Paula Thomlison, Chair
Paula joined the Brant Community Foundation as a member of its Grants Committee in 2008. She comes to the Foundation with a strong background in grant making, fund development, community development, marketing and communication, program development, and health promotion. She is an accomplished leader with long-standing ties to the Brantford community and has established many partnerships and working relationships that demonstrate the power of collaboration. Over her long and varied 30-year career, Paula has worked extensively with Boards of Directors, governments, not-for-profit and public organizations.
She is a founding member of Brant Food For Thought, a founding member of the Brantford Film Festival and served as a member of the Sanderson Centre Foundation Board of Directors for several years. Recently retired as the Executive Director of Crossing All Bridges Learning Centre Inc., Paula played a pivotal role in securing a permanent location for this grassroots organization during her tenure. As a happily retired person, she is now focused on lending her expertise and giving back to her community. She has a deep understanding of the issues facing not-for-profit organizations and is passionate about providing equal opportunities for all citizens.
Paula is an avid reader, loves to spend time with her grandson and enjoys the relaxation and health benefits of yoga. Gardening and travel are also high on her list of favourite things
Steve McGaghran, Treasurer
As a Partner at Millards, Steve has grown his client base over the past 16 years with the belief that everyone deserves personalized service and attention to detail. Specializing in personal and corporate tax planning, accounting and auditing for both the private and not-for profit sector, Steve ensures that he understands each client’s needs. To Steve, every client is important and he enjoys providing advice to help them be successful and reach their goals.
Steve was born and raised in Brantford and is a graduate of St John’s College. He went on to graduate from the University of Western Ontario and holds CPA, CA, CGA and LPA designations.
Steve spends most of his personal time with his wife and young children, and is dedicated to his community through his volunteer work. He was a Rotarian for 10 years and served on the Rotary Board of Directors as Treasurer. Steve has also served on several local not-for-profit organizations including Lansdowne Children’s Centre, Brant Food for Thought and is currently the Treasurer of the Brant Community Foundation.
Darin Cleary, Past Chair
Darin has been living the philosophy that “when your clients are as close as friends, it makes working together a pleasure” since he started in the business over 20 years ago. Darin was born and raised in Brantford. He started his career in the late eighties with Collins Barrow Chartered Accountants, and merged with Millards in 2000. Darin’s affinity for level-headed analysis on his client’s behalf has helped him grow his client base in manufacturing, not for profit, healthcare and an extensive multi-faced practice. He is always available to his clients and excited to assist them in achieving their financial goals.
Darin lives in Brantford with his wife & two children. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Wayne Gretzky Foundation and was recognized in 2021 with an Ontario Volunteer Service Award for 10 years of volunteering at the Foundation. Darin joined the Brant Community Foundation Board of Directors in 2012 and has served as Treasurer, Vice-Chair and Chair.
Chuck Beach
Chuck Beach was born and raised in Toronto. He graduated from the University of Waterloo Co-op Chemistry Program. He was immediately hired by S.C. Johnson here in Brantford, where he worked for the next 31 years, ultimately retiring as Vice President of Technical Support. Mr. Beach successfully led his company’s efforts in obtaining ISO 9002 and ISO 14001 certifications. His external corporate involvement clearly reflected his focus on the environment where he sat on boards such as the Pest Management Regulatory Agency Advisory Board, and the Ontario Waste Diversion Organization.
Even his volunteer work reflected his strong commitment to the environment, where his involvement on boards such as the Brant Waterways Foundation and the City of Brantford’s Environmental Policy Advisory committee, which he chaired, led to him receiving the Grand River Conservation Authority Watershed Award for his volunteer environmental activities in September 2010.
Chuck is currently serving as an Adult Advisor for the Brant Community Foundation Youth Advisory Committee.
Jayne Carman
Jayne has lived in Brant County for most of her life and is passionate about serving her community and helping others. She worked for the County of Brant for 40 years in the Clerk’s Department, working closely with the Mayor, Council, staff and members of the public. Over the years, Jayne has been involved in a number of local non-profit groups ranging from professional organizations to home and school associations, historical societies and church organizations. She currently serves as a Director of Brant Mutual Insurance, Chair of Oakland Scotland Community Church and Secretary to the Thank-A-Vet Luncheon Committee. Now retired, Jayne spends her time with grandkids and volunteering.
