Each of our Board Members bring valuable experience and knowledge to the table!
There are presently seven Directors.
Doug McCann
Like so many who wanted to get that proverbial foot in the door, Doug got his opportunity when he was hired as an operator at CKSO FM in June of 1975. Doug went on to AM operation, radio production and hosting an all-night show on CKSO AM. He worked for a short stint in radio production at CFGO AM in Ottawa, then back to CKSO and eventually Parry Sound at CFBQ AM where he hosted his first daytime show. It was off to CFOR in Orillia as swing announcer and then back to Parry Sound opening a record and tape retail store. In 1985 he sold advertising for a local newspaper but was back on air at what was now CKLP FM, Parry Sound until 1996. Doug went on to write software, handle computer consulting, with CKLP FM as one of his clients and did freelance voice tracking. Eventually Doug and a business partner launched Cambrian Hosting in 2001, an Internet company that provided hosting, web design, e-commerce and related services. After the company sold its clientele Doug focused on running a small production company. In November of 2021 Doug published “The Story of the Birth of Broadcasting in Sudbury - Local Visionaries, Canadian Pioneers of Broadcasting”. Doug presently owns and operates Parry Sound Eastern Shores Online Radio, which streams 24/7. At ParrySoundRadio.com the station has been streaming since July of 2019 and originates in Parry Sound and is not a cloud operation. Doug is married to Josey and is currently serving his third term on The Town of Parry Sound Council.
Robert Bowland
It all started in a little 250 watt AM radio station in Woodstock, Ontario in September of 1960 after attending Technical High School at Clarke Road High School in London, majoring in electricity. Bob got the bug for DJing high school rock and roll dances which led to applying for jobs in radio stations. CKOX in Woodstock came through with an assistant engineer's job that led to part time announcing which led to full time announcing. Bob then moved on to host a very popular rock and roll show on C-HOW Welland/Port Colbourne. Then came CFOR Orillia as rock and roll DJ, Music Director and finally Program Director. In 1972 Bob made a 90 degree turn into news casting on CKNX-TV and Radio in Wingham, Ontario. CFGM-AM in Richmond Hill, but really a Metro Toronto country music station owned by Allen Sleight, was looking for a morning news person in 1973 and Bob performed that duty for a period and then back to Program Directing at CHOO-AM in Ajax, Ontario. CKNX-TV beckoned again and he was back to Wingham before going to Barrie Ontario and CKVR-TV as Senior News Anchor. When CHAY-FM went on the air in Barrie in 1977, Bob would be the first employee under General Manager Vin Dittmer. He had been a station consultant regarding CRTC matters and turned out to be a great mentor. He wore a number of hats at CHAY. News Director, Operations Manager and Technical Supervisor. The CHAY experience led to an opportunity to purchase the Parry Sound AM repeater of Huntsville known as CFBQ-AM. He wrote the application for a First Service FM radio station which included turning the AM station off and turning on CKLP-FM. In the beginning the power was equivalent to 3,000 watts but, in a few short years it was increased to 50,000 watts. Again, Bob wore many hats, Owner, Manager, Engineer, Program Director and News Director. And yes, hauled a DJ shift on air. Many other tasks fell to me including: budgeting, rate cards, license renewals, marketing, promotions, hiring, firing and even changing tubes in the transmitter. Bob and his wife sold the station in 2001 and retired... sort of! Since then he helped with a community station for Wasauksing First Nation on Parry Island and did a program weekly. Presently he helps out with Parry Sound Eastern Shores Online Radio, as an advisor and continues to do a weekly program of oldies rock and roll. The station streams from Parry Sound at ParrySoundRadio.com.
Susan McCann
Susan, or "Josey" as she goes by, brings a great deal of office and clerical experience to the Association. She presently holds the position of Human Resources Advisor at the West Parry Sound Health Centre, Parry Sound, Ontario. Since 2012 she has been responsible for the daily management of the benefit plans of the organization, assists with the day-to day operation of the Human Resources department, assists with the planning and execution of the annual long service awards evening and was responsible for two software implementations of Payroll Information Systems. From 1999 to 2011 she was the Financial Services Clerk at the Health Centre, carrying out payroll for over 500 employees with 6 collective agreements, holding this key payroll position for seven years. She also assisted in the accounts payable department for five years. She has earned several certificates for online education including, "Compensation" and "Accounting Principles", "Human Resources Management" and "Payroll Compliance Practitioner" including 'Payroll Compliance Legislation', 'Payroll Fundamentals 1 & 2'.
Glenn Dekker
Glenn was employed at TMMC for Toyota Manufacturing Canada | TMMC Inc. for a period of eight years. He relocated to the Parry Sound Area in December of 2019 taking a new position at Belvedere Heights Long-term Care where he became Manager of the Life Lease wing. This involves management and maintenance of 24 units, plus common areas, and also in the long-term care area. He is currently studying Information Technology and volunteers at the West Parry Sound District Museum handling IT issues, networking and hardware replacement. He also assists with IT matters at Belvedere Heights.
Nadine Hammond
Nadine brings to the board a great deal of knowledge and experience specifically suited to the nature of community radio. Her administrative and organizational skills will strengthen the board. She also brings a great deal of grant application writing, most conducive for the organization’s financial health and sustainability. She holds a Certificate of Arts and Cultural Management from Grant Macewan College, Edmonton, Alberta. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Theatre/Visual Arts from Algoma University, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Nadine is an experienced curator with a demonstrated history of working in the museums and institutions industry.
She has developed strong skills in working with non-profit organizations, event management, editing, volunteer management and public speaking. Presently Nadine continues her professional career as the Manager of The West Parry Sound District Museum. She has previously filled a role there as Curator Manager starting in 2011. She manages the day-to-day operations including bookkeeping, seeking funding opportunities and promoting the growth of new community partnerships. She oversees the development of new exhibits and marketing materials, coordinates volunteers and staff, and supervises the operation of the gift shop. Nadine is a hometown girl having been born and raised in Parry Sound.
George Ashford
George was elected Councillor for the Town of Parry Sound in 2022. He is husband to Sarah McDowall and together they have two daughters, Pippa and Lena. After moving to Parry Sound in 2008 to start his teaching career, George fell in love with the community and began getting involved. George holds an undergraduate degree from University of Western Ontario (UWO), a teaching Degree from UWO and a Masters of Religious Education Degree from University of Toronto. George has served on not-for-profit boards including Harvest Share Community Food Programs, Hospice West Parry Sound, West Parry Sound Health Centre and Hands to name a few. He has worked in elementary education supporting the arts and special education. Perhaps most joyfully, George spends his time with his family enjoying Georgian Bay and everything the Parry Sound community has to offer. George’s experience in Parry Sound has led him to serve the community further as a Councillor, and with the support of the people, has embarked on his mandate exercising the same care and passion he demonstrates in his professional and philanthropic ventures. He is committed to developing Parry Sound and its unique character and history. He believes that the people are stronger together and every voice is valuable.
Gordon Harrison
Born and raised in Carling Township, Gord left home for a short time to study film and work in film production. Returning home, he became involved in a variety of activities such as the Volunteer Fire Department, the local radio station and municipal politics. He served on Carling Council for 15 years including four years as Mayor. He has served on a number of local boards including District Social Services, West Parry Sound District Museum, Parry Sound District EMS Advisory Committee, Harvest Share Food Bank and Parry Sound Not-For-Profit Housing. Additionally, he was a founding member of the Bimaajitoon Search and Rescue Team. Currently Gord is the Fire Chief for the Township of Carling.