Eric Smeaton named new executive director of Kawartha Community Foundation
The Kawartha Community Foundation has announced the appointment of Eric Smeaton as its new executive director, effective March 2.
Smeaton brings a diverse background in education, municipal governance, and community leadership. Most recently, he served as an Elementary School Teacher with the Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB) and previously represented Ward 5 as a city councillor for Kawartha Lakes, where he contributed on numerous boards including the Kawartha Lakes Conservation Authority, Ross Memorial Hospital, and the Lindsay BIA.
A passionate advocate for the arts and youth development, Smeaton is the founder of Trillium Lakelands Arts Camp (along with his wife Sue and former school board chair Rick Johnson), and has received the Dennis Sweeting Lifetime Achievement for the Arts Award. He has directed local theatre productions, coached school sports teams, and played with the Peterborough Symphony. Smeaton holds a Bachelor of Education from Nipissing University and a Bachelor of Music Performance with a Minor in Economics from McGill University.
“Eric’s leadership, creativity, and deep commitment to community make him an ideal choice to guide the Kawartha Community Foundation into its next chapter,” said Mark Knoester, chair of the board of directors. “We are confident he will continue to strengthen our community impact and build on the strong foundation that has been established.”
“I am honoured to join the Kawartha Community Foundation,” said Smeaton. “I look forward to working with our dedicated team, partners, and community members to continue fostering initiatives that strengthen local programs, support vulnerable populations, and enhance quality of life across Kawartha Lakes. The ultimate privilege of serving as a councillor is the constant learning of how communities really work at a micro level. The Community Foundation was a piece of learning I found fascinating — to be part of the extremely talented Team that continues to share its impact is really very special.
Laurie Dillon-Schalk, outgoing executive director, commented, “It has been an incredible privilege to serve this community and lead the foundation. I am grateful to remain involved during this transition and look forward to supporting key initiatives like Vital Signs, which help guide informed decision-making for the region.”
Dillon-Schalk is stepping down as executive director to dedicate more time to support the advancing care needs of her family.
He’s definitely the man to do the job. An awesome person. He taught all my kids they love and respect him.
A perfect choice. Admire this guy suitably. What a gift to our community.
A great choice as ED. Eric will be a asset to the organization!!!!!!!
Congratulations to Eric. His creativity and enthusiasm will be a credit to the Foundation.
A great choice! Eric will bring passion, energy, and not to mention great musicianship (the guy can PLAY!) to the role. The community and the Foundation will be well-served by his caring leadership.
Congratulations Eric! Great choice! He and his wife taught my kids, and they both still tell great stories about them both. Great things to come!!
So happy! Eric will do great work.
Eric was a strong member of council during his time at City Hall. I wish him well in his new endeavor, knowing he will provide outstanding leadership to the Foundation