William W. Creighton Youth Services

Empowering People. Inspiring Communities.

Board of Directors
About Board of Directors

Join our Board of Directors

The Board of Directors at William W. Creighton Youth Services is currently seeking nominations to the Board of Directors. The Board is particularly interested in recruiting someone with an accounting background to round out the skill mix on the current Board.

The Board of Directors at William W. Creighton Youth Services is responsible for governance and strategic planning for the organization. Responsibilities include regular attendance at monthly Board meetings and committee meetings. As a governance board, the Board provides direction to the Executive Director regarding the priorities and parameters for the management of the organization.

For further information or to make a nomination, please contact David Richards, Chair, Nominating Committee drichards@lakeheadu.ca or 807-630-1324.


David Richards (President)

David was appointed to the Board in June 2013, served as Board Vice-President, and was elected President in 2022. David has a Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration and holds Master degrees in Business Administration and Social Work.  He is currently the Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration at Lakehead University.

Bob Simon (Vice-President)

Bob is originally from the Elsipogtog First Nation, formerly called the Big Cover Band and belongs to Mi’kmaq First Nation, his family relocated to Thunder Bay in 1998.  Bob is a constable with Thunder Bay Police and serves as an Indigenous Liaison Officer for the Community Inclusion Team (CIT).  Bob is dedicated to creating positive relationships between police, Indigenous people, other racialized and underrepresented groups and support the needs our school communities.  His appointment as a Director began in March 2017.

Rachel Labate (Secretary / Treasurer) Currently on leave

Appointed in February 2017, Rachel works as an Accountant for the City of Thunder Bay and has her Chartered Professional Accountant designation.  She actively participates in various community races and marathons within our community.

Michelle Probizanski (Member at Large)

In 2019, Lakehead District School Board appointed Michelle Probizanski to the position of Superintendent of Education. Michelle Probizanski has served with the Board of Education for many years and focuses her positive energy on student success.  She and has been a Director for Creighton since June 2013.

Melanie Dupont (Secretary / Treasurer)

Melanie was confirmed in June 2016.  She was the Vice-President of the Community Action Group for Windsor, Blucher and Piction neighbourhood for the City of Thunder Bay and currently provides district representation.

Pat Murphy (Director)

Pat, appointed as a Director in 2017, has served many years with the City of Thunder Bay Police Services, receiving Police Exemplary Service Medal in 2011.  He also owns and manages PDR Contracting and Concrete Walls, both successful companies that provide commercial and residential contracting.

Michael A. Hargadon, M.A., J.D. (Director)

Michael was appointed as a Director in 2019.  Michael specializes in criminal law, is the firm principal and provides services to our northern communities. His background and preparation as a lawyer is valuable to Creighton Board.

Bryanne Machimity (Director)

Bryanne was appointed as a Director in September 2022.  She provides representation from the Kenora area and is a Branch Manager for Ontario native women’s association.  She is also involved in advocacy and social causes affecting women and Indigenous youth.

Jack Martin (Director)

Jack was also appointed as a Director on September 8, 2022.  Jack brings district representation from Kenora/Sioux Lookout areas and his professional work experience and strong community values is welcomed to the Board.

Ryan Gibson (Director)

Ryan was appointed September 27, 2023 as a Director and is member of our Finance & Audit Committee.  Ryan has served many years with Thunder Bay Police and currently holds the position as an Inspector.  Ryan is a resourceful, accomplished and dedicated professional whose strong leadership skills are welcomed to our organization.