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, Acting Chair
Location:Saskatchewan Grains Produced: Peas, Wheat, Canola and Barley
Sally Parsonage, Acting 1st Vice Chair
Location: Manitoba Grains Produced: Barley, oats, canola, soybeans, wheat, sunflowers
Maurice Berry, Director
Location: Saskatchewan
Neil Campbell, Director
Location: Nova Scotia
Daryl Fransoo, Director
Location: Saskatchewan
Gerrid Gust, Director
Location: Saskatchewan
Roger Chevraux, Director
Location: Alberta
Grains Produced: Canola, Wheat, and Malt Barley
Bob Lepischak, Director
Patricia Lung, Director
Location: Saskatchewan
John Preun, Director
Location: Manitoba
William van Tassel, Director
Location: Quebec
Grains Produced: Soybeans, Canola
Robert Semeniuk, Director
Location: Alberta
Grains Produced: Wheat, Barley, Canola and Hay
Our 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 was recognized in 2025 by The Hill Times as a Top 100 Lobbyist. He 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. Kyle is also the recipient of the 2022 Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE) Award of Distinction for his work in creating a government program to help homeowners save money through energy efficiency.
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.
Sonia Chamberlain Administrative Assistant
Sonia is an experienced administrative assistant with over a decade of supporting not-for-profit organizations in several sectors. As the Administrative Assistant for Grain Growers of Canada, she supports the Board of Directors and staff, including coordinating event logistics, providing financial records processing and managing the office.
Prior to joining Grain Growers of Canada, Sonia worked at the organization certifying Canadian architects, at the largest labour organization in Canada representing over 3 million workers, and at the association representing veterinarians across the country. These experiences, as well as others, have shaped her deep appreciation for membership-driven organizations.
Sonia is a long-time resident of Ottawa. She is personally passionate about several local and global issues and enjoys volunteering with charitable groups who serve the communities in the nation’s capital.
Cole is an award-winning communications, marketing, and business development professional. He has used his years of communications experience to direct branding campaigns for farms, agribusinesses, and producer groups throughout Alberta and Western Canada.