Warden Marcus Ryan elected as 2026 WOWC Chair
Read this release on the Western Ontario Wardens Caucus website
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 12, 2026
Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus Announces Warden Marcus Ryan as New Chair
(Western Ontario, January 12, 2026) – The Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (WOWC) has elected Warden Marcus Ryan of Oxford County as Chair for a one-year term, effective January 9, 2026.
“It is an honour to serve as Chair of the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus for the coming year,” said Chair Ryan. “Western Ontario is Ontario’s economic engine, and our region is facing both significant pressures and tremendous opportunity. Through a strong, united voice, the WOWC will continue to advocate for strategic investments in housing, infrastructure, workforce development, and the supports needed to address mental health, addictions, and homelessness—ensuring our communities remain strong, competitive, and resilient.”
The announcement was made following the organization’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), where additional officers were also appointed. Warden Kevin Marriott of Lambton County was elected as Vice-Chair, Ben Addley CAO of Oxford County will serve as Secretary, and Sonya Pritchard, CAO of Dufferin County, will hold the office of Treasurer.
In addition to the Board leadership, Mayor Jim Ginn of Central Huron, was named Chair of the WOWC Economic Development Sub-Committee. The committee includes sitting and past Wardens, with support from WOWC member CAOs, regional partners, and economic development specialists.
Warden Andrea Matrosovs from Grey County will serve as Chair of the Western Ontario Municipal Conference for 2026.
“Collaboration will remain central to our work this year,” added Chair Ryan. “By working closely with municipal leaders, senior levels of government, industry, and community partners, the WOWC will continue to advance shared priorities that reflect the realities of our region and deliver tangible outcomes for the people of Western Ontario.”
WOWC’s Board of Directors (2026-2027)
Chair Marcus Ryan, Oxford County
Vice Chair Kevin Marriott, County of Lambton
Amy Martin, Norfolk County
Andrea Matrosovs, Grey County
Basil Clarke, Simcoe County
Chris White, Wellington County
Darrin Canniff, Chatham Kent
David Bailey, County of Brant
Dean Trentowsky, Perth County
Dominique Giguère, Elgin County
Hilda MacDonald, County of Essex
Jamie Heffer, Huron County
Lisa Post, Dufferin County
Luke Charbonneau, Bruce County
Sue Clarke, Middlesex County
Photo
From Left to Right
Warden Andrea Matrosovs (Grey County), Chair Western Ontario Municipal Conference Committee
Warden Marcus Ryan (Oxford County), Chair Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus
Warden Kevin Marriott (Lambton County), Vice Chair Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus
About
The Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (WOWC) is a not-for-profit organization representing 15 upper and single-tier municipalities in Southwestern Ontario, representing more than 1.6 million residents. The WOWC aims to enhance the prosperity and overall wellbeing of rural and small urban communities across the region. Caucus members work collectively to influence federal and provincial legislation and programs through advocacy, research, analysis and education. For more information, visit www.wowc.ca.