout our community.