Board and Staff

Vice Chair

Gary and his family moved to London from Toronto in early 2013, and they have attended and supported the Home County Music & Art Festival every year since then.

Gary has an MBA from the University of Toronto and is currently completing the Photography program at Fanshawe College. After a 5-year career at George Weston Ltd, Gary travelled the world to source, import and introduce new products to Canada. Gary transitioned his business into a digital enterprise in 2005, and he currently provides investment capital and management services to other local start-ups.

Treasurer

Paul began volunteering at the 2015 Home County Music & Art Festival, assisting in the Beergarden. He joined the Board of Directors in November of that year and was elected Treasurer, a position he has held since.

Paul had a 30+ year career working on the Western campus, first with Student Services and then with the undergraduate student government (USC). He held senior management positions in each organization, managing business and service operations and numerous projects.

Secretary

Eric is a Home County lifer, attending every festival since before he was born. As a long-time volunteer and coordinator of technical production, he is passionate about the festival sounding its best - and carrying folk tradition into the future.

Beyond HC, Eric is a nature photographer, social theory writer, community organizer, and crazy cat person.

Director

Having moved to London not once but twice, Nicole is thrilled to be putting down roots in the Forest City with her young family. Nicole started her career in broadcast journalism before moving to corporate marketing/communications before finally landing in the world of non-profit fundraising and communications.

Outside of work, Nicole enjoys hiking, camping, and watching as many horror movies as she can stream.

Director

Jen Heidendheim is a (nearly) life-long Londoner, and is a big supporter of London's local music and culture scene. She's been a volunteer with Home County since 2015 - joining the Festival Organizing Committee in 2020 and the Board of Directors in 2021.

Director

Director

Chris is a semi-retired business professional who worked 35+ years in the for profit and not for profit industries. During his 35+ years Chris worked in a wide variety of positions ranging from working in the “trenches” as a frontline worker to senior leadership roles including business ownership.

Director

Marcia, a London resident for 25 years, began volunteering with our Festival Organizing Committee in 2022 and later joined the Board of Directors in 2023. A dedicated supporter of the arts with a passion for writing, she is excited to contribute to our nonprofit's mission in promoting and supporting local folk artists.

Director

Director

Originally from India, Akash moved to London in 2019 to study Business Management program at Fanshawe College. He completed his Bachelors degree from University of Delhi. Akash is keenly interested in arts and music because of their historical importance and social impact on societies around the world. He has served as the President of the Student's Union during his graduation and has organized & funded various cultural events in India at the college level.

Akash is a continuous learner and currently works as a Store Manager at SkipTheDishes Express Lane. Akash loves to meet people and make new friends. His hobbies include volunteering, travelling, and reading about current affairs across the globe.