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