Our Staff

Reuben has deep ties to the area and a commitment to community dating way back to his preschool days upstairs at the OLD Flesherton Library and now sits as a director on various Boards serving nonprofit organizations within Grey Highlands. He is passionate about community development and has a keen interest in the nonprofit sector and philanthropy. A recent graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University’s Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Management program, Reuben has raised funds and contributed to modernizing, building and rebranding organizations to enhance community impact.

He deeply values the collective effort behind community milestones like the new Markdale Hospital and recognizes the enduring commitment to local healthcare excellence. Reuben looks forward to bringing his unique perspective and experience to the foundation.

After over 30 years in various senior Finance roles with the Town of Oakville, then followed by 3 years as CEO of the Oakville Public Library, Lynn and her husband Tom retired and moved to Thornbury in December  2018. They have always loved the area and along with their two children, have been Beaver Valley Ski Club members for 25 years.

Lynn was looking for an opportunity to utilize her financial and organizational skills and to give back to the community on a part-time basis. The opportunity to work for the Centre Grey Health Services Foundation was a perfect fit, and Lynn came on board in December 2020.

Amber Ebert is an experienced nonprofit leader with a background in arts management, community engagement, and organizational development. Amber has a deep passion for building strong, resilient communities through inclusive programming and thoughtful engagement. Her work has spanned project coordination, public consultation, volunteer development, and event design—always with a focus on meaningful connection and impact.

As a skilled facilitator, Amber has guided community planning sessions, and cross-sector forums, helping groups navigate complexity, find common ground, and take action. Her strength lies in translating big ideas into practical strategies while maintaining a people-first approach.

Now serving as the Donor Development and Communication Coordinator at the Centre Grey Health Services Foundation, Amber brings this wealth of experience to her work supporting rural health care through donor engagement and storytelling.

Willard promotes legacy giving to Centre Grey Hospital and assists donors in planning will bequests and other special gifts in support of Centre Grey Hospital and other GBHS hospitals in Meaford, Owen Sound, Southampton, Wiarton and Lions Head.

He has more than 25 years’ experience in the charitable sector and in estate and gift planning. Willard has a BA in Business Administration from McMaster University and Redeemer College. He is a long time member of the Canadian Association of Gift Planners.

If you have been thinking about making a special gift to support your Hospital, Willard is available to help you.  Call him at 519.376.2121 ext. 2736 or email wvanderploeg@brightshores.ca

Contact info:
Willard VanderPloeg,
Charitable Giving Advisor
1800 8th Street East, Owen Sound, ON N4K 6M9
T: 519.376.2121 x2736  M: 519.270.9177
E: wvanderploeg@brightshores.ca