Western Canada

Ron DePauw

Science Advisor

Ron works with public and private breeding programs to accelerate the development and introduction of new cereal genetics for Canadian farmers. 

Jim Downey

Research and Development Manager

Jim is responsible for evaluation and acquisition of new varieties for western Canada. He is also involved in establishing research agreements and acts as SeCan's liaison with western Canadian plant breeding institutions.

Todd Hyra

Western Business Manager

Todd develops new business opportunities for SeCan members and industry partners. 

Ezri Oatway

Alberta and British Columbia Marketing Rep

Ezri works with the SeCan members in Alberta and British Columbia to increase sales of SeCan products. She provides techinical support to members and co-ordinates local activities with SeCan's national strategy.

Brad Pinkerton

Manitoba Marketing Rep

Brad works with SeCan members in Manitoba to increase sales of SeCan products. He provides technical support to members and co-ordinates local activities with SeCan's national communications strategy.

Lauren Wensley

Saskatchewan Marketing Rep

Lauren works with SeCan members in Saskatchewan to increase sales of SeCan products. She provides technical support to members and co-ordinates local activities with SeCan's national communications strategy. 

Trent Whiting

Parent Seed Manager

Trent works with SeCan members and plant breeding partners to co-ordinate the production and distribution of top quality parent seed. This provides SeCan members the opportunity to start the pedigree seed process with the best seed possible.

Eastern Canada

Phil Bailey

Eastern Business Manager

Phil is responsible for overseeing operations and relationships with eastern business partners and suppliers. Phil also works directly with SeCan members and retailers to grow sales in eastern Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes.

Shannon Bieman

Market Development - Western Ontario

Shannon is responsible for developing sales and marketing strategies to help SeCan members build their sales volumes and meet demand for new products in eastern Canada. Shannon works directly with members and seed retailers located in western Ontario.

Willie Vanderpol

Market Development - Southwestern Ontario

Willie works directly with SeCan members and retailers to grow sales in southwestern Ontario.

She is also responsible for working with SeCan’s eastern Canadian plant breeding partners to coordinate research and development activities.

Head Office

Erica Dittburner

Accounts Representative

Erica is responsible for much of the record keeping and answering member's questions on the distribution of stock seed and collection of fees. She also reconciles TUA fees on Roundup Ready® products. Erica is fully bilingual

Jeff Needham

Financial Controller

Jeff maintains SeCan's accounting system and all financial information. He assists in developing budgets for various programs and initiatives.

Kelly Pickett

Licensing Manager

Kelly is primarily responsible for variety licenses and research agreements. She also assists in variety evaluation and agreements for eastern Canada.

Cassidy Reaney

Marketing Coordinator

Cassidy is responsible for co-promotional materials for SeCan's members throughout Canada, as well as, website and social media initiatives.

 

Jeff Reid

General Manager

Jeff Reid is the Chief Executive Officer and is accountable to the Board of Directors. He is responsible for day to day operations and for developing programs within the policies established by the Board. 

Brenda Trask

Communications Manager

Brenda manages SeCan’s advertising and public relations initiatives across the country. Being Canada’s Seed Partner, she also coordinates events for members and others in the industry.

Katrina van Wyk

Office Administrator

As SeCan’s Office Administrator, Katrina provides support to staff and members with meeting logistics and travel, general office coordination, distribution of materials, website updates, and much more.