Welcome CENON Members to the 2025–2026 Optimist Year,
I am very excited to have the opportunity to serve as your Governor this year. I look forward to the work that my team—your executive—is planning for the year ahead.
A Little About Myself
I am married to my lovely wife, Jill, and I have two sons from a previous marriage. My oldest son is Chris, and my younger son is Matt, who has two daughters—Maddison and Mirra. Jill and I live on acreage just outside of Brockville, and our boys and granddaughters live in the community.
My passion is supporting children in our local communities and schools. I have volunteered with many organizations, including Scouts Canada, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Special Olympics, Minor Hockey (as a coach), Kinsmen, and Probus. I’ve also helped organize numerous fundraising events for other local organizations.
I am a cancer survivor who truly believes I have a purpose in life. I feel a strong obligation to help those in need.
My business background is in international business development, spanning over 30 years. I have served as VP of International Business Development in the pharma and biotech industries, where I travelled to 98 countries. My many years of business experience will help me perform the role of Governor effectively. Since becoming an Optimist member just over six years ago, I’ve made sure to surround myself with a board of excellent members. My first and most important decision was to request that Optimist Gord Holly be my Advisor to the Governor. I truly believe that if I listen to his advice, our District will have an unbelievably successful year.
My Request to You and Your Clubs
Please work with your executive and members by sharing your ideas and success stories with other clubs in our zones and districts. Try to utilize all the programs that Optimist International offers, such as Junior Golf, Junior Optimist, CCOF, Oratorical, and Essay contests.
- As a member, please discuss any issues or concerns you may have with your club executive.
- As a club executive, please discuss any issues or concerns your club may have with your Lieutenant Governor.
- As a Lieutenant Governor, please bring your issues or concerns to Governor Advisor Gord Holly or to me, Governor Larry.
Working Together, We Can and Will Build a Stronger District.
My Goal This Year: Club Retention and Growth
This initiative is under the direction of Past Governor Al Fourney, who has assembled a team of six members to assist him. Our goal is to build five new adult clubs and five new Junior Optimist Clubs. We are offering all clubs in the District the opportunity to help charter and support a new club by becoming its sponsor. Two clubs may co-sponsor, and each can be from a different zone. Please let Past Governor Al know if your club is interested.
In Closing
Our 1st Quarter Conference is quickly approaching. It will be held at the Christie Inn and Spa in Port Severn on November 8. I hope to see everyone there!