The Ontario Holstein Branch’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce Merina Johnston as the new General Manager of Ontario Holstein. Merina will assume the role on May 1st, 2017. She will work from the Branch’s office in Cambridge as well as be responsible for Field Service in the West-Central district.
Board President Sandy O’Hara expressed the Directors’ excitement in announcing the new GM. “Merina brings strong business skills, people management experience and a dynamic, fresh perspective to the role, not to mention a love for the dairy industry. In these rapidly changing times, the Board is thrilled to support someone who offers both Industry experience and a positive vision for the future. She comes with a wealth of knowledge, enabling her to work with our team to continue to grow with our industry!”
Merina comes from a dairy background. Her parents Nancy Beerwort and Don Johnston farm along with her brother, Kevin, at Cherry Crest Holsteins. Merina was involved with 4-H as a member and later as a leader for the Glengarry 4-H club. After completing a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting, Merina began working at Scotiabank, where she has held a variety of very successful roles including Small Business Advisor, Manager of Small Business and Agricultural Specialist. In her most recent role, she found her passion for ‘helping the farmer succeed’, which in turn led her to the new position as the Branch GM.
President O’Hara and the entire Board of Directors wishes to express their gratitude to the current Ontario Holstein team for their support during this time of transition. “Their dedication to the Association and its members is highly motivating and we know they will make a great team with Merina. The future for Ontario Holstein is bright!” In particular, a special thank you goes to Adrian Vander Wielen, who will continue to serve as Interim General Manager until Merina arrives in May.