CANZA works to drive investment and advance climate solutions for a more resilient Canadian agri-food system - now and for the next generations. We bring together farmers and diverse industry partners to coordinate and advance investment and solutions that de-risk and reward farmers for adopting climate-smart practices and the subsequent positive environmental impacts of these efforts. This work also allows companies to confidently invest in incentives that enable farmers to adopt and advance climate-smart practices, while strengthening the resiliency of their supply chains and helping to achieve their Scope 3 emissions reductions.
But doing this work and accomplishing our goals requires a powerhouse team of professionals with unique expertise and a shared commitment to securing long-term productivity for our farmers, ensuring food security for our communities, and showcasing the competitiveness and leadership of Canada's entire food system.
Over the past few months, we've grown our team to nine passionate and talented individuals who are ready to do just that. And we want you to meet them!
Nick is an action-driven, strategy-guided leader in building and deploying opportunities that drive positive climate impact across the agri-food industry. With a background spanning roles in farm associations, agricultural ministries, international industry associations, and global climate consulting, Nick’s unique perspective and experiences catalyze innovative and implementable solutions from boots to boardroom.
Through his 15+ years working in agricultural sustainability, Nick brings a robust international industry and academic network, experience in leading global initiatives in regenerative agriculture, and a deeply seeded understanding and awareness of Canadian agriculture and farming communities.
Nick earned a B.Sc. in ecology from the University of Guelph, an MBA in leadership and sustainability from Cumbria University (UK), and holds certificates in sustainability reporting, farm transition planning, change management and Lean business strategy.
Barb Swartzentruber is a strategist, catalyst, and connector, working with government and communities to respond to urgent social, economic, and environmental challenges through civic innovation, regenerative practices, and circular economy strategies. She is committed to the power of a shared vision and mission-driven collective action to create regenerative local economies and communities that are inclusive and thriving in harmony with nature.
As a global leader in place-based innovation, system change, and community capacity building, she convened and led a collaboration of local governments, business, academic and community leaders to win Canada’s Smart City Challenge. Built on shared vision and goals, alongside a distributed leadership and governance model, they co-produced a portfolio of over 60 system change projects for reimagining a circular, sustainable regional food system. Successfully attracting over $25M in investments and mobilizing national and international collaborations, this work has created new innovation platforms including the Circular Opportunity Innovation Launchpad (COIL), Climate and Circularity Hub, Zero Waste Economic Innovation Lab, and Regenerative Agriculture Program that are testing and deepening regenerative social, economic, environmental practices.
As a system innovator with I&IT expertise, Barb led the federal negotiations, design and implementation of the Ontario Government’s first rural and remote broadband strategy, and the province's initial open government and open data strategies.
Barb has taught public policy, intergovernmental relations, community development, and system change at several Canadian universities. She was appointed to the Council of Canadian Academies Expert Panel on the Circular Economy in Canada in 2020 which co-produced the Turning Point Report. She acts as an expert advisor to the Canadian Circular Cities and Regions initiative supporting local governments across Canada to develop circular economy strategies.
Ashley is a strategic collaborator with over 20 years of experience in the agriculture and agri-food sector. Passionate about sustainability and building strong relationships, she excels in managing initiatives that address key industry needs. With a focus on partnerships and impactful solutions, Ashley brings an entrepreneurial spirit, backed by expertise in sustainability, association management, and industry connections.
She has held leadership positions with the Agri-food Management Institute, the Poultry Industry Council, and the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association. Ashley holds a master’s degree in Capacity Development and Extension from the University of Guelph, lives outside of Guelph, Ontario, and farms with her husband in Grey County.
With over a decade of administrative and operational expertise, Kelly brings a unique blend of adaptability, intuition, and organizational excellence to her role at CANZA. Throughout her career, she has supported executives across diverse industries, excelling at prioritizing competing demands and fostering seamless collaboration. Her experience spans office administration, operations management, and executive support, where she has consistently driven efficiency and elevated team performance. Her approach is anchored in understanding the nuances of leadership, anticipating needs, and delivering tailored solutions that enable her team to focus on achieving strategic objectives.
