OSCIA announces new manager, director
GUELPH – The Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) has appointed Julie Henderson to the newly-created position of general manager.
Henderson, who previously served as OSCIA’s interim executive director and chief financial officer, will act as the primary link between OSCIA’s senior leadership team and its board of directors.
Officials say Henderson’s appointment is part of a broader review and restructuring process that moves OSCIA away from its previous model – an executive director supported by departmental directors – to “a more collaborative leadership approach that improves coordination and responsiveness across the organization.”
Decisions will be guided by a senior leadership team, consisting of Henderson and four department directors.
Kimberley Cathline has been appointed director of research and knowledge transfer.
Officials say Cathline has more than 20 years of experience in agricultural research and over a decade of leadership in research program management, policy development and organizational governance.
She has held senior roles at Niagara College, University of California, Davis, the University of Guelph and the National Research Council of Canada.
Cathline has Master of Science in biological sciences from Brock University specializing in plant science, oenology and viticulture, and an Bachelor of Science in plant biology from the University of Guelph.
“We are thrilled to welcome Julie into the role of general manager and Kimberley into her new leadership position,” stated Andy Van Niekerk, OSCIA president.
“Their leadership qualities, combined with our new structure, position OSCIA to better serve our members, strengthen our research and knowledge transfer efforts, deliver high-quality programs and continue advancing innovation in Ontario agriculture.”
Van Niekerk says the new model aligns with OSCIA’s strategic work plan, and will enhance member engagement, streamline delivery of applications, claims and services, support staff growth and professional development, enhance transparency and ensure decisions are informed by multiple areas of expertise.
There will be no disruption in the delivery of OSCIA’s programs or on-farm research participation, cost-sharing funding or knowledge transfer opportunities, officials say.
