Meaford Culture Foundation Board

The Meaford Culture Foundation is led by a volunteer Board of Directors

We also have committees of volunteers who assist individual Directors to manage their portfolio.  

If you are interested in becoming a committee or board volunteer, please contact us!  Working with the Foundation is an empowering way to contribute to the Meaford community through arts and culture.

 

Dan White (Chair) is a newly retired financial advisor of 7 years and prior to that worked in manufacturing for 38 years in various positions including Production Manager, Quality Manager and Process Improvement Manager.  He is currently the President of the Meaford Kinsmen, member of the Meaford chapter of Community Foundation Grey Bruce (previously a board member) and Past President of the Meaford Chamber of Commerce.

 

 

Beth Rutty began her graphic design career in 1985 at a small creative agency before moving into freelance work with GTA ad firms. She later co-founded Graphic Ideas (GI) with her husband, Dean, running it successfully for 30 years with a small team focusing on non-profit clients—a niche they loved and served with dedication. Alongside design, Beth taught fitness at the YMCA of Hamilton/Burlington/Brantford, where GI provided consistent branding across all branches for over a decade. Her love of anatomy led her to yoga, and she has since spent over 20 years teaching, and training teachers. Now based in Meaford, she offers Thai Yoga Massage, Reflexology, and Reiki—and in summer, you’ll find her kayaking, cycling, or tending gardens.

 

Suzanne Scott is an accomplished professional with a strong background in event planning and fund development. She has contributed her talents to organizations such as the Red Cross and the McMichael Canadian Art Collection. After moving the Meaford full time in 2018 Suzanne became involved with the Meaford International Film Festival (MIFF) before officially joining the Meaford Culture Foundation in 2025. Her passion for community engagement, combined with her strategic planning skills, has consistently driven successful initiatives.

 

 

Laurie Stephens is a writer who joined the Meaford Culture Foundation in 2025. She began her career as a reporter/editor for the Canadian Press, covering such beats as sports, news and Queen’s Park. Following the 1990 Ontario election campaign, she joined the Bob Rae government as his press secretary and as communications lead in the Ministry of Intergovernmental Affairs. Her post-government career included senior communications positions at the University of Toronto, Toronto Community Housing, Tarion, and Credit Union Central of Ontario. In 2025, she co-authored In Pursuit of Mental Wellness in the First Responder Community. Laurie moved to Meaford in 2017 and now operates a writing/editing business for select clients.

Denise Horvath has been a resident of Meaford for over 40 years. A dedicated educator and lifelong learner, she specialized in adolescent education, special education, and literacy, teaching at Meaford Community School before serving as principal at both MCS and Alexandra
Community School in Owen Sound. Denise values creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving, and previously chaired the Meaford Scarecrow Invasion. She continues to explore the arts through drawing, painting, and pottery. In 2026, she joined the Meaford Culture Foundation, where she looks forward to supporting cultural initiatives and contributing to the vibrancy of the local arts community.

Andrea Roylance is a proud citizen of Meaford and joined the Meaford Culture Foundation Board in December 2023. Specializing in community engagement and fundraising events, Andrea has  experience in various sectors including travel and tourism, arts and culture, public relations and healthcare community development. Andrea is excited to contribute to the arts and cultural environment and looks forward to creating awareness and increasing participation in all that our community has to offer.

 

 

Ted Brown (MIFF advisor)joined the Foundation in 2005 and brings 50 years of experience in building construction & trade show project management. He is involved with two companies, one for specialty construction project management and the other a manufacturer of Trade Show booths, special signage and graphic applications. He is a past-President of the Meaford Curling Club.  Ted has masterminded many fundraisers in the Municipality.