Larry Davis
Larry Davis is a third generation dairy farmer who has taken seriously the notion that farmers must be stewards of the land. Mr. Davis was the first farmer in Brant County to deliver and implement the Environmental Farm Plan. Recognizing that water is our most precious commodity recycling the water used on his farming operation is but one example of the plan at work. He took responsibility for educating not only other farmers, but children in the community on the importance of good stewardship of the land.
His tireless efforts have made him a leader in the farming community and his leadership has benefitted numerous organizations, such as the Brant Resource Stewardship Network, the Burford Agricultural Society and Junior Farmers, to name but a few, as well as being the Brant County representative on the Ontario Federation of Agriculture and the past president and current director of the Brant County Federation of Agriculture.
Lucy Marco
Lucy Marco retired as the YMCA of Brantford Director of Immigrant Settlement Services and is currently President of the Grand River Council on Aging. She describes herself as Brantford’s “walking community information” centre. With over 55 years of experience in manufacturing, marketing, human resource development, administration and management positions, combined with 45 years of volunteer service on over 40 community boards, service clubs and advisory committees, she really is familiar with all aspects of life in our community.
Janis Monture
Janis Monture is from Six Nations of the Grand River, Mohawk Nation Turtle Clan and currently serving as the Director of Tourism and Cultural Initiatives for the Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation (SNGRDC). From 2003 – early 2017 Janis was the Executive Director of the Woodland Cultural Centre, one of the largest First Nations-run cultural centres/museums in the country. She has made large impacts in the Centre’s development by leading the capital renovation project for the museum building in 2012, leveraging more funding to hire 2 more full-time permanent staff, and completing a 3-Year strategic plan which included a fully implemented marketing initiative which has now boosted visitor attendance and media coverage of the Centre’s exhibits and events.
Her current focus at the Centre is working with Friends and Neighbours for the Save the Evidence Campaign. Janis is also currently President of Kaha:wi Dance Theatre. Ms. Monture was on secondment to Harbourfront Centre in Toronto as the Guest Artistic Director of Planet IndigenUS in 2009, the largest international Indigenous contemporary arts festival in the world. In 2012, Janis was the co-Artistic Director of Planet IndigenUS, and has been appointed Artistic Director of Planet IndigenUS for its 2015 festival. She continues to expand and diversify the programming with a new partnership with the Pan Am Games. Janis Monture graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a Bachelor of Arts in History and received her diploma in Museum Studies from Algonquin College. Janis continues to volunteer in her community at Six Nations and in Brantford and is a board member of Kaha:wi Dance Theatre, as well as the Brant Community Foundation.
Jim Steele
Jim is the CEO of the Canadian Branch of a New Zealand based company providing software to Ontario electric utilities. His previous work included senior management responsible for the customer services section at Brantford Power. He has extensive board experience having served on the boards of several organizations over the past 30 years. His experience with the Brant Community Healthcare System and their boards has provided a broad background in governance and Foundation operation.
Jim has been a member and chair of the following boards: Junior Achievement, Kiwanis Club of Brantford, Brant Community Healthcare System, Brant Community Healthcare System Foundation, & The Kiwanis Foundation of Canada. He is a 35-year member of Kiwanis Club of Brantford and currently serves as the District Secretary –Treasurer, overseeing a District from Thunder Bay to Newfoundland, throughout the Caribbean and parts of South America (over 7000 members in 250 clubs located in 15 countries).
William Underwood
Bill conducted his legal practice in Brantford for thirty seven years and now serves as Counsel with his firm, Underwood, Ion & Johnson. Bill has held many past positions serving the community including serving on the Board of the Brantford Jaycees, The chairman of the Group Committee of Cedarland Scouts, President of the Brant County Cancer Unit and President of the Brant Law Association. Bill has also spent many years coaching minor baseball and basketball. Bill joined the Brant Community Foundation Board of Directors in 2014 and recently completed his term as Board Chair.