Meet the Dumfries Mutual Team

Harry is a graduate of the University of Guelph and has his Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) designation with the Insurance Institute of Canada. He has spent his entire career in the insurance industry, holding senior level positions with various companies, including within the Mutual system. His strengths are in the areas of underwriting, claims, marketing and strategic planning. Harry is a strong proponent of the Mutuals because they are grass root organizations who have never lost sight of their commitment to their policyholders/members, or their importance in the communities they serve. He is proud to see the mutual system grow and thrive. Harry has been a policyholder of Dumfries Mutual since 2011. In his spare time, Harry enjoys their family cottage with his wife and two grown children and hiking the Bruce trail. He is a volunteer for the Region of Waterloo Hospice.

Lynda has over 35 years of progressive Operations experience, and is currently the Vice President, Special Commodities at Challenger Motor Freight Inc., where she works closely with People Leaders as a strategic business partner and trusted advisor and is a member of the Executive Team. Challenger, one of Canada’s largest privately owned transportation and logistics companies, is recognized as an industry leader for their People-First culture and commitment to driver safety, retention and training. Lynda also has extensive experience in the areas of goal setting, executive oversight, strategic planning and customer retention.

Bruce owns and operates Mosborough Farms Ltd in Guelph Eramosa Township. Bruce and his family opened Mosborough Country Market Ltd on the farm in 1999, a retail store for home grown and local products. Prior to this, he was a dairy farmer for 16 years. Bruce’s involvement in 4-H, and years of fitting, buying, and exporting cattle instilled in him the importance of team work and cooperation to achieve success. Bruce has served as a director with Dumfries since 1988. He has always used a common sense and honest approach, with the best interest of the policyholders in mind. Bruce has embraced and completed courses designed to increase his skills as a director. He is passionate about “The Mutual Way”. Bruce has also contributed as a board member of Guelph Co-op, Guelph Country Club, and his church. Bruce resides with his wife Sue and their two children Karla (Matt) and Ian (Meghan) live nearby. His passions include curling, travelling, and cheering for his beloved Green Bay Packers.

Chris grew up on a beef and swine farm in Flamborough. He attended the University of Guelph and graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 1992. Chris has practiced in Renfrew, Moose Jaw, Port Elgin, and has been back in Waterdown for over 20 years. He lives in Oakville with his wife Maria and step-children Megan and Aidan. While in Moose Jaw, Chris was on the board of the local Big Brothers Big Sisters organization. He has been on the Dumfries board since 2006 and particularly enjoys his involvement on the Investment Committee. When Chris is able to find free time, he enjoys fishing and golf.

Doug Patton was elected to the Dumfries board in 2015. He is a Chartered Professional Accountant and a Certified Management Accountant. Doug has 20 years of senior financial and general management experience across a broad base of industries. This business experience includes strategic planning and budgeting, business recoveries and fiscal governance. In addition, he has also spent over 15 years as a director of a co-operative financial services institution, serving as Vice Chair and Chair of the Audit Committee. Doug has also served on other commercial and non-profit boards, and has been a farm policyholder since 2010.

Neil Petreny was elected to the board in 2013. Originally from Saskatchewan, he has a degree in agriculture, a Masters in Business Administration and has spent nearly two decades as the General Manager of a Guelph based agricultural services company. His business experience includes governance, policy, planning, finance, IT systems, service delivery and strategic business partnerships. In addition to operational experience, he also spent seven years as a North American director on an international organization involved with services and standards, serving four years as President. Neil was elected to a three-year term as a Trustee on the Fire Mutuals Guarantee Fund in 2015 and has been a Dumfries farm policyholder since 2002.

Scott was elected to the Dumfries board in 2013, and works for the City of Hamilton as Manager of Facilities. He administers a portfolio of over 350 buildings and associated Facility trade and administrative staff. Scott has owned and operated his own small construction business for over 25 years. Scott studied English at Athabasca University, and is completing his Certified Facility Manager designation through the University of Toronto. He is also working on his Director Certification with OMIA.

Martha grew up on a family farm in South Dumfries, north of Paris, and is a graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University. She is a proud partner with her husband Bill with Sharp Farms and Sharp Bus Lines, where she has many roles and responsibilities including strategic planning, RFP writing, recruitment, and marketing. Martha is excited to be part of the Dumfries board, beginning Spring, 2018. As a Dumfries policyholder since 1991 and lifelong rural community member, she values the importance of mutual insurance. Her experience and skills are beneficial in a collaborative board environment, and she believes in keeping policyholders’ interests at the forefront of decision making. Martha enjoys family time with her husband and their three children, golfing, and volunteering weekly at the Stedman Community Hospice.