Board of Directors | Friends of LSP

Volunteer Board of Directors

Beth Lacher

Chair

A Wawa native, Beth frequented LSPP from an early age, and enjoyed working eight seasons at the park. She earned a BA in English and History from the University of Guelph, and an MA in International Development Studies from York University. She worked for a number of non-profits developing and managing youth programs, and is now a Program Manager at the Sault Community Career Centre. In these roles, she gained skills in program management, volunteer coordination, marketing and community partnership development, all of which lend to her current role on the Friends of LSP as Chair. She has a passion for youth development and is excited to increase youth engagement opportunities in the park.

Term: 2022 - 2025

Sarah Lawson

Vice-Chair

Sarah organizes our Artist in Residence program. She worked in the backcountry of LSPP for 8 seasons in the 1990s, including two seasons extending the coastal trail — North to Chalfant Cove and South to Agawa Bay. She visits LSPP as often as she can with her children in tow and has a love for the trails, canoe routes, ecology and cultural history of LSPP. Sarah has a BA in Geography, with a minor in Aboriginal Studies, and a Master of Forest Conservation both from the University of Toronto.

Term: 2022 - 2025

Johanna Rowe

Secretary

Johanna is a life-time resident of Wawa and worked in Lake Superior P.P. for a total of 6 seasons in the late 80's and early 90's. Johanna and her husband Sam (also an ex-parkie) are constantly exploring and enjoying the hidden gems within the park's vast borders. Johanna graduated from Laurentian University with an Honours B.A. in History and is a member of the Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals. Her passion is the rich history of the eastern Superior shoreline. She has written a number of books and articles on the dynamic people and places around Wawa, with more to come. Johanna's extensive administrative skills, volunteer community work and previous Friends Board experience are an asset to her current role as Secretary on the Friends of Lake Superior Park Board of Directors.

Term: 2022 - 2025

Brandon Smit

Treasurer

After growing up in Southern Ontario, Brandon began travelling to the Lake Superior area in 2018. Through work, Brandon was fortunate to travel to all corners of Northern Ontario and Brandon and his wife were drawn by the magic of Algoma and moved to Wawa in 2021.

Brandon is passionate about sharing his love for the area and spends much of his time trail running, paddling, hiking and fishing. As a strong advocate for conservation, preservation and sharing what Lake Superior has to offer, Brandon is excited to join the Friends of Lake Superior Park Board to inspire and enhance other’s appreciation of the Park. Brandon is a Professional Engineer with Professional Engineers Ontario and obtained his Bachelor of Chemical Engineering and Minor in French from McMaster University.

Term: 2024 - 2027

Cynthia Mitchell

Board member

Cynthia worked at LSPP on the interior crew for four seasons, from 2006 - 2009. During this time, she developed a deep affinity and appreciation for the park. She strongly believes in the work of the Friends and is passionate about promoting the benefits of being in nature. Cynthia is currently employed with the Cooperative Housing Federation of Canada as their Program Manager of Membership and Events. She is thrilled to have joined the Friends as a board member and enjoys working with a group that shares such a strong commitment to LSPP.

Term: 2024 - 2026

Colin MacPhee

Board member

A dedicated financial expert with a passion for empowering businesses and non-profit organizations, Colin MacPhee has built a reputation for delivering exceptional accounting and advisory services. As the Lead Auditor for Numeris CPA Professional Corporation, Colin specializes in non-profit audit, tax, and strategic consulting, helping clients achieve financial clarity and long-term stability. Colin is dedicated to staying current with evolving accounting practices and delivering tailored solutions that meet the specific needs and goals of each organization. Actively engaged in the community, Colin serves on various boards, championing causes related to economic development and environmental sustainability. As an active member of the Voice Found Board of Directors, Colin is passionate about promoting awareness and expanding access to compassionate, recovery-centered support for those affected by human trafficking and childhood sexual abuse. He holds a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation and is known for his collaborative approach, integrity, and commitment to excellence.

Term: 2024 - 2026

Matt Trudeau

Board member

One of Matt's first memories is carrying a frying pan into Mash Lake. It's debatable whether he carried it the entire way but it can be said his ventures into the park started with his father at an early age. He feels fortunate to have been employed as a student with Agawa maintenance in the 90's, to have retained friendships from that time, and to have introduced a girlfriend to interior camping, only to return a few years later to say their vows at Agawa. He is currently part of an organizing committee for an ultra running event attracting participants from throughout Ontario, to share one of his favourite park trails. Although his chosen vocation did not take him in the direction of Ontario Parks, he feels his experience in programming and volunteer management and his passion for the park are in alignment with the Friends Board. Matt's ventures in Lake Superior Provincial Park continue today with his own family and friends through the four seasons.

Term: 2024 - 2026

Emma Blanchet

Board member

Emma moved to Wawa in 2012 and a one year plan to stay extended into 8+ years with no intentions of leaving. This is largely due to her love of Lake Superior Provincial Park. As a Social Worker in the field of mental health and addictions, Emma is passionate about the positive impacts that spending time in nature can have, both mentally and physically. She believes LSPP is one of the most beautiful places in Canada and feels very lucky to be able to experience it year-round. She is honoured to join the Friends and work alongside a dedicated group who share her passion.

Term: 2024 - 2026

Carol Lucio

Board member

Carol was born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie and spent her childhood growing up camping and fishing the rivers of the Lake Superior Watershed. As an adult she packed up her kids at a very young age and started bringing them to Lake Superior Provincial Park to camp, fish and hike. Her love of the park has only grown steadily over the years and she has spent considerable time hiking and backpacking in the park.
Carol is a recently retired Elementary Principal with a Masters in Educational
Leadership and a desire to give back to the community. She is excited to be part of the Board and looks forward to working with such a passionate group of people in support of the park that she loves.

Term: 2024 - 2026

Randy Klockars

Board member (honorary)

Randy worked in LSPP back in the day as a park carpenter constructing many of the outhouses that were used for decades. He moved on to, and later retired from, a career as a teacher at Michipicoten High School in Wawa. Randy was also a founding board member of the Friends, 25 years ago. He has had the honour of working with many dedicated and interesting individuals over the years to fulfill the mission and objectives of the Friends. His current activities in the park are now primarily in the winter when he enjoys trudging on snowshoes into the backcountry on ice fishing excursions.