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.
Erin Monture
Steven Portelli
Steven Portelli was born and raised in Brantford. After leaving Brantford to pursue his education and early career, he was drawn back to his hometown in 2004 to practice at Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon LLP. He is deeply committed to the success of Brantford and has demonstrated this through his involvement in the community of Brantford and Brant, serving on a number of boards, providing pro bono legal services to several non-profits and charities.
Rita-Marie Hadley
Rita-Marie joined the Brant Community Foundation Board of Directors in 2023.
Since 2006, has been the Executive Director of Lansdowne Children’s Centre, one of 21 Children’s Treatment Centres meeting Ontario’s child development and rehabilitation needs.
Born and raised in Brantford, Rita-Marie attended Pauline Johnson Collegiate, then University of Toronto’s St. Michael’s College.
After earning degrees in Science and Health Administration, and the Certified Health Executive designation, Rita-Marie worked locally in district health system planning, then hospital-based project management before settling into pediatric rehab.
While she and her husband raised two daughters in Brantford and Brant County, her volunteer involvement included governance leadership on local and provincial boards in the health and not-for-profit sectors. She has been a member of Rotary International since 2008, serving as club president and in leadership locally and at the district level around youth leadership and international exchange.