Community-led governance supporting education, stewardship, and sustainable prosperity across Niagara.
Niagara Geopark is guided by a community-led board and supported by staff, project leads, volunteers, and working groups. Together, they bring expertise in geology, education, heritage, conservation, tourism, governance, communications, and regional collaboration to help advance the Geopark’s mission.
This leadership structure reflects the Geopark’s collaborative approach—grounded in partnership, shared responsibility, and a commitment to telling Niagara’s story with care, credibility, and purpose.
Niagara Geopark Board of Directors
Perry Hartwick, P. Geo
Chair
Resident Geologist
Darren Platakis, FRCGS
Founder
Chair of the Education Outreach Working Group
Shaun Devlin, LL.B.
Secretary
Lawyer (Retired)
Kevin Wilson, CPA, CA, CFF, CAMS
Treasurer
Dr Alicia Powell
NPCA
Manager Conservation Area Services
Dr Mike Ripmeester
Brock University, Professor of Geography & Tourism Studies,
Phil Davis
Indigenous Culture Liaison
Wayne Olson, CA, CPA
Niagara Regional Councillor
Town of Pelham
Tim Johnson
Niagara Academy for Indigenous Relations (NAIR), Executive Director
Hishram Clifford
Youth Engagement - Niagara College Student Administration Council (NCSAC)
Elizabeth Vlossak
Brock University, Associate Dean
Research & Graduate Studies, Faculty of Humanities
Staff
Aydan Drumm
Manager - On Leave
Ian Lucas
Special Projects Lead Coordinator
Joanna Paul
GeoClub Leader
Mike Balsom
Communications Coordinator
Local TV Host and newspaper columnist
Walter Sendzik
Acting Manager
Robin McPherson
Acting Manager