New Chairman for OBHECC

February 5, 2014 –  The Directors of the Ontario Broiler Hatching Egg and Chick Commission (OBHECC) are pleased to announce that Mr. William (Bill) Bearss will soon join the Commission in the role of Chair. 

The current Chair, Mr. Jim Rickard, will retire after 12 years of exemplary service. Jim will hand the gavel to Mr. Bearss at the conclusion of the Commission’s Annual General Meeting on March 5, 2014.  

Mr. Bearss has spent his entire career in the agri-food / agri-business sector including time in the “feather” industry. He is no stranger to the Ontario chicken value chain, having served as the General Manager to the board of the Chicken Farmers of Ontario for six years, during which time Bill had regular interaction with OBHECC board members and staff. 

Bill gained an appreciation for the issues and concerns of the hatching egg and chick sector. He also had an opportunity to build positive relationships with some of the key players in both the farm and hatchery areas. As President of numerous industry and service organizations, Bill has gained valuable experience in governance, facilitation, conflict resolution, meeting efficiency and other related boardroom skills. Bill also has an extensive background in the financial and investment profession.