Kimberly Earls Joins Rural Ontario Institute as Executive Director

Experienced Community Leader to Guide Rural Development and Growth

Bonnie Johnson
February 03, 2026
Media Article

The Rural Ontario Institute welcomes Kimberly Earls as Executive Director highlighting her leadership experience community development background and commitment to strengthening rural Ontario through partnerships strategic planning and long-term capacity building.

The Rural Ontario Institute has announced that Kimberly Earls will join the organization as its new Executive Director. She will begin her role in February and will guide the institute into its next phase of growth and community impact.

“After a thorough and robust interview process, we are pleased to share Kimberly Earls will be joining the Rural Ontario Institute as the new Executive Director,” said Dan Borowec, ROI Chair. “Through her career, Kimberly has been actively engaged in the local business community and has served as an industry stakeholder on numerous federal, provincial, and municipal advisory boards. We are excited to welcome her to the ROI team.”

Kimberly Earls will bring more than 15 years of experience in community and economic development to the role. A Norfolk County resident, she will draw on experience from both the public and private sectors. Her work has focused on initiatives that strengthen communities over the long term, including transit planning, workforce development, energy systems, and agrifood projects that support rural competitiveness.

Prior to joining ROI, Earls served as Executive Director of the South-Central Ontario Regional Economic Development Commission. In that position, she led regional strategy, supported board governance, engaged stakeholders, and delivered high-impact programs across multiple Ontario counties. This experience will support her leadership at ROI as the organization continues to expand its reach.

“I am thrilled to learn that the role of Executive Director will be filled by Kimberly Earls, formerly of the South-Central Ontario Region EDO,” said Ellen Sinclair, Past ROI Executive Director. “Kimberly is a strong leader whose collaborative partnership I’ve been privileged to experience throughout my time at ROI.”

In addition to her executive leadership background, Earls will continue to teach part-time at Fanshawe College. She holds a Master of Public Administration from Western University and previously was an owner and partner in a construction and masonry business, experience that will further inform her understanding of rural and small business realities.

“I am honored to join the Rural Ontario Institute team. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside them as a partner, and now I’m excited to contribute to such a mission-driven organization,” said Kimberly Earls, ROI’s new Executive Director. “The Rural Ontario Institute has a strong track record of supporting rural communities, developing valuable tools, and championing the needs of rural Ontario, work that I’m thrilled to be part of.”

In her role, Earls will oversee daily operations, lead the organization’s strategic plan, and support overall growth. She will also build cross-sector partnerships to advance rural capacity building, agriculture leadership, and community development across Ontario.