Gift from the Heart
Board Of Directors
Our board of directors are dental hygienists, educators, lawyers, dentists,
business owners who volunteer their time and expertise to grow the
Gift from the Heart organization. Their passion, dedication and commitment
to our mission extends beyond our meetings.
Ryan Bostock
Director, Board Chair
Ryan is the VP at Dibbits Landscape Supply where he has been employed since January 2019. Responsible for managing all daily operations related to Dibbits landscape supply division. Driving growth and working on strategy. Dibbits is in their 50th year of operation, there are a supplier with integrity that our community can trust for exceptional service, quality products, and innovative solutions that exceed expectations.
Ryan is very well connected to the Bay of Quinte area and was instrumental in facilitating the GFTH Amazing Race in 2022. Ryan brings his work ethic and innovative solutions from Dibbits to Gift from the Heart.
Ryan's smile and laugh is contagious and he is excited to spread the awareness of GFTH's mission to the business community he calls home.
Brent Parsons
Director
Brent is one of the creative forces behind the culinary wonders of Parsons Cafe & Catering, along with his wife and the visionary mind shaping Dewmill Events. With a passion for bringing people together through exquisite food and memorable events, Brent has carved a niche for himself in the Quinte West area.
As the proud global ambassador of The Burnt Chef Project, Brent is not just a chef but a compassionate advocate for mental health within the hospitality industry. His commitment to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health issues in the kitchen has made him an influential figure, striving to create a healthier and more supportive environment for chefs worldwide.
Recently, he was honored to join the Gift from the Heart Board of Directors. In this role, Brent contributes his skills and insights to further the organization's mission of bringing joy and support to those in need.
Whether he's crafting delectable dishes at Parsons Cafe, orchestrating seamless events with Dewmill, or championing mental health and charitable causes, Brent's journey is a testament to the transformative power of passion and purpose in the hospitality world.
Brent is also a current board member on the Quinte West Chamber of Commerce. In this role, he actively contributes to shaping the business landscape of the community, bringing his entrepreneurial spirit and culinary expertise to the table. Brent's involvement with the Quinte West Chamber of Commerce adds another layer to his diverse portfolio, showcasing not only his culinary prowess but also his commitment to fostering economic growth and community development. His strategic insights and passion for collaboration make him an asset in driving initiatives that benefit local businesses and residents alike.
Dug Stevenson
Director
I am thrilled to join the Board of Directors for the Gift from the Heart.
I’m a bilingual national and provincial award-winning marketer who leads with strategic thinking and vision and thrives as part of a team. I regard relationships as paramount, believing they are the key to success in any situation. I build partnerships, I build products and I find creative ways to achieve goals.
As Executive Director of the Bay of Quinte Regional Marketing Board, I work with a team to create and implement strategic marketing and communications plans to animate and activate the region in tourism and resident attraction. Our broad scope strategy connects four municipalities and a First Nation, marketing the Bay of Quinte as a top destination in Ontario.
Paul Ferguson
Director
A graduate of the Radio Broadcasting program at Loyalist College in 1995, Paul has been an on-air announcer on both CJOJ-FM and CHCQ-FM, where he remains during evening drive time to this day.
Paul, who has six times been named the Canadian Country Music Association “Music Director of the Year - Medium or Small Market,” has been a part of the Starboard Communications family since 2002, most recently as program director since 2010.
Under his leadership, the company has twice received Canadian Country Music Association Awards for “Radio Station of the Year – Medium or Small Market” for Cool 100 (CHCQ-FM), along with 3 Country Music Association Awards of Ontario for “Radio Station of the Year – Medium Market”.
As well, 95.5 Hits-FM’s (CJOJ-FM) “Wall of Hits” earned the OAB Station Promotion of the Year Award.
Tyler Sandes
Director
Tyler works for RBC as a Relationship Manager – Business Markets where he has been employed since September 2021. He works happily with small business owners in the community to help grow their operations.
Prior to that Tyler has worked for various levels of Government doing everything from policy analysis to law enforcement. He is passionate about serving others and cares deeply about result.
Although new to the area, Tyler is extremely keen to participate in the community he now calls home and has networked tremendously with many business owners. He looks forward to helping the community prosper.
Tyler is outgoing, loves to speak up and welcomes new experiences. He is excited to spread the awareness of GFTH's mission to the business community he calls home.
SHAWN LAUZER
DIRECTOR
Shawn has been the Operations Manager for Trinity Fire and Security since 2015, when he first moved to Quinte West. A graduate from the University of Ottawa in Anthropology, Shawn’s passion has always been towards Culture and Community Development. Driven to make a better community for his young family, Shawn is excited to join the Gift from the Heart Team and their community initiative.
Recently completing three terms on the Board of Directors for the Quinte West Chamber of Commerce, Shawn brings a wide range of experiences and skills to GFTH; having worked with the local business community and on various committees like the Young Professionals and Government Affairs. Shawn hopes to bring fresh energy to the board to work with all the other people there.
