Board of Directors

Board Chair

Pronouns: She/Her

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​Rhondda Lymburner is a social worker.  She was employed by the Government of Ontario and Conestoga College working with individuals requiring accommodations to support education and employment. Has community involvement and has been with Canadian Mental Health Association, Chalmers since its inception and Second Chance Employment.

Vice Chair

Languages: English

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John and his family have lived in Guelph for over 20 years. During that time, he has served as a United Church minister in a number of churches and ministries in the community.  Most recently he served at Three Willows United where he was able to see first-hand the work of Chalmers Community Services Centre and hear of its long connection with many in the congregation. John studied history at Western and London School of Economics. He did his theological studies in Princeton, New Jersey. John has a particular passion and spiritual connection with the environment and this commitment to sustainable environment and community led him to run as the Green Party candidate in Guelph during the federal election of 2011. In his retirement John has become an active member of SCAN – Seniors For Climate Action Now.

Treasurer

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Retired CPA with many years of experience in Public Accounting and working for a large multi-national Vaccine company.  Enthusiastic to support Chalmers in its goal to provide food for those in need.

Director

Pronouns: He/Him

Languages: English

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John Benham is a United Church of Canada minister serving at Trinity United in Guelph. John enjoys working for social justice with Anishnabeg Outreach and Indigenous reconciliation at Trinity for two years. John has also supported North End Harvest Market at Waverly Public school for almost a decade. John is looking forward to working with Chalmers Community Services.

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Director​

Languages: English, French

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I have been a Human Resources Manager for the last ten years. Before becoming an HR Manager, I worked as a Training and Development Specialist and then as an HR Consultant.

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In 2010 I had the privilege of volunteering with an organization called Empower Global. Empower Global was a Canadian charitable organization that was focused on providing dignity and hope to the poor in developing countries through micro-credit set up. 

Director​

Pronouns: She/Her

Languages: English

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Jill retired from teaching Theatrical Costuming in the Drama Department at the University of Guelph.  She has a passionate interest in reducing food insecurity and spearheaded Harcourt UC’s Communal Garden which has donated 8000 lbs. of organically grown vegetables to Chalmers since 2011.  Jill has been providing a free mending service to Chalmers guests for the past 15 years and offers the same skills to Guelph Tool Library’s Repair Cafes bimonthly. Jill was recognized as a Woman of Distinction for her community work in 2019 and is looking forward to adding her voice to the Chalmers Board.

Director​

Languages: English

Stuart recently retired from a career in accounting and finance, mostly in the lighting industry. He was actively involved with the local United Way for almost 20 years, beginning as a member of the Campaign Cabinet, lastly as a Board Member. Out of all the agencies he visited as a member of the Fund Distribution Committee, Chalmers on Baker Street made the greatest impression. He has very much enjoyed volunteering with Chalmers for the past year.

Director​

Languages: English, Yoruba

Dr. Joseph Odumeru is a Research Scientist and Administrator with a Ph.D. in Microbiology and 32 plus years’ experience in scientific research and Management. He retired on January 31, 2025, after twenty and half years of service in the Ontario Public Service (OPS) and 12 years of service at the University of Guelph. 

Following his retirement, Joseph looks forward to the next chapter in life including spending more time with family and friends and continuing to contribute to the Ontario Civil Service and community services (especially in the City of Guelph) in various capacities using his years of expertise and experience in Education and Public Service. Joseph is an active member of the St Mathias and St James Anglican Church with leadership roles in the Parish since 1995. He looks forward to contributing to the goals and objectives of Chalmers.

Director​

Pronouns: She/Her

Retired microbiologist and longtime resident of Guelph, Jan has been involved in a number of social justice groups over the years including Western Provisions Food Coop, Habitat for Humanity, United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin and most recently, Chalmers Community Services Centre.

Director

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​Susan Murray recently retired from a long career with the Ontario Public Service. She was a communications professional specializing in media relations and issues management, branching into managing teams in later years. Originally from Ajax, Susan has lived in Guelph for more than 30 years where she and her husband John raised their two, now- adult sons.  Susan has been volunteering at Chalmers’ Wednesday night food pantries for about 15 years. Since retirement, she also volunteers at the morning cafés.  Having seen the continued community need for Chalmers, and the evolution of Chalmers’ offerings to address those needs, Susan is looking forward to serving on the Board of Directors to help continue the great work.

Director

Languages: English​

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Bruce is a retired professional from the post-secondary sector, with an earlier career in software and automotive manufacturing.  He is now dedicated to working in the charitable sector, with a focus on food security in Guelph.  Currently serving on two other boards, Knox College and a condominium corporation.  Interests involve all manner of two-wheeled vehicles and keeping learning and fitness foremost in the "third age".