A Norfolk County resident has been named the new Executive Director of the Rural Ontario Institute.
The organization announced that Kimberly Earls will officially begin her new role in February, taking over leadership of the provincial organization dedicated to strengthening rural communities.
Dan Borowec, Chair of the Rural Ontario Institute, said Earls was selected following a thorough and competitive interview process. He praised her extensive experience and strong connections within the business and public sectors.
Earls brings more than 15 years of experience in community and economic development and has led large-scale projects in areas such as workforce development, energy infrastructure, transit, and agrifood systems.
Most recently, she served as Executive Director of the South Central Ontario Regional Economic Development Commission, representing Brant, Elgin, Middlesex, Norfolk, and Oxford counties. In that role, she oversaw strategic planning, governance, and stakeholder engagement across the region.
Ellen Sinclair, the former Executive Director of the Rural Ontario Institute, said Earls is a collaborative leader with a strong track record of building partnerships.
In addition to her professional work, Earls teaches part-time at Fanshawe College and holds a Master of Public Administration from Western University. She was also previously an owner and partner in a construction and masonry business.
In her new role, Earls will oversee daily operations and strategic planning, while developing cross-sector partnerships aimed at advancing rural development and strengthening communities across Ontario.