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.

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

We enjoy nature and outdoor activities we realize what an amazing area we live in with its lakes/rivers, farms and many natural spaces. However, this area is under increasing 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 very highly regarded land trust, has a great team (staff and volunteers) and very strong community support. We are proud to be part of this team, and we look forward to building upon the incredible achievements of the Conservancy in the years to come."

Mark Bisset is a writer, former journalist and conservation leader who has called Orillia home for nearly four decades. He spent 14 years as executive director of the Couchiching Conservancy, helping lead the organization’s work to protect natural areas across the region, before retiring from the role in 2024. Prior to joining the Conservancy, Mark built a long career in local journalism at the Orillia Packet & Times, where he worked in every news department and ultimately served as managing editor until 2009.

Today, Mark continues to contribute to the community through his writing, including a regular column with OrilliaMatters that explores local life, nature, history and civic issues. His writing reflects a deep connection to the place he calls home and an enduring interest in community and conservation. Outside of his professional life, Mark is a lifelong sailor and gardener. He lives in Orillia with his family and remains actively engaged in the community.

Bio to follow

Bio to follow

Si is a founding member of the Couchiching Conservancy and has been a passionate advocate for conservation since its inception. An avid outdoorsman, Si enjoys backcountry canoeing, kayaking, hiking, cycling, and skiing/snowshoeing. He earned an Honours Bachelor of Science in Biology prior to completing his medical degree and went on to practice and teach Family Medicine in Orillia for 40 years.

Si’s environmental leadership extends to watershed restoration. From 1992 to 1996, he led the restoration of Silver Creek in Severn in collaboration with the Orillia Naturalist Club, Trout Unlimited Canada, and the Orillia Snowmobile Club, successfully rehabilitating aquatic habitat for brook trout and other species following years of upstream development impacts.

Leila is the Executive Director of the Couchiching Conservancy, bringing more than 25 years of senior leadership experience in the charitable sector to her role. Her career has focused on fundraising, relationship-building and organizational leadership, with a track record of helping charitable organizations grow and thrive.

A resident of Midhurst, Leila has a strong connection to the region and an appreciation for the landscapes protected by the Conservancy. She was drawn to the organization’s work and its vision of protecting nature for future generations.

Leila is particularly inspired by the opportunity to bring her experience in philanthropy and nonprofit leadership to conservation. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her family. They are avid cross-country skiers and cyclists, and she values the opportunity to explore and enjoy the natural places close to home.

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.