About
About Community Futures Ontario
Community Futures Ontario is a member-based, not-for-profit organization that provides provincial leadership and support for Ontario's network of 60 Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs), including 36 in Southern Ontario and 24 in Northern Ontario.
Funded by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) and the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor), we provide leadership, advocacy, and support that strengthen the Community Futures network across the province.
Working collaboratively with local CFDCs, government partners, and stakeholders, we foster collaboration, deliver professional development opportunities, coordinate shared services, and provide practical resources that help local offices better serve rural businesses and communities.
Board of Directors
Community Futures Ontario is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors representing designated regions from across Ontario. Their leadership and expertise help guide the organization's strategic direction while ensuring the interests of local CFDCs and the communities they serve are reflected in provincial initiatives.
Cyndy Phillips
President
Region 3A East
Allan Simm
Past-President
Region 4B – Southwest
Pat Van Geleuken
Vice President
Region 6 West
Suzanne Viel
Treasurer
Region 2A Northeast
Gillian Fairley
Secretary
Region 4 Southcentral
Gord Knowles
Director, Atikokan Economic Development Corporation
Region 1 Northwest
Jordan Smith
Senior Loans Manager, Two Rivers Community Development Centre
Region 5 Southwest
Cathy Ellis
Vice President, North Claybelt CFDC
Region 2B Northeast
Wendy Stone
Director, Renfrew County CFDC
Region 3B East
Staff
Our team works closely with CFDCs, government partners, and stakeholders to deliver programs, services, and initiatives that strengthen Ontario's Community Futures network. We are committed to supporting our members and advancing the long-term success of the Community Futures Program across Ontario.
Susan Evans
Executive Director
519-633-2326 ext 2
Abby Eckler
Finance & Operations Coordinator
519-633-2326 ext 1
Hayden Stewart
Member Services &
Communications Manager
519-633-2326 ext 3
History
The Community Futures Program was established in 1985 to support business development and community economic growth in rural and remote communities across Canada. Since then, CFDCs have helped entrepreneurs grow businesses, create jobs, and strengthen local economies through locally driven solutions and community partnerships.
Today, Community Futures Ontario continues to build on this legacy by providing provincial leadership, advocacy, and support that help strengthen Ontario's Community Futures network.