Board of Directors

John Wiersma P.Eng. John is the former Chair of the Board and President and CEO of Veridian Corporation and has extensive experience in managing utilities of up to 100,000 customers and 160 employees. He has a history of collaboration in mergers and acquisitions of utilities creating value and efficiencies of scale.

In post-retirement, he served on many boards in the public sector as well as in the private sector, acquiring best practice experience in governance. He is currently Chair of the Maple Reinders Group (an award-winning national engineering and construction company) and the Chair of Wasaga Distribution Inc. He is also the former Chair of the Electrical Safety Authority, former Chair of Geosands Inc. and a former Chair and Board Member of industry and community-based organizations and charities.

Board involvement includes the Independent Electricity System Operator (9 years), Electrical Safety Authority (9 years), Hydro One (2 years), Hydro One Brampton Inc. (2 years), and Veridian Corporation (2 years).

John is pleased to bring his energy industry and governance experience to his role at Wasaga Distribution Inc.

Gerald Wright – Director

Gerald, a resident of Wasaga Beach, Ontario, resides with his family. Currently, Gerald is a member of the Board of Directors for Wasaga Distribution Inc. Gerald grew up in the Ottawa Valley where he specialized in Electricity. Electronics, and Industrial physics, laying the groundwork for his future career in the electrical industry.

Gerard’s professional journey began off the farm as an electrician apprentice, where he honed his skills painting barn roofs and church steeples before finding his calling as a lineman in 1975. From there, Gerald assumed various roles within the electrical industry, including Lineman Patrolman, Subforeman Lineman, Line Foreman, Trades Trainer, Safety Officer, Training Coordinator, Underground Line Manager, Superintendent of Operations, District Line Manager, and Line Contacts Manager. Gerald’s career has taken him across the vast expanse of Canada, from Ontario to British Columbia, Saskatchewan to Alberta.

Beyond his professional endeavours, Gerald finds solace and joy in outdoor activities, immersing himself in nature’s beauty and relishing the simple pleasure of life. He takes great pride in watching his grandchildren excel in sports, cherishing each moment spent cheering them on from the sidelines.

Raymond Trask – Director

Raymond recently retired as an IT professional, having commenced his journey with IBM, where he held a pivotal role in managing the outsourcing business in Canada until 2010. His tenure at IBM was marked by his strategic leadership and innovative approach to IT management. Transitioning to the public sector, Raymond served as the IT Director for prominent institutions such as the Regional Government of Waterloo, the City of Barrie, and Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital.

Raymond’s dedication to community service is evident through his involvement in various boards and organizations. As a past board member of Victoria Park Community Homes in Hamilton and Carpenter Hospice in Burlington, Raymond contributed his expertise to advance the missions of these organizations. Currently, Raymond serves as the Board Chair of Hospice Simcoe.

Beyond his professional endeavours, Raymond is a committed member of the Rotary community, having served as both a member and President of the Rotary Club of Burlington North. Currently, he is an active member of the Kempenfelt Rotary Club in Barrie, where he continues to uphold the values of service, integrity, and community engagement.

Ron Stevens – Director

Ron Stephens BASx. MBA, P.Eng. Ron has extensive experience in the energy sector and board governance. He served on the Board of Barrie Hydro Distribution Inc. from 2000 until its merger with PowerStream in 2008. He continued with PowerStream through its transition into Alectra, serving as the only non-elected Board member and chairing the HR & Compensation, Audit & Finance, and Governance Committees at various times. In 2022-2023, Ron was appointed by Barrie Hydro Holdings Inc. to represent them on the Alectra Board, replacing Jeff Lehman during his provincial election campaign.

His Broader governance experience includes six years on the NSM LHIN Board, seven years on the Georgian College Board of Governors, and over six years as Chair of the Georgian College Foundation.

Ron holds a BASc in Chemical Engineering from the University of Toronto and an MBA from Western University. He is a retired Professional Engineer. His business career includes leadership roles in HR, manufacturing, and general management, including CEO positions in several entrepreneurial firms. He has also taught business and HR courses at Western, McMaster, Laurier, Brock, Royal Roads, and Laurentian.

Mayor Brian Smith

Mayor Brian Smith serves as the Shareholder Representative. His leadership and dedication bring valuable insights and a strong commitment to the success of our organization.