Leadership Team:
Ken Ovington, General Manager, supervises all aspects of Ontario Pork’s operations. He plays a lead role in assisting the Ontario Pork Board of Directors in the development of strategy, policy and initiatives that benefit pork producers and industry. Ken is responsible for fostering alliances and building partnerships between stakeholders, as well as establishing organizational objectives, priorities, and deliverables that are consistent with the policies and strategic direction of Ontario Pork.
Frank Wood - Director, Industry and Member Services
Frank and his team work together as a liaison between producers and Ontario Pork by establishing effective, cooperative business relationships with producers and their associations. The team is responsible for implementing national programs, assisting producers in adopting new technologies; and communicating current industry challenges to producers, associations and industry partners.
Julie Kuiack - Manager, Communications and Consumer Marketing
Julie and her department support Ontario’s pork producers and their partners by creating a healthy and growing appetite for Ontario grown pork and a supportive environment for the industry. In consultation with our members, the team develops the strategy, messages, marketing, tools and resources needed to communicate accurate, reliable and valuable information to members, industry partners and the general public – promoting a positive image to all Canadians, while strengthening industry pride.
Jim Weir - Director, Finance and Administration
Jim and his department are responsible for managing Ontario Pork’s finances. This includes auditing as well as day-to-day operational financing such as banking, accounts receivable/payable, taxation and payroll.
Blair Cressman - Director, Marketing Division
Blair and the staff of the marketing division assist participating pork producers in getting maximum value for their animals. This includes operation of the booking and delivery system, negotiating freight rates for Ontario Pork’s customers and maintaining producer-packer supply agreements. In this role, Blair is responsible for the development and implementation of marketing strategy, management of U.S. sales and shipments, and administration of the forward pricing program.
For producer support, contact the Industry and Member Services team:
Sam Bradshaw - Environmental Specialist
Sam provides accurate, concise data on swine environmental issues to producers, industry and the public. He responds to proposed environmental legislation and liaises with government to ensure producers’ interests are respected. He also attends on-farm emergency situations such as barn fires and catastrophic loss of animals.
Dr. Mike DeGroot - Technical Programs Veterinarian
Mike is Ontario Pork’s resident veterinarian, involved in pork industry programs and communication with provincial and federal governments regarding swine health. He helps deliver a range of technical programs, including PED surveillance, biosecurity, antimicrobial use/resistance and Canadian Quality Assurance (CQA).
Anastassia coordinates the Canadian Pork Excellence (CPE) program in Ontario. If you have any questions about PigCare, PigSafe or PigTrace, you can reach her at extension 1208.
Stefani is a great contact for general inquiries, placing a tag order, requesting resource binders, captive bolt maintenence, and PigTrace reporting. You can reach her at extension 1204.
For other questions including media inquiries, please call 1-877-668-7675 for access to the full staff directory.