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
Farm Location: Manitoba
Sylvain Leroux, Director
Farm Location: Quebec
Devin Hartzler Director
Farm Location: Alberta
Peter Konstapel, Director
Farm Location: Alberta
John Preun, Director
Farm Location: Manitoba
Patricia Lung, Director
Farm Location: Saskatchewan
Gerrid Gust, Director
Farm Location: Saskatchewan
Jeff Harrison, Director
Farm Location: Ontario
Roger Chevraux, Director
Farm Location: Alberta
Neil Campbell, Director
Location: Prince Edward Island
Staff
GGC staff bring decades of combined experience across government, industry, and communications, shaping how GGC works on behalf of Canada’s grain farmers from Ottawa and across the country. Read about their backgrounds below.
Kate Sauser Manager, Policy
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.
Sr. Manager, Communications
Administrative Assistant
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.