Kelly is deeply passionate about cultivating environments where collaboration and innovation thrive. She believes that by working together to implement forward-thinking, practical solutions, we can transform the agri-food system into a model of sustainability and resilience. Guided by a shared commitment to progress, Kelly is dedicated to helping CANZA advance initiatives that pave the way for a more equitable, purpose-driven, and sustainable future.
Andrea is dedicated to supporting the sustainability of Canadian agriculture. She is passionate about advancing initiatives that benefit farmers, communities, and the environment. For over four years at Wilton Consulting Group, she collaborated with farm and commodity organizations on sustainable agriculture programs and research. She facilitated extensive consultations with industry representatives to develop recommendations on programming and policy updates to best meet industry needs.
She is an experienced project manager, overseeing initiatives ranging from field-scale trials to national research projects. Andrea is also a skilled communicator. She served as the managing editor of Farms.com, Better Farming, and Better Pork. Here, Andrea built, mentored, and led the editorial team through the expansion of Better Pork to a national publication and the launch of Better Farming Prairies.
Andrea also brings a grassroots perspective to her work in the industry. Together with her family, Andrea runs a grain farm and cow-calf operation in southwestern Ontario. She serves as the Vice Chair of Farm Management Canada and as a representative on the Ontario Federation of Agriculture’s Policy Advisory Council.
Emily grew up with a passion for food, and through her experience working in food service has championed environmental sustainability in the industry. She has ample food industry experience ranging from local SME restaurants to luxury properties.
Emily has held a 2-year presidency of an environmental outreach program, completed a fellowship on circular economy with the Ellen McArthur Foundation, and is a Board Member for the Circular Innovation Council. She has published multiple papers in food service sustainability exploring the impact of COVID-19 on sustainability initiatives, food waste in long-term care homes, the effectiveness of certification programs, and single-use plastic reduction. She has also been interviewed by dozens of media outlets on the federal plastics ban. Emily has taught university courses in food service management and food science as Food Education Manager at the University of Guelph.
Emily is a Kostuch Media Top 30 Under 30 Recipient, an OMAFRA HQP Scholar, a D.F. Forster Medal Nominee and a Governor General’s Gold Medal Nominee. She has a Bachelor of Commerce in Hotel and Food Administration and a Master of Science in Tourism and Hospitality.
Tracey is a collaborative problem solver and network builder. She has extensive experience developing and delivering programs to increase participation in stewardship and agricultural best management practices. Through 30+ years working in agricultural sustainability, Tracey has experience managing projects with a diversity of partners and stakeholders including farmers, farm organizations, local, provincial, and federal ministries, and academic researchers.
She is an enthusiastic leader with proven experience mobilizing teams, inspiring others, and leading by example. Tracey has a Bachelor of Environmental Studies from the University of Waterloo and a Masters of Science in Rural Extension Studies from the University of Guelph.
Rebecca S. is an environmental professional dedicated to supporting community-driven initiatives. With a background in program and grant management, alongside hands-on farming experience, she is deeply committed to restorative land stewardship and social responsibility. Rebecca is passionate about driving meaningful climate action through resource development, financial incentives, capacity building, and education.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental & Agricultural Sciences from McGill University.
Rebecca B. has a breadth of experience in government, academic, and non-profit settings working on projects in healthcare, environment, and agriculture. With a passion for language, the focus throughout her career has been on developing effective ways to communicate big issues and complex solutions in order to promote understanding and encourage action.
With 8 years in the social impact space working on communications and communications-adjacent projects, Rebecca is excited to bring her expertise to CANZA to help advance solutions towards a more resilient agri-food system.
Rebecca earned a B.A. in English Literature and Theatre from McGill University, an MBHL in Bioethics and Health Law from the University of Otago, and certificates in climate change communications, knowledge mobilization, and soil health and regenerative farming.