Board of Directors
Meet Our Board Members
Jeremy Creed
Board Chair
Jeremy Creed is an entrepreneur with a long history of work in the software development and payment processing space. In the past decade he has focused most of his efforts in residential and commercial real estate development. He has over 12 years of board experience with independent schools and over 10 years as board Chair of the Mabin School in Toronto. Jeremy moved with his wife and 3 children from Toronto to Meaford in 2018 and currently has one child enrolled at Pretty River Academy.
Brendan Pennylegion
Treasurer
Brendan Pennylegion has been Treasurer of the Board of Directors since December 2021. He is a Chartered Accountant and partner at Pennylegion Chung LLP. For the past 20 years Brendan has specialized in providing audit services to not-for-profit entities, including registered charities, in the GTA.
Brendan has two children attending Pretty River Academy.
Mary Riopelle
Board Member
Mary Riopelle is a realtor with RE/MAX Four Seasons in Collingwood/Blue Mountains. Before moving to Collingwood, she taught Visual Arts and was the Head of the Arts Department in several Barrie high schools. She has been involved in a number of educational committees during her teaching career, including being an educational advisor for program development in Interior Design at Georgian College. Originally from Toronto, she moved to The Blue Mountains permanently in 2012.
Know someone else who might be a great board member?
Pretty River Academy, like most independent schools, is governed by a Board of Directors. The primary role of an independent school board is to hire, oversee and evaluate annually the Head of School and to uphold the PRA mission and values. The Board collaborates with the Head in developing strategic goals and putting them in place. The Board oversees the school’s financial sustainability, sets tuition and approves the annual budget. Additionally, the Board supports financial stewardship with annual fundraising and capital campaigns. The Board sets policies which require its approval. Finally, the Board oversees the physical assets of the school, primarily through a multi-year planning process.