The Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jenn MacTavish as Interim Executive Director. 

Jenn steps into this role during a period of intentional organizational evolution. She succeeds Melanie DiReto, who has been with the AAC for the past 20 years. Melanie will now transition into the full-time role of CEO for the AAC’s affiliated organization, Canlead Solutions. As Canlead reaches a critical growth milestone, this leadership restructure allows both organizations to dedicate focused executive oversight to their operations.

Jenn’s appointment ensures that the AAC maintains strong leadership and operational continuity during this period of evolution. With over 20 years experience in agricultural association management, Jenn is uniquely qualified to guide AAC through this transitional chapter. Having previously served as GM for Ontario Sheep Farmers and later as Principal of MacTavish Consulting, she has built a strong reputation for providing steady, insightful leadership to organizations navigating internal shifts. 

As a seasoned consensus builder, she brings a wealth of experience in project management, program development and government relations. These skills are perfectly aligned with the AAC’s mission to stimulate growth for Ontario’s agri-food industry through the delivery of programs and the creation of partnerships that advance the sector.

In her new role, Jenn will help AAC navigate change and expand its constituency, including the next phase of AAC’s Agri-Food 2050 initiative, providing leadership and coordination for the industry-led planning to help shape the future of agri-food in the province.

“We are thrilled to have Jenn join our organization”, said Sara Wood, AAC Board Chair. “Her experience and skill sets will help us as we refine our programs and services, expand our constituency, and modernize the organization to seize new opportunities to serve our very diverse agri-food sector.  

We also want to express our gratitude to Melanie for her dedicated service and celebrate her incredible 20-year legacy with AAC. She has been a tireless advocate for our members and truly poured herself into this organization.  While we will miss her, we are thrilled to see her at the helm of Canlead Solutions.”

“I am excited to join the AAC to help the board and staff navigate this period of transition“, said MacTavish.  The organization has contributed so much over the last 30 years to support Ontario’s agri-food industry. I look forward to providing the leadership and continuity necessary to build on that success and help shape the next chapter

Please join the AAC board and staff in welcoming Jenn to her new position.

For more information contact:
Peter Katona, Communications Manager 
Agricultural Adaptation Council

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