Goderich

Kimberley Payne is a senior fundraising leader with more than 30 years of experience in the charitable sector. Since 2020, she has served as Executive Director of the Alexandra Marine and General Hospital Foundation, growing revenue while strengthening community engagement. Previously, she led the South Huron Hospital Foundation and helped fund and establish Jessica's House Residential Hospice. An active volunteer, Kimberley is President of the Goderich Celtic Folk Society and Treasurer of the Maple Leaf IODE Chapter. Passionate about community, she is dedicated to building stronger, more caring places for everyone.

Ange has been coming to the festival approximately since 1992.

She grew up running around the festival grounds; barefoot and unapologetic. She has attended the college since 2004, has been shushed backstage more often than not, and has a deep and abiding love for this community. She began working with Nina Reynolds in 2012, officially as the protege for Artisan vendors. She constantly makes Con Melady's life difficult, and has recently begun running her mouth on Mainstage as an MC. 

While living in Northern Ontario ShariAnn was invited to a contradance at the Algomatrad Music Camp. It wasn't long before she dusted off the fiddle her family had sitting under a couch and started playing tunes. Returning home to Huron County she has been delighted to get involved with the Goderich Celtic Festival as an attendee, volunteer, and Board member. ShariAnn has added a few more instruments to her pile (fiddle, cello, bagpipes...) and can be found carrying them through the halls of the Celtic College. Her festival magic moments are packed sessions at the Parkhouse or Livery (...or the beach) where everyone feels like they can join in, and she hopes you will join her for the Welcome Jam at the Livery on Sunday night after registration.

John is a former banker, born & raised in Goderich, and having spent his working career in London & Toronto returned to Goderich on retiring in 2012. He has been active with the Festival since 1999, first as stage manager, and in 2014 became a member of the Board and Treasurer.

Dave has been an enthusiastic member of the Goderich Celtic community for many years and has enjoyed serving on the board since retiring. A longtime attendee, he first came with his young family and later watched his daughters perform on the festival stage. Now, Celtic College is the highlight of his year, offering lifelong learning, great friendships, and unforgettable Lake Huron sunsets. Dave also helps organize the popular open mic sessions at The Livery Theatre and enjoys playing folk songs and traditional Scottish fiddle tunes with friends. For Dave, the Goderich Celtic College and Festival is where lasting memories are made.

Ian was inducted into the London (Ontario) Music Hall of Fame for Lifetime Achievement in 2024, and the Order of Folk by the Canadian Folk Music Awards in 2025. He has over 50 years experience as a concert presenter, agent, arts manager/consultant, festival organizer, broadcaster/journalist, graphic designer, musician, and has served on many boards. Ian is Artistic Director of Cuckoo’s Nest Folk Club (30+ years) and has lived in London since 1993.

Teresa Donnelly served as a prosecutor with Ontario’s Ministry of the Attorney General from 1994 to 2026, specializing in the prosecution of violence against women and children. A two-term Bencher and Treasurer of the Law Society of Ontario from 2020 to 2022, she has championed mental health, equity, professional ethics, and access to justice. She also served as President of the Federation of Law Societies of Canada and has contributed extensively to legal education.

Phil's family moved from the Niagara region to Goderich in time for him to attend Mrs. Fisher’s grade one class at Victoria Public School, way back when the whole world was still black & white. Life has taken him a few places since then but no matter where he’s travelled or lived, Goderich has always been home. After a lengthy radio career, he's living his best life these days in semi-retirement, staying active with a Saturday morning radio show on Shoreline Classics, podcasting, singing and acting at local venues and supporting the community he loves in any way he can.