JUDGES
Janice Watson
Vice-President, Human Resources
G3
Janice Watson is the Vice President of Human Resources at G3, responsible for the strategic direction of the company’s human resource plans and policies.
Janice’s career spans approximately 20 years and includes work in the banking industry focused on agriculture, and senior HR leadership roles with Bunge, Viterra and Can Oat Milling. She has been with G3 since inception in 2015.
Janice has her HR Management Certification and Certified HR Professional (CHRP) designation; she has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Food Science and completed three years of a four-year program of Bachelor of Human Ecology majoring in Foods and Nutrition.
Don MacDonald
Vice-President, Operations
G3
Don MacDonald is the Vice-President of Operations at G3, responsible for the operation of all country elevators and port terminals.
Don began his career in the Manitoba Pool Elevators country division in 1978 and spent the last 40 years in the Canadian ag industry with various companies. Don was President and CEO of Mission Terminals before joining the newly formed G3 as VP of Operations in 2015.
Don holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from University of Manitoba.
Luree Williamson
CEO
Agriculture for Life
Luree Williamson is the CEO of Agriculture for Life where she leads the efforts in delivering educational programming and communications designed to build a genuine understanding and appreciation of the impact agriculture has on our lives. Luree is a strong advocate for the advancement of women in agriculture and engaging and supporting youth, Gen Z. She sits on multiple boards and committees dedicated to the advancement of agriculture, health and wellness.
With over 20 years business experience, Luree‘s strong entrepreneurial background, leadership and strategic acumen are key assets in building the Ag for Life brand, partnerships and programs.
Luree and her family live west of Calgary on their horse ranch.
Michelle Hart
President and Creative
Hart Direction
Michelle is an established Brand Strategist and Creative Director, with an expansive professional portfolio from her dedicated 30 year in the marketing and creative industry. From leading the creative development of successful national integrated marketing campaigns to strategy, planning and creative, through to execution and production.
But Michelle’s true love is branding. She lives and breathes it. She believes the foundation of any great marketing campaign is to first develop a distinctive brand story and position the unique essence of the brand.
Michelle founded Hart Direction six years ago and is carving out her niche to help small businesses build better brands. Michelle leads the Hart Direction team where their goal is to show businesses how they can save time and money by branding and marketing the right way.
Sue Clayton
Director
Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Manitoba
Sue Clayton joined the University of Manitoba (UM) as the new director of the School of Agriculture in the fall of 2022. She brings to the role strong leadership skills and a broad network of relationships within industry, government, organizations and the Manitoba education community. Located in the UM Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, the School coordinates the two-year Agriculture Diploma program and offers a variety of certificate, non-credit and professional development programs for the agri-food industry on behalf of the Faculty.
Previously, Sue was the executive director of Agriculture in the Classroom – Manitoba (AITC-M), where over seven years she helped expand the organization’s agricultural literacy programming and student reach across Manitoba.
Clayton graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Agricultural Economics) from UM.
Kamryn Findlay
Program Manager
Dalhousie University
Kamryn Findlay grew up in a rural community in Nova Scotia and graduated from Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Agriculture with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, double majoring in Animal Science and Aquaculture.
Upon graduation, Kamryn moved into a research intensive graduate studies program working in the Inner Bay of Fundy and Shubenacadie River Estuary. She graduated with a Master of Science in Agriculture with a Specialization in Aquaculture. Kamryn previously held the role of Assistant Registrar of Recruitment, Campus Visits, and Special Events at Dalhousie University with a focus of supporting Agriculture Students. Kamryn is currently a Program Manager in Extended Learning at the Faculty of Agriculture supporting the agricultural industry, government, and associations through education and programming.
Kamryn has worked and volunteered within the agriculture and agri-food industry for many years and is a proud 4-H alumnus and active volunteer. Kamryn is a Professional Agrologist within the Nova Scotia Institute of Agrologists helping to serve the agri-food community. In her spare time, Kamryn competes in the professional lumberjack circuit, spends time working with her poultry flock, enjoys gardening, and outdoor activities with her dogs, Hank and Hazel.