President & DIRECTOR: New Brunswick
Mark is based in New Brunswick, Canada. He’s an entrepreneur and forester by education. Mark is passionate about sound forest management principles that support multiple uses and abundant habitat for wildlife. He spends much of the year thinking about the uplands and training alongside his dogs, Mark has been with RGS Canada since 2024

VP, Membership & DIRECTOR: Ontario

Keith is an educator and Director with the Ruffed Grouse Society of Canada. A lifelong hunter who began in the woods of northern British Columbia, he is committed to promoting forest management that sustains diverse ecosystems. He also works to inspire the next generation — especially urban youth — to discover the traditions of hunting and conservation.

VP, Chapter Relations & DIRECTOR: Ontario

Derek Witlib is a land use planner and founding member of the Central Ontario Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society. Based in Ontario’s Horseshoe Valley, he volunteers with conservation organizations and is dedicated to mentoring new hunters while enjoying upland hunting, canoeing, fishing, and other outdoor pursuits.

VP, Science & DIRECTOR: Nova Scotia

Andrew is based in Pictou County, NS, where he works as a biologist, raises a young family, and manages his family woodlot. He has a passion for involving youth in the outdoors, bird dogs, and practices a deep-rooted Land Ethic.

DIRECTOR: New Brunswick

I have been a RGS/AW member for approximately 20 years and served on the board since 2008 as a director. I belong to The Fredericton Chapter here in New Brunswick. I enjoy the strategies that support The Habitat and am constantly learning various aspects of Conservation. It is really rewarding.

DIRECTOR: Ontario

My name is Mark Forabosco, and I am a member of the Tillsonburg chapter of the RGS.  I spend my free time working on habitat enhancement in my area and in the autumn chasing upland with Emma, my Labrador Retriever.

DIRECTOR
New Brunswick

DIRECTOR: Ontario

I've had a passion for the outdoors, especially upland bird hunting, since as far back as I remember.

If you are a like-minded individual who loves to experience the fall colours with their unique scents, accompanied by a good hunting dog in pursuit of the king of upland birds, then RGS is the place for you.

DIRECTOR - Ontario

Jeff Helsdon is the founding chairman of the North Shore Chapter, based in Tillsonburg, ON. He is a life-long upland hunter, and explores the woods with his English cocker spaniel. He ia also an avid turkey, deer, waterfowl hunter and conservationist. Jeff has been assisting RGS on a national scale for more than a decade. Professionally, Jeff is a journalist and photographer.

Treasurer and Secretary

David Coffey is an experienced executive advisor, conservation advocate, volunteer, and lifelong outdoorsman. With more than 30 years of leadership and consulting experience, he has helped global organizations drive innovation and performance and now actively advises emerging businesses and investors on transformation, governance, and growth.

David works with the Telfer School of Management at the University of Ottawa, coaching and mentoring future business leaders. He holds degrees in Environmental Studies from the University of Waterloo and an MBA from the University of Ottawa.

A committed board leader, David has chaired the Royal Ottawa Hospital Foundation in support of mental health care advocacy. He currently serves as Treasurer of Nature Canada, sits on the Board of the Northeastern Council of Fly Fishers International, and is a Certified Fly Fishing Casting Instructor. He recently joined the Board of the Ruffed Grouse Society of Canada and is eager to advance upland bird conservation and see the RGSC grow. 

An avid outdoorsman, upland bird hunter, wilderness paddler, and fly angler—often accompanied by his “trained” springer spaniel—David is passionate about family, community service, and protecting nature for future generations.