Board of Directors

In their own words

We asked our dedicated board members and staff four questions to introduce them to you:

  1. Why are you involved with the Aron Theatre Co-op?
  2. What you love about the Aron Theatre Co-op?
  3. What is your background and experience, including professional, volunteer, and with the Aron Theatre Co-op?
  4. What are three of your favourite movies?

Mary McTaggart, President 

  1. I became involved with the Aron because I have always felt that when you volunteer, you get back twofold what you put in. It's a wonderful place to invest some of my creative energies and there are just so many opportunities for the Aron to shine, we've only begun to scratch the surface.
  2. The Aron Theatre is part of the lifeblood of Campbellford. I love the fact that everyone rallied to save it when it was in danger of closing, which shows the strength of a town united. Campbellford needs the Aron as much as the Aron needs Campbellford.
  3. Before coming to the Aron Theatre, I have held several volunteer positions with community based groups; St. John Ambulance Brigade as a first aider and training officer (27 years); Scouts Canada as a leader for over 20 years; Campbellford BIA for 2 years; going into classrooms with the Junior Achiever program for 3 years; ran the children's area with the Edibles Festival for 2 years; and within the Aron I have been on the Finance Committee, began the Aron Talks monthly series, and have been on the board for three years. I am a Financial Advisor with TD Canada Trust in Campbellford.
  4. My three favorite movies (very hard to pick only three!): Rent, The Abyss, and Arsenic and Old Lace.

Joel Parkes, Vice President

  1. I'm involved in the Aron Theatre because I want to support what I consider to be a vital part of a community, namely a place where you can go and experience movies outside your home in a community setting.To me it's a form of media that enriches people in such a profound way.  
  2. I love that it even exists at all. I love that the guidance of the Co-op can be made up of members of the community.
  3. I have a diverse background. I've been on the Board Of Directors of the Peterborough Chamber Of Commerce, worked in the film and TV business, been a songwriter for Universal Music Publishing and, most important of all, I'm a husband and father to two daughters.  
  4. My three favourite films, films that I always check into all throughout my life, are: The Godfather, The Unforgiven, Interstellar.

Martha Murphy, Secretary-Treasurer

  1. In 2009, in an effort to try and save our local theatre and to keep the doors of a downtown business open, I helped organize a community meeting and a feasibility study. The idea of creating a not-for-profit co-op was intriguing, and I was “all in” to help to make this happen. In 2018, I was asked to join the Board, and I didn't really have to think about it, as I was already a big fan and very supportive of the co-op.  
  2. The Aron Theatre is an icon and well-loved community hub that has been part of the downtown landscape since 1947. I believe in the Co-operative Principles and Values upon which our not-for-profit co-op was founded.
  3. I am the Executive Director of the Campbellford/Seymour Community Foundation. My previous work provided me with the skills and expertise in providing leadership, motivation and collaboration, the tools used to foster innovative community investments.  
  4. The Wizard of Oz, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Thomas Crown Affair.

Jim Harris, Board Member

  1. It is a great opportunity to do something positive in the community and learn while you are doing it.
  2. The people...everyone that I have met has been a positive, outgoing, fun person. They are great to be around.
  3. My background has been in Municipal Government. It had little bearing on what I do at The Aron...that is why I am learning so much.
  4. Rio Bravo with John Wayne; The Great Escape with Steve McQueen; and Casablanca with Humphrey Bogart.

Dorlene Lin, Board Member

  1. I wanted to get involved in something that aligned with my experience and passion, while allowing me to contribute in some way to the community.
  2. I love that it is a co-op. I love that it is an historic part of downtown Campbellford and has retained its original charm.
  3. I am an award-winning content creator, with over 25 years of experience writing and producing  film and TV content. My work has been broadcast in over 130 countries. I have been a board member of DOC (Documentary Organization of Canada), and a volunteer dog-walker for Toronto Animal Services. In addition to the Aron, I currently serve on the Trent Hills Library Board.
  4. Tampopo, Almost Famous, Dirty Dancing.

Tracey Reid-Bowles, Board Member

  1. Because I feel a part of this community; and wanted to help in any way I can.
  2. It's sense of community.
  3. I have extensive experience in the entertainment industry, particularly live music.
  4. West Side Story, The English Patient and Roma.