Board of Directors

Jeff Pacheco – President

Jeff Pacheco

As Director of Sales for Oakwood Resort, Jeff Pacheco is responsible for the company’s strategic sales.  Developing sales initiatives to capture business, he has oversight of the company’s sales and marketing systems, revenue management, advertising and promotion, awareness campaigns and customer relationship management.

For the past 20 years, Jeff has been active in hospitality sales for several major brands within the industry. Before Oakwood, he was the National Sales Manager with Westmont Hospitality group, responsible for the strategic direction of the company’s National sports market, as well as Corporate markets throughout Canada. Previous to these positions, Mr. Pacheco served as a Regional sales manager with Westmont Hospitality, Director of Sales at the Station Park Hotel and Sales manager at the Delta London Armouries.

When he is not working, you can find him having fun with his two young boys, he is also the head coach of the Field Hockey team at Western University, in which this is his 17th year with the program. Jeff truly enjoys giving back to his passion – Sports. After playing Field Hockey as a Pro internationally it was time to find a career where he came back to London to start his studies.

Jeff Pacheco is a graduate of Fanshawe College in London, where he earned a Hospitality degree in Hotel and Restaurant Administration.

  • 2019 – 2023 – President

Doug Pedlar – Vice President

Doug-Pedlar-2014Doug Pedlar represents the real estate services sector and is a well-respected and long-serving local real estate Broker of Record, with RE/MAX Bluewater Realty.

Doug was the President of the London St. Thomas Association of Realtors in 2013 and is still involved with the Board, is an active Director of Townsend Meadows Seniors Development in Forest since 2007 and has real estate offices in Grand Bend, Parkhill, Exeter, Thedford and Lucan. Doug and his wife Jeannette have lived in the area most of their lives and have 3 sons with Mark and Garrett working with Doug in Grand Bend.

Hobbies: Travel, Golf, Stain Glass, Civic Activities: Children’s Miracle Network.

  • 2019 – 2023 – Vice President
  • 2016 – 2018 – Secretary
  • 2014 – 2015 – Director

Glen Baillie – Past-President

Gglenbaillielen Baillie operates Baillie’s Picture Framing, a full service commercial framing operation. Glen started framing while studying for his economics degree at the University of Western Ontario and has not stopped since. In operation since 1988, the business moved to Grand Bend in 2004. In addition to his wife, Janette, he has two full time employees working all year.

Glen and Janette have four children, one still at home. He is active in the Lions club of Ailsa Craig and still plays men’s softball. He cheers for Toronto hockey and baseball teams, as it builds character.

Glen is founder of the annual Arts, Eats & Beats Studio Tour, Buskerfest (begun in 2013) and Summer Sunset Series (new in 2014) – and was instrumental in getting Grand Bend’s first Sidewalk Sale segment of our annual Thanksgiving Market event up and running. He has also played a fundamental role in developing dialogue with Lambton Shores Council relative to garnering financial support for tourism and visitor services performed by the Chamber for Lambton Shores.

  • 2019 – 2023 – Past President
  • 2016 – 2018 – President
  • 2014 – 2015 – Past President
  • 2012 – 2013 – President
  • 2011 – Secretary

Penny Brookshaw – Treasurer

After 15 years as a summer resident enjoying all that Grand Bend offers, my husband Mike and I decided to create permanent roots and build a home in this fabulous lake town. Since living full time in Grand Bend (since 2014), I decided to hang up my hat as a CFO and continue my career by developing a company that provides business-enhancing solutions to benefit small and medium businesses. Within Coastline Business Solutions, I utilize keen analysis, insights and a team approach to drive organizational improvements and the implementation of best financial practices. I hope I can apply my financial knowledge to the board to bring positive results to the Chamber and our wonderful area of Ontario!

When I am not working, I have many interests, including the enjoyment of travel, many physical activities (exercise, yoga, running, skiing, golfing) and the Lake Huron water. My husband and I can be often seen in town walking our dog, boating, golfing on any local course or enjoying many of our local restaurants. Mike and I have two adult boys and a wonderful Daughter-in-law (Austin, Carson and Laura).

  • 2022 – 2023 – Treasurer

Veronica Brennan – Secretary

Veronica Brennan is the recipient of the 2015 Entrepreneur of the Year award and has built two highly successful and popular restaurant and mixed retail businesses located in Port Franks – Grog’s and MacPherson’s. Veronica brings to the Board two decades of business experience and a well-earned reputation for nurturing the next generation of employees. As well, Veronica is known for her long track record of community support.

  • 2018 – 2023 – Secretary
  • 2016 – 2018 – Director

Matt Dejong – Director

Matt DeJongMatt Dejong and wife Julie owned and operated Pizza Delight for several years before selling the franchise and taking over Green Bucks Dollar Store in early 2015. Matt brings a wealth of restaurant and retail experience to the Board and most locals will recognize the DeJong family name as long time local business entrepreneurs.

  • 2016 – 2023 – Director

Darren Boyle – Director

Darren is the South Western Equipment Representative for DARCH Fire.  Darren is an ardent supporter of the Grand Bend Area having been a local for his entire life. Being an active community volunteer for various organizations over the years means he understands the critical mission and purpose of having a strong Chamber of Commerce to support the growth and success of local community businesses.

  • 2019 – 2023 – Director

Mark Perrin – Director

Photo Credit: Paul Morden

Since November 2018, Mark has been the Executive Director at Tourism Sarnia-Lambton, the Destination Marketing Organization for Lambton County. Mark is lifelong resident of Sarnia-Lambton with more than a decade of experience in event management, marketing, business partnerships and promotions. He is also one of the organizers of the Bluewater Borderfest summer music festival in Sarnia. Married with two young children, in his spare time Mark is a volunteer firefighter.

  • 2019 – 2023 – Director

Mallory Overholt – Director

Bio coming soon.

  • 2022 – 2023 – Director

Sydney MacDonald – Manager

Sydney MacDonald is a new addition to the Grand Bend and Area Chamber of Commerce. She is recent graduate from the Business Marketing Program at Algonquin College where she refined her skills in digital and social media marketing, customer relationship management and business management.

Sydney has enjoyed three summers in Grand Bend and has decided to make this beautiful town her home! Coming from a very small town in North Western Ontario, the transition has been easy thanks to the very welcoming community.

Besides work, her passion for travel has lead her around the world to over 17 countries where she has enjoyed many beautiful beaches, mountains and an abundance of delicious meals.

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