Board of Directors
The County Stage Board of Directors consists of esteemed members of our community who have extensive business and creative experience.
Candace Singh, CHAIR
Candace resides in Prince Edward County (PEC) with her family, where she is deeply rooted in her community and dedicated to sustainable living. A passionate advocate for systemically undervalued people, she works tirelessly to create positive change.
In addition to her advocacy, Candace operates a successful vacation accommodation business, providing guests with a warm and welcoming experience while managing the daily operations of the business.
Gregory Sorbara, Treasurer
Greg Sorbara and his family have farmed in Prince Edward County since 2010. In 2015 the family undertook the reconstruction of the historic Royal Hotel in Picton. Greg was a member of the Ontario Legislature for over 20 years and served in a variety of roles including as the province's minister of finance from 2003 to 2007. He is Vice-Chair of the Advisory Board of The Sorbara Group of Companies and the Chancellor Emeritus of York University, But most of his attention is reserved for his wife Kate, his 6 children, and 16 grandkids.
Marianne Ackerman, Director
A playwright, novelist and journalist, Marianne Ackerman grew up on a farm in Ameliasburgh township. Based in Montreal, she and her husband Gwyn Campbell spend summers and holidays in an old stone house they are restoring on Victoria Road. She joined the board in the summer of 2024, hoping her 10-year experience founding and running THEATRE 1774 in Montreal can be of help as County Stage expands its reach and roots in Prince Edward County.
Julie Haché, Director
Julie is an integral coach, entrepreneur and investor. Social venture, education, and sustainable living. Ex-Shopify eng+HR, former startup CTO.
Anna Hardwick, DIRECTOR/Past chair
Anna is honoured to be on the board of County Stage, having performed in their 2017 season as Titania in Hippolyta’s Wedding: A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Her roots run deep in the County with a grandmother from Belleville and as a founder of an inn in Picton. She has dreams of building an eco home in Milford and is thrilled to contribute to the growth of a vibrant theatre scene on the island. She brings a lifelong passion for the performing arts to the board, as an actor, producer and writer. You can watch the tv series she co-created, Nesting, on Crave. www.nestingseries.com.
Kelly Hayes-crook, DIRECTOR
Kelly is honored and excited to channel her passion for theater into supporting the County Stage Company. With a diverse background as an educator, entrepreneur in tourism, patient advocate, and youth engagement leader, she has gained valuable skills and experiences that she is eager to share.
Her dedication to volunteerism spans local, national, and international levels, where she has contributed in various roles for organizations such as Migraine World Summit, Cambodian Children’s Destiny school, OCISO, Belleville Hospital, and Brain Retraining for Chronic Pain. Additionally, she serves as a board member for the 1770 Heritage Group.
As a proud theater mom, Kelly has witnessed firsthand the joy that live performances bring to communities. She looks forward to fostering the growth of the County Stage Company and sharing the transformative power of theater with others.
Shannon Hunter, DIRECTOR
Shannon Hunter is the founder of Wander The Resort, recognized by Condé Nast Traveler as the best new hotel in Canada in 2021. Prior to becoming a hotelier, Shannon spent a decade as an interior designer and launched several short-term stay properties. She is now on a mission to redefine the Canadian resort experience.