About GGC
Leadership
Board of Directors
Our board members represent and promote the hard work of Canadian grain farmers. Embodying our country’s varied agricultural landscape, they have an array of experience and are dedicated representatives of Canada’s grains sector.
Scott Hepworth, Chair
Farm Location:Saskatchewan
Sally Parsonage, 1st Vice Chair
Farm Location: Manitoba
Daryl Fransoo, 2nd Vice Chair
Farm Location: Saskatchewan
Maurice Berry, Director
Farm Location: Saskatchewan
Bob Lepischak, Director
Sylvain Leroux, Director
Farm Location: Quebec
Devin Hartzler Director
Farm Location: Saskatchewan
Robert Semeniuk, Director
Farm Location: Alberta
John Preun, Director
Farm Location: Manitoba
Patricia Lung, Director
Farm Location: Saskatchewan
Gerrid Gust, Director
Farm Location: Saskatchewan
Neil Campbell, Director
Location: Nova Scotia
Roger Chevraux, Director
Farm Location: Alberta
Staff
GGC staff’s combined experience brings a range of expertise. See how their experience informs their work and why unleashing grain farmers’ potential is at the heart of what we do.
Kyle LarkinExecutive Director
Kyle is an award-winning public affairs executive who has spent over a decade in government relations, public relations and politics. He has managed and executed public affairs strategies for national and provincial organizations, achieving short-term and long-term objectives. Kyle has successfully changed policies at both federal and provincial levels and has had his work featured in media publications, such as The Globe and Mail, National Post, CBC, BBC and The Hill Times.
Kyle was most recently the Vice-President at a public affairs firm where he worked closely with associations from across Canada. Prior to this, he worked in numerous offices on Parliament Hill, most notably for the Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister. Kyle has also gained valuable experience working at other public affairs and policy research firms, at a national association leading their government relations activities, and has been involved in numerous federal and provincial election campaigns.
Kyle is a recipient of the 2019 Government Relations Campaign of the Year by the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) for his work in creating the third ever national self-regulated college in Canada. He is also the recipient of the 2022 Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE) Award of Distinction for his work in advancing government climate changes objectives.
Kyle holds an Honours Bachelor of Social Sciences in International Studies and Modern Languages, with a minor in History and is fluently bilingual.
Kate Sauser Policy Manager
Kate is a passionate advocate for grain producers with a unique blend of firsthand farm experience and academic expertise. As Policy Manager, she works alongside members, stakeholders, and government to develop policies that support the growth and long-term viability of Canada’s grain sector.
Raised on a mixed grain and cattle farm in Saskatchewan, Kate understands the practical challenges and opportunities facing producers today. She has worked with several leading companies in the grain industry, giving her a strong appreciation for the sector’s critical role in Canada’s economy. Kate has also served on both federal and provincial political boards and has been actively involved in multiple political campaigns.
Currently, Kate is completing a Master of Science in Agricultural Economics from the University of Saskatchewan, where her thesis explores the role of zero-till technology in reducing emissions and increasing carbon sequestration. This will build on her Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Business from the University of Saskatchewan. In her spare time, Kate also referees high-level hockey across the country.
Hana Sabah Communications Manager
Hana is a seasoned communications expert with a deep understanding of the media landscape and a strong ability to craft stories that leave a lasting impact. Her strategic proficiency in media dynamics has seen her work published in Canada’s leading news platforms, including The Canadian Press, The Hill Times, Globe and Mail, CBC, Global News, CTV News, and internationally with CNN World. She is deeply dedicated to transforming organizations into recognized thought leaders in their fields, adeptly navigating media channels to amplify their voices across the country.
Prior to her role at GGC, Hana refined her skills at a leading public affairs agency, where she played a crucial role in bridging government and public relations to enact legislative changes and shape political agendas. Hana’s core communications skills were also cultivated through leading high-profile events and workshops for a not-for-profit organization, where she organized large gatherings exceeding 300 attendees and led national-level communications operations.
Hana’s journey into communications was preceded by a career in journalism. Her reporting on political affairs extended beyond Canadian borders to the Middle East, where her work was published across three countries, establishing her as a credible voice in international media.
Hana holds an Honours Bachelor of Public Affairs from Carleton University, specializing in Journalism and Communications, with a minor in English, Language and Literature. She is also fully bilingual in English and Arabic.
Emily Tian Book Keeper
Emily is a highly skilled bookkeeper with over 10 years of experience in full-cycle accounting and financial management. She has a proven track record of supporting clients across various industries, efficiently handling complex financial data while ensuring compliance and accuracy.
As the bookkeeper for Grain Growers of Canada, Emily is responsible for all bookkeeping accountabilities including transaction management, banking reconciliation, payroll processing, and financial reporting.
Before joining GGC, Emily was the lead bookkeeper at Klug Financial and Lunan Accounting Service, where she managed accounts payable and receivable, prepared financial reports, and processed payroll for employees and subcontractors.
Emily holds a Bachelor in Economics and the Certified Professional Bookkeeper designation from CPB Canada. She is also bilingual in English and Mandarin.
Emily enjoys being involved with her local Ottawa community, volunteering and sharing her expertise with local community groups who require bookkeeping and financial management expertise.