Staff
Exploring, learning, teaching, doing - for love of Georgian Bay
We are a small and impactful team of people who share a love of the natural world, and like our many patrons and volunteers, we wish to contribute to the sustainability of Georgian Bay, a place that means so much to so many.
Meet The Team
David Sweetnam
Executive Director
(905) 880-4945 ext. 1
David is an entrepreneur who has spent his career in environmental and high tech industries. He was part of the creation of the UV Index in Canada, the United States and Australia addressing public education on the cancer-causing dangers of and solutions to the ozone hole. David and his team designed and manufactured high-tech, solid state atmospheric monitoring instruments used by researchers in over 20 countries around the world. That work had a significant impact in raising public awareness and reducing harmful ozone destroying emissions and now, twenty-five years later, the ozone layer is recovering.
David and his wife, contemporary artist Debra Archibald, have six children and four grandchildren between them and spend their summers on the water in Georgian Bay.
Kim Woodhouse
Administration and Accounting
(905) 880-4945 ext. 2
kim.woodhouse@gbf.org
Kim has an extensive background in finance with experience in all accounting functions in her role at Georgian Bay Forever. She keeps the Georgian Bay Forever team running smoothly by managing all aspects of financial administration as well as assisting in the day-to-day operations under the Executive Director.
When Kim isn’t at work, she enjoys travelling, cottaging, and listening to music, as well as spending time with her family (especially with her granddaughter).
Amber Gordon
Director of Development, Donor Relations
(905) 880-4945 ext. 3
amber.gordon@gbf.org
Amber’s love for Georgian Bay began when she was a little girl playing on the coastline of her parent’s friend’s family cottage in Pointe au Baril. She moved outside of Parry Sound in her twenties, and would spend much of her time walking her dogs on the Rugged Fitness Trail, swimming, snowshoeing across the Bay, or canoeing and camping along the shores. After returning to the south, she met her husband, and together they had two children. Amber and her family continue to enjoy their time on the Bay as much as possible and have continued with yearly camping trips since her boys were one.
She joined the GBF team in 2014 and is passionate about protecting the uniqueness of the Bay for everyone to enjoy. She has been fundraising and building relationships with other passionate and committed people for many years and began her career in development in Parry Sound working for the West Parry Sound Health Centre. She has also worked in organizations protecting at-risk youth, abused women and children, and the environment. She is committed to making the world a better place for her children, and truly wants to give back to others.
Laura Thipphawong
Director of Communications
(905) 880-4945 ext. 4
email: laura.thipphawong@gbf.org
Laura has a diverse background in business leadership, arts, outdoor recreation, and education, as well a vested interest in environmentalism and a history of volunteering in the non-profit sector. After owning and operating her own small business for five years, she went to school to study art and critical theory, earning a master’s in art history from the University of Toronto. She works as a visual artist in the evenings and weekends, and freelances as a writer, researcher, tutor, and educational consultant.
In her spare time, Laura tries to go on as many outdoor adventures as possible and uses her passion for interdisciplinary work to merge her arts practice with environmental advocacy. She has also taught several backcountry survival clinics, and can show you what to do in case of a bear encounter.
Sean Mullin
Project Manager for Diversion 2.0
(905) 880-4945 ext. 5
sean.mullin@gbf.org
My Name is Sean Mullin, Project Manager for Diversion 2.0 at Georgian Bay Forever. After graduating from Carleton University with a degree in Ecology, Evolution, and Behaviour, I started working for GBF on their Phragmite removal project. Growing up on Georgian Bay gave me a love for the environment, and a passion to preserve it for future generations.
Though I haven’t been at GBF for very long, I look forward to being a part of our efforts to help protect the waters of Georgian Bay!
Ashley Morrison
Project Manager for Collingwood Divert and Capture
(905) 880-4945 ext. 6
I have always had a passion for learning, connecting with people, and exploring new places. I have a BA in Environmental Studies, and am an Ontario Certified Teacher with a specialization in Outdoor and Experiential Education. Through my work and personal experiences, I strongly believe that connecting community members to the environment through hands-on, engaging experiences not only improves physical and emotional well-being, but also encourages a sense of stewardship, care, and desire to protect our environment.
I really enjoy hiking & exploring with my partner and dog, as well as swimming, and stand-up paddle boarding whenever I can!
Nicole Carpenter
Science Projects Manager: Phragmites Research
(905) 880-4945 ext. 7
nicole.carpenter@gbf.org
Nicole Carpenter holds a Bachelor of Science with a focus on Marine and Freshwater Biology from the University of Guelph, and a minor in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Environmental Analysis. Nicole started with the Georgian Bay Forever team in 2021 and has been managing the invasive Phragmites program across southeastern Georgian Bay. Alongside the invasive Phragmites program, Nicole also utilizes GIS to create maps, and analyze water quality and bathymetric data collected by our Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV).
Her passion for the environment continues to build every day and she strives to help people better understand, appreciate and value our freshwater ecosystems. Outside of work you can find her spending time outdoors with family and friends swimming, canoeing or hiking.