The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) made history this week when its Board of Governors elected the organization’s first female president. Brenda Welsh, a long-time volunteer from Huntsville, became president for a two-year term effective July 25, 2010, following a ten-year tenure serving as the OFSC Secretary-Treasurer, and on the OFSC Executive and Executive Committee (ExCom). She succeeds the retiring Bruce Robinson in this position.
In her previous OFSC capacities, Brenda has been at the forefront of leading organized snowmobiling through the past decade of major changes, including: Bill 101, which made snowmobile trail permits a legal instrument of the Government of Ontario and changed the way the OFSC and its clubs do business, and the development and implementation of the Quantified Trail Matrix, which spread permit revenues around the province more equitably. Brenda was also directly involved in bringing the OFSC successfully through the insurance crisis of the early 2000’s and keeping the federation’s liability insurance affordable and available ever since, as well as initiating the most advanced risk management program in organized snowmobiling today. As OFSC treasurer, Brenda has earned the respect of her peers and member clubs by guiding the OFSC through the decade with a steady hand and balanced budgets. As secretary-treasurer of the Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations, Brenda also brings a “big picture” perspective on national and international snowmobiling to the OFSC.
In her campaign platform, Brenda stated: “The OFSC now faces many new challenges and opportunities arising from the maturation of our recreation, the current economic situation and the demographic shifts Ontario is experiencing. We need to recognize and manage these changes to ensure our continued viability and health. My experience in financial management, both on a personal level and at the OFSC, will help me as your president in the leadership of this organization.” Brenda has a Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc) from the University of Guelph, a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from York University, and a Certified General Accountant (CGA) designation.
Brenda was born and raised in Sudbury, where snowmobiling became part of her life from an early age when she worked at her uncle’s sled dealership and rode demos at every opportunity. Starting as a club volunteer in 1987, Brenda worked her way up through the presidency of both her club and the Muskoka Snowmobile Region (MSR), before moving on to the OFSC. She and her husband, Tom, own and operate Huntsville Marine, a very successful small business in Ontario’s cottage country.
The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs is non-profit organization dedicated to providing strong leadership and support to member clubs and volunteers, to establishing and maintaining quality snowmobile trails which are used in a safe and environmentally responsible manner, and to furthering the enjoyment of organized snowmobiling.
