2024 – 2025 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Mrs.Sirisegaram-Cole ( pronounced sir-REES-sir-GA-rum- Cole)  has recently moved to Orillia and is already in love with the community and the city. Her desire to join OMAH stems from a long history with the arts. In addition to formal training in Carnatic vocal music and Classical Indian dance style bharatanatyam, Abby holds an HBSc in Biology and Psychology, BSc in Radiation Medicine, and is currently working on a MSc in Organizational Leadership through John Hopkins University. 

Professionally, she is currently working at the Cancer Centre at the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre in Barrie as a radiation therapist. She has a number of publications and oral presentations that speak to her high level of engagement and commitment in innovation and quality improvement. Previous Board experiences included the Research Ethics Board @RVH, Talk is Free Theatre @Barrie, and the Alumni Association @The Michener Institute for Applied Health Science, Toronto. In her (somewhat limited) spare time,  Abby enjoys time outside with her spouse Colin and two young boys Richard and Rohan. She is looking forward to sharing her experiences, supporting, and contributing towards the wonderful work at OMAH.

Doug was born and raised in Orillia. He left in 1977 to attend the University of Waterloo. After graduating with an Honours Economics degree, he became a Chartered Accountant working with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PwC”) in Toronto. He spent about 30 years with PwC (most of those as a tax partner) retiring at the end of 2013. Doug’s practice at PwC focussed on advising clients on the tax aspects of mergers and acquisitions (“M&A”) transactions.

After retirement, Doug and his wife, Patricia, moved to Horseshoe Valley and operated the Forks in the Trail B&B until the end of 2018. 

Doug currently serves on the boards of several non-profits in the following capacities: 

• President, Forks in the Trail Private Foundation
• Vice-Chair & Board member, Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre 
• Board member & Treasurer, Orillia Museum of Art & History
• Board member, Huronia Woodland Owners Association

Matthew is an Investment Advisor at RBC Wealth Management with a deep commitment to community service. Raised in Oakville, he has strong ties to Orillia, where his grandparents lived and his father was born. His grandfather, a respected lawyer and prior city councillor, previously sat on this same board. His love for Orillia, nurtured through summers spent here, inspired him to start his own practice locally in the community he cherishes. Matthew specializes in Investment & Wealth management for seniors, retirees, and executives. Currently Matthew also acts as a Director for ArtsOrillia and is involved with local service clubs as well as the Orillia Chamber of Commerce.

Deb brings a wealth of community engagement and leadership experience to the board of directors. Deb has many happy memories of summers in Ontario as a child. Originally from England, Deb immigrated to Canada in 2013 and quickly established herself as a dedicated advocate within our community.

With a background that spans across various sectors, Deb has made significant contributions. Key roles include family and youth support, group homes and Green Haven Women’s Shelter, demonstrating her passion for supporting vulnerable populations.

Deb’s dedication and leadership have been recognised by her recent promotion to the position of Fitness Coordinator at Orillia Recreation Centre. In this role, she not only fosters a healthy lifestyle among community members but also manages programs that promote inclusivity and well-being.

Deb is honoured to embrace this new opportunity in working with OMAH and is excited for what is to come!

Steph Dunn is a professional musician and visual artist from Orillia. She Is a singer-songwriter who performs regularly in the Orillia area and has released two full-length albums. Steph teaches visual arts and music at Georgian Bay District Secondary School in Midland.

Janet-Lynne has been an Orillian since moving here with her parents at the age of eight. She attended Orillia Central School, Marchmont Public School, and Park Street Collegiate, before attaining an Honours BA in English, and a Bachelor of Education. She and her husband Max have raised two children in Orillia. After a 30-year career as an elementary school teacher, she retired in October 2022 to take on her new role as Orillia City Councillor for Ward Four.

Janet-Lynne has been an Orillia Farmers’ Market vendor, a long-time union representative at her workplace, and has served on the boards of the Orillia and District Arts Council and Mariposa Arts Theatre. She is a cofounder of Mosaic Productions, a theatre company that has raised over $50,000 for local women’s and children’s charities. As co-host of Rogers TV Arts Scene Orillia, she promoted our vibrant local arts community. 

She is a life-long learner who loves to act, garden, read, walk her dogs, and spend time with family. Janet-Lynne is committed to working with other members of council, residents of Ward Four, and all citizens of Orillia to ensure a bright and sustainable future for the Sunshine City.

Shannon Jackman graduated from the Ontario College of Art & Design University (OCADU) and worked as a wallcovering designer and art director for 30 years.  She pursued a postgraduate certificate at Georgian College in Museum and Gallery Studies at Georgian College, Barrie.  For six years, she was president of the Orillia Heritage Centre, an organization that oversaw the collection and preservation of artefacts related to Orillia’s industrial history.  She has been a member of many OMAH’s committees and supported numerous programming initiatives.  She is currently sitting on OMAH’s Fundraising Committee and has an interest in expanding membership and community engagement.