Leadership
Board of Directors
Pierre Petelle
Greg Cherewyk
Dean Dias
Crosby Devitt
Scott Jespersen
Brian Innes
Roger Chevraux
Rick White
Catherine King
Staff
Mac Ross
Executive Director
Prior to joining CGC, Mac worked as the Director of Market Access and Trade Policy at Pulse Canada. During his time at Pulse Canada, he worked on behalf of growers and exporters of Canadian pulses to resolve emerging trade irritants and employ proactive and country-specific strategies for addressing trade barriers resulting from tariffs, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, and the regulation of crop protection technology. He led Pulse Canada’s government relations strategies pertaining to trade and has chaired various domestic and international industry committees focused on trade policy and market access. Mac resides in Winnipeg and holds a BSc in Agribusiness from the University of Manitoba and a Certificate in Trade Negotiations from Carleton University.
Sandra Filion
Vice President, Communications & Stakeholder Relations
Sandra Filion is a strategic communications and stakeholder relations leader with a strong background in advocacy, government relations, and industry engagement within the Canadian agriculture sector. As Vice President of Communications & Stakeholder Relations at the Canada Grains Council (CGC), she leads the organization’s communications strategy, enhances stakeholder engagement, and works to elevate CGC’s profile through media relations, industry partnerships, and government advocacy. She also manages the Canadian Crops Convention sponsorship program, fostering relationships with partners to support this flagship event.
Prior to her current role, Sandra served as Director of Operations & Stakeholder Relations at CGC, where she oversaw financial reporting, managed federal grant programs, and led the organization’s operations. Before joining CGC, she was Senior Manager, Digital Communications and Government Relations at The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), where she managed communications campaigns to advance government relation priorities. She also trained hundreds of community members and organizations on effective online communication and how to navigate federal grant opportunities.
Sandra’s experience spans both the public and private sectors, including consulting roles where she advised clients on government engagement, grant acquisition, and large-scale advocacy initiatives. Passionate about strengthening Canada’s grain industry, she is committed to fostering collaboration across the value chain and ensuring that the sector’s voice is heard in key policy discussions.
Sandra holds an Honours BA in International Development and Globalization from the University of Ottawa and resides in Leamington, Ontario.
Emily Tian
Bookkeeper
Emily is a highly skilled bookkeeper with over 10 years of experience in full-cycle accounting and financial management. As the bookkeeper for Canada Grains Council, Emily is responsible for all bookkeeping accountabilities including transaction management, banking reconciliation, payroll processing, and financial reporting. Before joining CGC, 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. Bilingual in English and Mandarin, Emily excels at client communication and customer service, bringing a positive, problem-solving approach to her work.
Emily holds both a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and a Certified Professional Bookkeeper designation from CPB Canada. She enjoys being involved with her local Ottawa community, volunteering and sharing her expertise with local community groups.
