Our Story
About OVCLT
Founded in 2020, Opportunity Villages Community Land Trust is a nonprofit organization providing pathways to attainable homeownership for residents of Southwestern Ontario.
Our Mission
To provide pathways to attainable homeownership for residents of Southwestern Ontario.
Our Vision
Innovative and Attainable Homeownership for All.
Our Values
Affordability in perpetuity, environmental responsibility, inclusive community, transparent governance, and collaborative partnerships that uplift Chatham-Kent.
Our People
Board & Volunteers
The dedicated individuals driving OVCLT forward.
Board
Officers
Maureen Geddes
President
Maureen brings extensive experience in community development, nonprofit governance, and organizational leadership. Her work spans public, private, and nonprofit sectors, with a focus on strengthening governance, building inclusive systems, and advancing purpose-driven initiatives that respond to local needs. She has served in senior leadership and advisory roles, including as interim CEO of United Way of Chatham-Kent. Deeply committed to community resilience and civic engagement, Maureen is also the publisher of Imagine Chatham-Kent 2023!, a locally focused publication highlighting ideas, voices, and opportunities for the region's future. She holds an MBA, a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours), and is a Certified Human Resources Leader. Her role with OVCLT reflects her commitment to equitable housing, collaborative partnerships, and community stewardship.
Karen Kirkwood-Whyte
Secretary
Karen has devoted her entire career to serving her community – through various roles in the business, government and nonprofit sectors. A graduate of the Windsor Business College in the late 60's, this life-long learner achieved her Certificate in Economic Development from the University of Waterloo in 2007. Following a 36-year career as CEO of the United Way of Chatham-Kent, Karen retired in 2018 and ran for a seat on Municipal Council, serving as a Ward Six Councillor until October of 2022. She was the first female member and President of the Rotary Club of Chatham and a recipient of the Chatham-Kent Family YMCA's Women of Excellence Award in 2000 and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Award in 2012. In addition, she has experience in other volunteer commitments with several local nonprofit boards and committees.
Kim Vitek
Treasurer
Kim Vitek brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to sustainable communities to her role with the Opportunity Villages Community Land Trust. Kim's career at Union Gas/Enbridge Gas has spanned roles in project management, change management and process improvement. She is known for her collaborative approach and her passion for building partnerships across teams and sectors. Kim was born and raised in Chatham and knows the personal and financial benefits of home ownership and she is dedicated to advancing OVCLT's mission of developing attainable housing for Chatham-Kent.
Directors
Dave Cullen
Director
Dave moved to Chatham in 1999 for work, knowing nothing about the community beyond the Wheels Inn. Through the years, Dave cofounded the Young Professionals of Chatham-Kent and the Ground Floor. He also spent time on the Community Strategic Planning Committee. Now a not-so-young professional, Dave is still proud to call Chatham-Kent home while recently re-entering the consulting world, Dave pairs his passion for the community with an interest in net-zero building to OVCLT, hoping to innovate in ways that can be used in future both locally and abroad.
Faith Hale
Director
Bio coming soon.
David Morrison
Director
David Morrison has spent over 25 years as a Program Manager leading major projects for automotive manufacturers in Canada, the US and Mexico. In addition to serving on the OVCLT board he has focused on assisting children in need locally and internationally. As a foster parent David and his wife Tracy provided a safe and nurturing environment for many at risk youth in Chatham-Kent over the last 10 years. In addition, he held board positions with RISE House International (formerly Home for Help) in Haiti and served as President of the Canadian Relief Fund for Chernobyl Victims in Belarus (CRFCVB). David was born in Chatham, raised in Wallaceburg and resides in the area with his family.
Rebecca Stevens
Director
Becky started working in Chatham in 2010 and eventually moved to Chatham in 2016. Becky brings us over 15 years of supply chain experience in both the public and private sectors, as well as experience in the last few years in business development. Becky believes that everyone deserves a safe and stable home and understands that attainable housing isn't just about structures; it's about building thriving communities. By joining the OVCLT board, Becky aims to leverage her expertise to aid in addressing housing disparities and creating lasting change in housing accessibility.
Volunteers
We thank the following volunteers, who have contributed specific expertise since OVCLT's inception, as key players with this initiative.
Currently active volunteers bolded