Gabrielle Ferguson is the new leadership programs director for the Rural Institute of Ontario, working under the new chief executive officer Norm Ragetlie.
The executive changes follow the departure of Rob Black who was named a Senator earlier this year.
Ferguson will be directly responsible for managing ROI’s long-running Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program, and continuing to develop the organization’s other leadership program offerings.
Ferguson will also be instrumental in maintaining and creating sponsor relationships for current and future programs.
She has more than 25 years of experience in both industry and government, working with organizations such as the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Cargill, Pioneer Hi-Bred, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the University of Guelph.
She is also a graduate of class 15 of the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program, lives on a cash-crop farm in Lambton County and is passionate about promoting a greater understanding between agriculture and the public.
Ragetlie said her “arrival will give us a chance to take a fresh look at our leadership programming offerings.
“Gabe brings a wealth of ag sector relationships to this job which we will build upon to ensure the needs of the sector are being met.”
The Rural Ontario Institute is a non-profit organization committed to developing leaders and facilitating collaboration on issues and opportunities facing rural and northern Ontario. More information is available at www.ruralontarioinstitute.ca/.
