Our Staff
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Jane Shaw
ACCOUNTS MANAGER
Jane grew up in Centre Wellington and is grateful to work, live, and raise her family in the community. She has devoted 15+ years at the Wellington-Waterloo Community Futures, providing financial services and support to local businesses. With experience as a business owner, Jane is well-acquainted with the daily challenges businesses can often face. She is a community leader with The Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce, The Fergus Agricultural Society and St. John’s United Church. Skilled in leadership, bookkeeping, communications and entrepreneurship, Jane is committed to strengthening community connections and building relationships with both individuals and businesses of the community!
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Jenna Deboer
GENERAL MANAGER
Jenna brings a strong background in business, community economic development, and entrepreneurship to her role as Executive Director of Wellington-Waterloo Community Futures (WWCF). With a formal education in business and early experience working in a family-owned business, Jenna developed a practical understanding of challenges and opportunities faced by small businesses.
Having previously worked with WWCF and served on its Board of Directors, Jenna has a deep connection to the organization and its mission of fostering economic growth in Wellington and Waterloo regions. Prior to this role, Jenna was the Economic Development and Tourism Officer for the Township of Woolwich, where she successfully led initiatives to support business growth and sustainable tourism.
Passionate about empowering businesses and individuals to thrive, Jenna is dedicated to creating meaningful impact by supporting the entrepreneurial spirit of our communities.
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Rick Whittaker
LOANS MANAGER
Rick is Wellington - Waterloo’s Community Futures Loan’s Manager. Rick had been the Executive Director of the Wellington-Waterloo Community Future’s for the past 22 years as well as acting as Project Lead for the Community Paramedic Monitoring Project. Rick attended Wilfrid Laurier University for Business and Psychology and the University of Guelph for International Development. Rick is an entrepreneur and has started several businesses as well as serving two terms of Municipal Council in the Region of Waterloo and the Kitchener Hydro Commission Board of Directors.
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Paula Baker
OFFICE COORDINATOR
Paula grew up in the Caledon area and raises her 3 children in the Erin area. Before working with the WWCF Paula’s career background included Account Management in mortgages, working in Regional Offices and then to Head Office in London. During a merger, The Mortgage Division was moved to Winnipeg. This brought Paula to Insurance and Investments Division within the Corporation.
Paula has been with WWCF since 2013. She enjoys working with and assisting the businesses within our rural areas. Paula has embraced public speaking after being involved with ToastMasters and has moved on to becoming a workshop facilitator with True Colors Personality Training