Board of Directors

2023  Board of Directors

Email: contact@ssifi.org 

Bradley Damsgaard – President

  • background as an event promoter and organizer
  • currently owns and operates a digital creative agency, helping all ranges of companies market their products and educate their customers
  • focus is on strengthening the existing Fall Fair programming, creating new opportunities to increase revenue, memberships and community relationships
  • FI representative on Agricultural Alliance Board

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 25 years, joined the board in 2018 and serves as the Treasurer
  • background in farming, small business and bookkeeping.
  • active with Girl Guides for 35 years, and other community organizations

Kate Cooper – Secretary

  • recently moved to the island after attending the Fall Fair and wanted the island lifestyle
  • Registered Veterinary Technologist and Certified Project Manager
  • works for the National Farm Animal Care Council facilitating the development of  Codes of Practice that guide the care and handling of farm animals in Canada
  • interested in animal care and welfare as well as promoting local agriculture
  • livestock entertainment coordinator for the Fall Fair

Lisa Adams – Director

  • Islander all her life, actively farms mixed livestock
  • Farm manager for SS Cheese
  • interested in promoting agriculture on our island
  • livestock coordinator for Fall Fair

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
  • recently appointed 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.

Darrell Somers – Director

  • joined the board in 2019 serving on Buildings and Maintenance Committee
  • member of the Tuesday Morning Work Crew
  • background in building, construction

David Walls – Director

  • joined the board in board in 2018 and serves as a Fall Fair Coordinator
  • background in property management, international helicopter pilot, administration and owns the family farm in the Cranberry
  • supervises the maintenance of the grounds