Diane was elected to Wellington County Council (Ward 6, Centre Wellington) in 2018 and was re-elected in 2022.
Beginning her political career in the early ’90’s at the Queen’s Park Inter-Parliamentary and Public Relations Branch, Diane then transitioned into the education sector. She received the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Teaching upon her retirement in 2023.
Diane was recently surprised to learn that a former student nominated her for Municipal World’s “Woman of Influence in Local Government” award.
The Women of Influence in Local Government Awards recognize women across Canada who have made significant contributions to the field, whether on the administrative or political side of life. Women who have demonstrated grace under pressure. Women who have worked collaboratively and inspired others along the way in the pursuit of affecting positive change in their communities. Diane was deeply moved to learn of this nomination and to have received an honourable mention.
Ongoing Service to Community
Diane chaired the Finance Committee as an elected member of the Ontario College of Teachers 8th Council. A certified adjudicator for Agencies, Boards and Tribunals, she chairs professional misconduct hearings for the College.
An active volunteer, Diane served on the College of Nurses of Ontario Nominations Committee, the Board of the Guelph-Wellington-Dufferin United Way and bartends at local festivals including Meadows Music Festival, Riverfest and Fergus Legion events.
A collaborative community-builder, she also co-founded the Centre Wellington Community Dinner Project in 2017 (“Building community one meal at a time”) and launched Renegade Rainbows, organizing volunteer “Renegades” to chalk rainbows around Centre Wellington as a joyful way to celebrate Pride month.
Diane has served on the following committees of Wellington County Council:
Solid Waste Services, Economic Development, Information/Heritage/Seniors, Social Services and the Groves Community Hospital Board.
She also sits on the Wellington Place Pavilion building sub-committee, co-organized a recent Licensed Childcare Public Information session, and completed FCM’s Climate Change for Elected Officials course.
This year Diane has co-presented at ROMA on “Building Inclusive Communities” and her writing was featured in Municipal World’s May edition, “The Healing Power of Green Space.”
Diane lives in Fergus where she raised her three children near the banks of the Grand River.
“My contributions have always focused on how can I help make our community an even better place to live?”
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