Meet the Dumfries Mutual Team

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, which is 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.

Holly Huehn was elected to the board in 2014. As an experienced professional with a background in urban and transportation planning as well as public facilitation and finance management, Holly has extensive experience in government, engineering and consulting practices in Canada and the US. Prior to launching her own consulting business in 2006, she developed and executed demand forecasts and computerized models for the Louisiana Council of Governments and subsequently, Totten Sims Hubicki (now AECOM). As an independent public facilitation consultant, she supported clients in the delivery of information solutions and tools that increase user participation and understanding in online and interactive facilitated sessions. Since 2010, she has managed the financial accounts of a digital customer service technology provider in Waterloo. She holds a Master’s Degree from Wilfrid Laurier University and University of Waterloo. In 2016, Holly was appointed to the Board of Directors at the Mutual Concept Computer Group Inc. She is an active member of the executive and Treasurer of the Parents’ Association at St. John’s-Kilmarnock School. Holly lives in Kitchener, Ontario with her husband and daughter and has been a policyholder since 2001.

Anne Jones-Abel was elected to the board in 1987.  She graduated from the University of Guelph, then completed an Ontario Teachers Certificate (music and french) and an Interior Design Certificate from Sheridan College. She is retired from her teaching career but continues to operate the 140 acre farm with her husband.  Business experience includes her years of involvement with Dumfries and the recent completion of the Directors Certification courses offered by the Ontario Mutual Insurance Association. Anne has served as Chair on the Dumfries board and has been on many committees over the years. She has proudly been a policyholder since 1980. In her spare time, Anne is very involved with community activities and her family.

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.

An experienced director of Dumfries Mutual Insurance, Gord is motivated to work with the team to continue in the ongoing development of the company and mutual insurance industry. He currently sits on the Legislative Affairs and Building committees, while his past experience includes service on the Executive, Audit, and Financial committees. Gord brings an agricultural background and experience in many roles:  North Dumfries Township councillor, director of the Wellington Waterloo Future Development Corporation, and former manager of the Ontario Plowmen’s Association. This experience provides him with business know-how such as team building, conflict resolution, and governance expertise. Gord’s community involvement includes the North Dumfries Plowmen’s Association (treasurer), North Dumfries Aggregate Committee (chair), Trails and Cycling Committee (chair), Heritage Preservation Society (member).  Gord takes pride in acting on behalf of policyholders and their needs, first and foremost.