Backgrounder
Jennifer Hayes - Commissioner - 3 year term
Jennifer Hayes is a dairy and beef farmer on Quebec's Gaspé Peninsula. She is the third generation to farm at PineCrest Farms in Shigawake, which she co-owns with her father and uncle. Ms. Hayes has extensive governance experience which she obtained through her active participation with the UPA (L'Union des Producteurs Agricoles), defending regional interests in dairy, beef and agricultural development.
Ms. Hayes holds an MBA from Concordia University and is actively engaged in rural development initiatives within her region. As a Revitalization Agent at the MRC of Bonaventure, she accompanied rural municipalities in formalizing social and economic development plans as well as the elaboration of essential community development projects and action plans. In addition, in partnership with her husband, she has recently launched Project Rural, which is dedicated to advancing the development of rural communities within Quebec. A lifelong community volunteer, Ms. Hayes is currently Chair of the Hayes Bursary Fund for Continuing Education which provides bursaries and encouragement to local youth to pursue post-secondary studies.
Ms. Hayes has two young daughters, and an extended family of nieces and nephews who inspire her to defend and develop her farming community for future generations. Ms. Hayes is being reappointed as a commissioner for the Canadian Dairy Commission which is a position that she has held since 2017.
Robert (Bob) Ingratta - Chairperson - Term expiring December 16th, 2021
Mr. Ingratta was raised on a farm in Ontario and has since moved on to British Columbia where he has acquired extensive Board Member experience with different agriculture-related boards. Prior to moving to British Columbia, Mr. Ingratta obtained a Bachelor's degree in Botany and a Master's degree in Environmental Biology from the University of Guelph. Mr. Ingratta's recent professional experience includes being the Chief Executive Officer of the BC Milk Marketing Board for over five years prior to becoming a director on both the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver and the Azura Strata Boards. Mr. Ingratta's diverse Board experiences have enabled him to obtain experience in negotiation, building relationships with different types of stakeholders, and providing sound and innovative governance.
