Shaw has served as Executive Chair since the company’s inception in September 1999.

“Heather has been an important part of Corus’ history, helping to steward the company through significant milestones and an ever-changing industry,” said Troy Reeb, Co-Chief Executive Officer, in a Corus announcement. “We are appreciative of her commitment to Corus and of her long career in media leadership.”

“On behalf of our Board of Directors, I want to thank Heather for her many contributions to the Board and to Corus over the past 26 years,” added Fern Belisle, Co-Chair of the Human Resources and Governance Committee. “While we wish her all the best on her retirement as Executive Chair, we look forward to continuing to serve together on the Board.”

Shaw remains a director of several private companies including the Shaw Family Foundation, as well as Managing Director of Calgary-based charity, The Shawana Foundation.

In addition to Belisle, the current Corus board is rounded out by Shaw Family Foundation President Julie Shaw, who serves as Vice-Chair; Charmaine Crooks, President of NGU Consultants; Mark Hollinger, former President and CEO of Discovery Networks International; Barry James, retired PricewaterhouseCoopers partner; and former eOne executive Margaret O’Brien.

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The digital executive and entrepreneur brings over four decades of experience in digital media and journalism innovation to the Sault Ste. Marie-headquarted digital news publisher, including serving as CEO of Salon Media Group, Worldwide Services at Apple, and Vice President of Content at early consumer broadband provider, @Home Network.

Village Media currently owns and operates 26 local news sites in Ontario, five other news-related sites, and licenses its publishing platform, Villager, to another 120 publications across Canada and the U.S. It’s expanded over the past year into social networking, with the launch of SPACES in several communities it serves.

“Richard’s extensive experience in digital media and his commitment to journalistic integrity align perfectly with our mission to innovate and strengthen local news,” said Village Media CEO Jeff Elgie, in a company announcement. “I have worked with Richard for many years and he has become both a mentor of mine and a passionate supporter of the work we do. His leadership will be invaluable as we continue to grow and serve our communities.”

Gingras also helped found global think tank, the Center for News, Technology & Innovation, and the Trust Project, a global initiative to promote transparency and trust in journalism. He currently serves on the boards of the First Amendment Coalition, the International Center for Journalists, the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, the UC Berkeley School of Journalism, and PRX, the public media podcast network.

“I am honoured to join Village Media as Chair of the Board,” said Gingras. “Village Media’s dedication to local journalism and strengthening local communities is of critical value and  importance. I look forward to working with Jeff and the talented Village team to further their mission and explore new avenues for innovation in local news delivery.”

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In recognition of his volunteer leadership, the board has created the position of Director Emeritus. Johnston will also continue to host the station’s morning show for the forseeable future.

“No single person is more responsible for the success of County FM, from its inception in 2013, going on-air in 2014, and becoming – in the 11 years since – an essential community service,” said incoming Board Chair Mike Harper. “While JJ is leaving the Chair position and his role as an active Board member, the Director Emeritus position allows the station to not only recognize his many years of commitment, it also allows us to keep him in the loop as the station serves the community in the years to come.”

The non-profit, which grew from a community town hall in late 2011, now boasts a volunteer contingent of over 100, four full-time and two part-time staff. Johnston – a radio veteran known for his time as a General Manager and programming executive with Corus Entertainment, Moffatt Communications and Standard Radio, following an extensive on-air career – served as County FM’s first Interim GM.

Johnston says over the last decade, County FM has been able to galvanize the local music community – guaranteeing local airplay, has helped hundreds of non-profits as a megaphone for their activities, and forged a partnership with Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) team, the Wellington Dukes.

Among some of the other station milestones he’s proud of are “working with the county to create disaster plans, finding the money to have generator back-ups to make sure that we are on-the-air when trouble happens, utilizing hundreds of volunteers from all kinds of walks of life, and being able to deliver 40 to 50 different kinds of shows on a weekly basis…” 

Most recently, the station launched a new website in January, which includes streaming and on-demand podcasts, and a new interactive interface featuring new sponsorship opportunities.

“It’s an honour to be recognized, and I’m glad to know that I’ll still have a chance to contribute my voice and experience to the future development of 99.3 County FM,” Johnston added.

The current Board of Directors for County FM includes: 

• Mike Harper, Chair 
• Mary Ann Farrell, Vice Chair 
• Christine Winiarz Searle, Treasurer 
• Philip Knox, Secretary
• Lynn Pickering, Director 
• Geoff Craig, Director 
• Mark Despault, Director 
• Astrid Young, Director 
• Shelagh Hurley, Director 
• Nancy Griffin, Director 

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