The Rural Ontario Institute (ROI) has announced that Peggy Brekveld will be joining the ROI team as the new Leadership Programs Manager. She will begin her new role in October.

“After a thorough and robust recruitment and selection process, we’re thrilled to welcome Peggy as ROI’s Leadership Programs Manager” says Ellen Sinclair, ROI executive director. "Peggy brings a wealth of experience in the agriculture and rural sectors. As a longtime northern producer, she will bring important perspective to pan-provincial discussions in the agriculture and rural space."

Brekveld’s in-depth experience leading agriculture and community organizations has earned her recognition as one of Canada’s most influential women in agriculture. She is the former president of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture and currently serves as chair of the Agricultural Adaptation Council. Most recently, she was executive director at The Gathering Place, a community centre serving people facing social issues such as poverty, mental health and addictions. A champion for diversity, equity and inclusion, her hands-on issues management background will inform discussion around food security, land use policy, labour, farmer mental health and environment. A proud graduate of AALP Class 12, she continues to farm with her family in Thunder Bay, Ontario.

In her new role, Peggy will collaborate with the Leadership Programs in managing ROI’s flagship Advanced Agriculture Leadership Program (AALP) and support ROI’s suite of leadership programs. She will help to ensure world class curriculum and program participant experience.

Established in 1984, AALP has graduated more than 540 leaders who are making a positive difference across Ontario and beyond. AALP is supported and funded in part by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, the Ontario Ministry of Rural Affairs, and ag-sector organizations/industry. For more information,  visit https://www.ruralontarioinstitute.ca/aalp/.

Source:  Rural Ontario Institute August 29, 2025 news release