Jan Holland, CA, CPA, ICD.D, Executive Board Chair

Jan Holland was joined the Avalon Board in June 2023, bringing with him over 35 years of professional experience. Jan was a founding partner and a shareholder of many enterprises across Canada. His senior leadership experience comprises the areas of capital markets, stewardship and governance, finance, risk management, business strategy, sales, marketing, brand creation, supply chain development and operations. Jan's passion for operational transformation and enhanced performance has allowed him to identify niche opportunities to gain a competitive advantage. Thinking creatively and applying the expertise necessary to develop and implement advanced systems, Jan has led businesses-and progressive, pro-active teams-to maximum growth, reputation and value for all stakeholders. In 2021, Jan spearheaded the formal sale of DP Casting to Omni-Lite Industries Canada, Inc. He was then appointed to the Board of Directors for Omni-Lite.

Alan Ferry, B.Sc., CFA, Lead Director

Mr. Ferry has been an independent businessperson since 2007, following a 28 year career in the investment industry as a mining analyst and mining corporate finance specialist. Mr. Ferry holds a B.Sc. in Geological Sciences from Queen's University (1977) and a Chartered Financial Analyst designation (retired). Mr. Ferry has been a director of Avalon since 2000, and is past Chair of Plateau Energy Metals Inc.

• Chair of the Audit Committee
• Member of the Compensation, Governance and Nominating Committee

John E. Fisher, B.Sc., MBA, Director

Mr. Fisher is a geologist who began his professional career in mineral exploration in western and northern Canada in the late 1970s, before transitioning into the construction materials and waste management businesses in southern Ontario in the late 1980s. Most recently he served as President & CEO of Niagara-based Walker Industries, a large, private family-owned company involved in aggregates and construction, waste disposal and processing and chemical manufacturing. Walker has 1,100 employees and is recognized for its progressive approach to health and safety, environmental performance and community engagement.

Mr. Fisher has an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Geological Sciences from Queen’s University (1981) and a Master of Business Administration (finance) degree from McMaster (1984).

• Member of the Audit Committee
• Member of the Compensation, Governance and Nominating Committee

Naomi Johnson, BA, LL.B., Director

 A global CSR executive, international development specialist and lawyer, Ms. Johnson lends a diverse and holistic perspective to approaching stakeholder risk and impact management. She has extensive experience leading on-site teams in challenging jurisdictions, including projects in Argentina, Chile, Peru, Dominican Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Zambia, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Uganda, India, Pakistan and Papua New Guinea. Ms. Johnson has held the position of VP, Community Relations at Titan Mining Corporation since 2018. Previously, she was with Barrick Gold (2008-2017), ultimately serving as Partner & Senior Director – Community Relations.

Ms. Johnson is a graduate of King’s College University (BA International Development) and Ottawa University (LL.B, 1998). She is called to the Bar in Ontario (2000). Ms. Johnson joined Avalon’s Board of Directors in September 2019.

• Chair of the Compensation, Governance and Nominating Committee

Scott Monteith, Interim CEO, Director

 Scott Monteith is an entrepreneur and business owner with a successful track record of moving inventions from ideation to commercial success. Mr. Monteith is currently the Chairman of Monteco Ltd., Cable House Capital Ltd. and Imtex Membranes Corporation.

Mr. Monteith has extensive experience in the areas of marketing, manufacturing, technology transfer, technology licensing, new product development, patent management, corporate development, international business, M&A, investing, government affairs, Board Governance and strategic planning. An intuitive individual, he possesses strong communications, team building and management skills.

Mr. Monteith is the founder of Monteco Ltd. and has served as its President and CEO since 1995. Since its inception, Monteco has launched a successful portfolio of companies that include Biox, Imbrium Systems, Green Turtle, Filamat Composites, Imtex Membranes and Optomem Sensors.

Harvey L.A. Yesno, Director

Harvey Yesno is a member and former Chief of the Eabametoong First Nation located at Fort Hope, ON. Mr. Yesno served as Chief for six terms from 1977 to 1991 and one further term from 2019-21. He also served as Grand Chief of Nishnawbe Aski Nation (Treaty #9 and #5) from 2012-15. From 1993 to 2010 he served as President & CEO of Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund ("NADF"). NADF is a non-profit Indigenous financial institution that supports Indigenous business and economic development in Northern Ontario. From 2011-2012, Mr. Yesno served as Director of Community Relations for Ontario's Ring of Fire Secretariat.

Board Committees

Audit Committee

Avalon's Audit Committee is appointed by the Board of Directors to assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities to the Company. The Committee provides an avenue of communication among the independent auditors of the company, management and the Board. Read Avalon's Audit Committee Charter here.

Compensation, Governance and Nominating Committee

The Compensation, Governance & Nominating Committee of Avalon acts on behalf of the Board of Directors in all matters concerning compensation, benefits and performance its executives and any senior management.  It also makes recommendations with respect to the remuneration of the Board and oversees the share option plan and any other like plan. Read the Charter of the Compensation, Governance and Nominating Committee here.