2024 Board of Directors
Email: contact@ssifi.org
Terry Clement – President
- member of the Board of Directors for 6 years
- part of the Tuesday work crew and Fall Fair
- served as President and Secretary of the Agricultural Alliance
- concerned about the future of agriculture and the effects of climate change on Salt Spring
- background in post secondary education at the provincial, national and international level
- served on a variety of administrative tribunals for the province of BC
Merv Walde – Vice President
- first served on planning committee of Fall Fair in 1976
- background in farming and engineering for BC Ferries
- manages the restoration of the old equipment
- liaison duties with the SSI Farmers’ Heritage Foundation
Kerry Lee -Treasurer
- member of SSIFI for 28 years, joined the board in 2018 and serves as the Treasurer
- background in farming, small business and bookkeeping.
- active with Girl Guides for 40 years, and other community organizations
Ron Stepaniuk – Secretary
- joined the board in February 2024
- more to come
Kevin Chipperfield – Director
- is a retired Professional Agrologist with over 25 years experience in managing a non-profit organization and 30 years in crop and livestock production.
- involved in agricultural committees on Salt Spring Island and past committees in Abbotsford
- volunteers with the restoration of the Antique Equipment at the Institute
Mike Lane – Director
- operator of Ruckle Farm for many years
- produces and sells meat, fruit and vegetables
- manager of Ruckle Park
- has served on several agricultural boards
Graham Lorimer – Director
- thirty five year career with BC Parks
- design, construction and maintenance of facilities within 200+ Provincial Parks
- coordinating the Region’s Health and Safety program, training of staff and managing the Permit Program for all commercial activities
- has volunteered for the Institute for 2 years on repairs and maintenance of buildings and grounds
Caitlyn Pal – Director
- grew up on Salt Spring Island and has very fond memories of baking cakes topped with Lego for the Fall Fair!
- founder of LocalSalt and The Tuesday Food Hub.
- committed to improving access to locally grown and produced food on Salt Spring Island. Getting food from the farm to islanders plates!
- focus is on creating connections in our community with the goal of supporting active local farmers.
David Walls – Director
- joined the board in 2018
- background in property management, international helicopter pilot, administration and owns the family farm in the Cranberry
- supervises the maintenance of the grounds
Matt Scaglione – Director
- joined the board in February 2024
- works full time at Ruckle Farm
- produces and sells beef, lamb, turkey, eggs, and a variety of fruits and vegetables
- formerly in charge of the red meat operation at the Salt Spring Abattoir, where he has remained involved in training and assisting as needed
- committed to sustainable agricultural practices, mixed farming and keeping agriculture alive and thriving on Salt Spring
Sandra Crandall – Director
- joined the board in February 2024
- more to come