Board of Directors

The Board of Directors of the Farm Loan Board is made up of Nova Scotians, corporate or community leaders, who understand the agriculture and/or agri-food business climate in the province and its importance to communities, workers, and the economy. Interested in serving on the Board of Directors? Learn more about the application process and requirements by visiting the Applying for Agencies, Boards and Commissions (ABCs) page: https://novascotia.ca/exec_council/abc/

Board Directors

Andy Vermeulen, Chair and Director

Andy was raised in the farming industry, going on to successfully operate multiple farming companies for over 40 years. As owner of Vermeulen Farms Ltd., Andy has gained considerable experience in financial accounting, strategic business and succession planning, sales, production, and food safety. In addition to his employment background, Andy’s education includes a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering and completion of the Canadian Total Excellence in Agricultural Management program from the George Morris Centre in 2012. Andy currently holds multiple positions on numerous boards and committees in his profession and in the community, offering expertise on board structure and operations.

Jeannie van Dyk, Director and Vice Chair

Jeannie has had a lifelong passion for agriculture, having grown up on a large hog and wild blueberry farm. She has 45 years of experience in the agricultural sector, spanning across the private sector and government. Prior to operating her own agricultural businesses, Jeannie served as the Swine Specialist with the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture. Since 1983, she has owned and operated Lellavan Farms, a full dairy and cropping operation which previously included beef and hogs. Jeannie is also a part-owner and Director of Van Dyk Blueberry Enterprises. Jeannie holds a Diploma of Agriculture from the Nova Scotia Agricultural College, a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from McGill University (Macdonald Campus), and an Institute of Corporate Directors Designation from the University of Toronto. Jeannie has decades of experience on various agricultural boards. She was previously the Chair and a Director of Farmers Co-Operative Dairy and currently serves as the Vice-President and Atlantic Director of the Board of Agropur Dairy Co-Operative.

Kevin Colvey, Director

Kevin currently leads Kinnex Business Advisors, which provides business advisory services in the areas of corporate finance, business development and governance for all types of companies – large, small, and start-ups.  Kevin has worked with a diverse range of business entities of all sizes in executive and leadership roles and has served on the boards of several private companies and not-for-profit associations.

Jon Porter, Director

Jon brings extensive experience in the province’s forestry sector to the Board. His expertise has significantly enhanced the Board’s ongoing initiatives to raise awareness and expand the Timber Loan Board’s portfolio. With 32 years of experience in the forestry sector prior to joining the Department of Natural Resources and Lands and Forests, Jon has worked in various capacities within the private sector. His background includes roles at pulp and paper mills, sawmills, forestry contractors, and with private landowners. Notably, he was part of the management team at Bowater Mersey Paper Co. Ltd., where he contributed to forest management, woodlands operations, sawmill operations, and wood procurement. In his role with the Provincial Government, Jon served as the Executive Director of Renewable Resources, overseeing a broad range of responsibilities, including forestry, wildlife, economic development, trade programs, Crown land utilization agreements, and the delivery of programs for private woodlot owners. 

 

Rod Kennedy, Director

Rod has owned and operated Harbourside Dairy Farm in Antigonish County since 1994, in addition to having experience in the forestry sector.  Rod has experience with strategic planning, performance monitoring, audit and compliance, and governance through his nine years served on the Board of Farmers Dairy.

Alix Redden, Director

Alix currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer for the Municipality of Victoria County. Prior to this role, Alix served in various accounting and internal audit positions across the public, crown corporation, and private sectors. Alix holds a Bachelor Degree in Commerce (Accounting) and a Master of Business Administration from Saint Mary’s University and maintains professional designations as both a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR). A strong advocate for local food systems, Alix is the past Chair of the Cape Breton Food Hub Co-operative, which provides the infrastructure and distribution channels to link over 60 food producers with households and restaurants across Cape Breton Island. Alix recognizes that strengthening local food production not only advances sustainability and economic growth but also improves food access, supports healthier communities, and sustains the livelihoods of local farmers and producers.

Steve Streatch, Director

Steve has over 35 years of experience in the private sector, spanning several types of businesses and responsibilities. He has worked in telecommunications, retail sales, farming, food production and marketing. Between 1999 to 2020, he served five terms on the Halifax Regional Council, serving as Deputy Mayor from 2003-2004. Steve Streatch holds a Class one licence (tractor/trailer driver) and has taken Heavy Equipment training at a commercial safety college in Truro. He has been a Board member on the Musquodoboit Valley Business Association, the World Trade and Convention Centre, the Mayor’s permanent designate on The World Energy Cities Partnership, Halifax Regional Water Commission, Halifax Police Commission, and the New Brunswick Cranberry Association. Steve also serves as a Director on the Board of the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation.