Doug was an audit partner with KPMG, one of the largest Audit and Tax firms. He spent his 32+ year professional career with the firm in the GTA.  Giving back to the community has always been central to Doug’s personal and professional life and over the years he has been involved in many Non-Profit Organizations. He is currently a Board member (Ontario) of the Nature Conservancy of Canada and Chairs their Leaders in Conservation program. New to the Couchiching area, Doug and his wife Charon have become supporters of the CC and are involved in the Community Science program.  Doug is the chair of the Conservancy's Development Committee.  He is also an active Board member of the Soldiers Memorial Hospital Foundation and the Community Foundation of Orillia and Area.  In his spare time, he does freelance business and financial consulting.

"I am very proud of our natural areas and our vast wilderness. I believe it is our responsibility as Canadians to preserve these natural areas for many reasons including – reducing the impacts of climate change, protecting biodiversity and safeguarding them for future generations to enjoy.

My wife and I are relative newcomers to the area. We enjoy nature and outdoor activities, and we have quickly come to realize what an amazing area this is with its lakes, rivers and many natural spaces. However, the area is under development pressure and as such it is vitally important that we work together to continue to identify and protect threatened habitat in a strategic manner. The Couchiching Conservancy is a highly regarded land trust, has a great team (staff and volunteers) and very strong community support. We enthusiastically look forward to being part of a team building upon the incredible achievements of the Conservancy to date."

Doug was a partner in the law firm of Russell Christie LLP. Doug has delivered a number of papers and lectures on behalf of the Canadian Bar Association and the Law Society of Upper Canada with respect to waterfront and recreational property. Doug was the President and former member of the Board of Directors of Big Brothers. He is an elder in the Orillia Presbyterian Church; volunteers with Couchiching Jubilee House and the Couchiching Conservancy. For many years Doug was involved in coaching minor hockey and soccer. Doug has been an active member of the Orillia YMCA and served on the Board of Directors for 13 years. He has chaired annual campaigns and was the Chair of the Capital Campaign for the expansion at Skid Watson YMCA. Doug and his wife Barb have lived in Orillia since 1973. They have 3 children and 5 grandchildren. Doug was awarded the Order of Orillia in 2011.

"The goal and promise of the Conservancy is to preserve and protect lands with special natural features in the Couchiching region forever. This is a challenge given creeping development, changes in government policy, land abuse and climate change. Through having participated in a number of Passport to Nature events I have become more sensitized to the fact that there is an amazing and important interaction between the environment and all living things. Humans are a part of this interaction but the land is not there simply to suit our needs."

Susan is a local community member & retired business leader who brings a business perspective & relevant skills to the Development Committee particularly in the areas of leadership, and relationship building. Her volunteer roles at The Couchiching Conservancy as a Monarch Monitor and Passport to Nature Committee member have been very rewarding & have provided a better understanding of the inner workings of the organization, its people & culture & the underlying passion & dedication that runs throughout. Susan holds a Masters of Business Administration degree from Athabasca University & a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toronto & as a self-described lifelong learner is a voracious reader of many wide ranging topics. In addition to her equestrian related activities, Susan loves all of the outdoor recreational opportunities available in the local area and enjoys hiking, kayaking, camping, cross country skiing and spending quiet time working in her gardens learning more about native plants and trying to attract more bees and butterflies.

Tanya is the Fundraising & Engagement Manager at the Conservancy. She has been a staff member since 2012, and works with the Development Committee on various fundraising initiatives.

"Getting out and appreciating nature is a part of who I am as a person. Camping, canoeing, hiking are activities that matter to me. Soaking in the beauty of this land, these waters. Nature gives us everything, and we have a responsibility to protect it.